Since I opened this can of worms

You all have definitely had my brain churning today. Here’s what I think the responses categorize as:

1. There are good social service staff and a lot less good ones. It’s about the person, not the education. On a lot of levels this makes sense to me. But then, why have the graduate degrees and licenses? Should we skip? I guess it’s wishful thinking on my behalf that the crappy ones get weeded out in grad school and internships and don’t graduate. Personally, I too think I was a kickass bachelor’s level case worker back in the day. But I never would have questioned a master’s level art therapist, or had the confidence to go up against law school grad attorneys.

2. Don’t knock art therapists out as clinicians. I agree, I promise! It’s just a totally different service. In fact, one can have an art therapist, a social worker, a psychologist/counselor/therapist AND a psychiatrist and it’s not a duplication of services. Most of these providers work in some sort of tandem or as a team (at least a one time consult)- particularly if asked to write a letter for court. Any licensed art/dance therapists out there want to comment?

3. Case load is the biggest crippling factor in The System. I can’t argue with that. Consider me enlightened and in agreement. From what I’ve shared (and believe it or not, I’m still censoring a ton), it’s clear that there are families in the city with greater safety concerns at hand.

Did I get it right? I’m totally open to more counter arguments or corrections.

One of you asked what happened with Jacket’s mom calling in a case about her sister. I’m just guessing here, but I don’t think she has the skills to do it right. Her story probably didn’t make any sense to the hotline worker from the start.

And, when will I see Jacket again? Who knows. I’ve asked once but I’m not going to push it. Another sister has already replaced the one she had a falling out with so now Jacket’s mom is on a whole different schedule and mood.