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| Sandra Avalos |
Introduction:
Sandra Avalos (LCSW) is a Behavioral Wellness mental health practitioner on the CalWORKs Resource Support Team (RST) in Lompoc. Below, she shares a story of a client, Anna, that CalWORKs / Welfare to Work (CW/WTW) and Child Welfare Services (CWS) had in common. Our county has had a successful Linkages program in place for many years, where the goal is to work collaboratively across the CW/WTW and CWS programs, breaking down silos and maximizing resources for the family. This story provides an example of a successful outcome focused on prioritizing a family’s individual and unique needs and challenges, where partners work collaboratively with independent approaches.
Read on for Anna's inspiring story! Note: To protect client privacy, identifying details have been redacted in [brackets], and the names “Anna” and “Jeffrey” are pseudonyms.
by Sandra Avalos
Anna was referred to our services on June 17, 2019 by CES Marcia Fortson with the following concern: “CWS services terminated with placement of son with grandparents, so may not be Linkages. She is pregnant and due in November and living in [location]. Outpatient at [recovery home]. Was diagnosed with postpartum depression with first child. Capable, intelligent and talented. No WTW plan yet. Has Associates degree in [occupation].”
Anna, like many other clients in my experience, was reluctant to accept our services as she was battling “the system” to keep her son, a toddler named Jeffrey. It took a little over a month for her to “soften” and accept services. She was assessed on 7/29/19. At the time of the assessment, Anna had been informed by her attorney of the appeal contesting termination of parental rights, and the focus of therapy was to prepare her for trial. In addition, her visits with her son were reduced from twice a week to twice a month, and the devastation of limited contact was taking its toll.
Anna, like many other clients in my experience, was reluctant to accept our services as she was battling “the system” to keep her son, a toddler named Jeffrey. It took a little over a month for her to “soften” and accept services. She was assessed on 7/29/19. At the time of the assessment, Anna had been informed by her attorney of the appeal contesting termination of parental rights, and the focus of therapy was to prepare her for trial. In addition, her visits with her son were reduced from twice a week to twice a month, and the devastation of limited contact was taking its toll.
Jeffrey was placed with the paternal Spanish-monolingual grandparents, which created a language barrier between Anna and the paternal grandmother (the primary caretaker of the minor), and any communication regarding the minor was then filtered and delivered by the paternal aunt. Jeffrey's father was incarcerated as a result of perpetrating domestic violence, and a protective order was created and remains in place.
The successful outcome, resulting in Jeffrey's return to the care of his mother Anna, is a testament of ongoing, productive and considerate collaboration, communication and delivery of services while considering Anna as an individual and forging independent approaches that met her and her child’s needs. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this process.
Below are some of the services that were particularly helpful, and the challenges that were especially vexing, in this case.
Helpful Services:
- CALM was a tremendous asset in the seamless transition of the minor from the resource parents into the care of Anna. The ongoing PCIT curriculum was exactly what the minor and mom needed. COVID constraints were not a problem as the assigned therapist was diligent and consistent with weekly sessions.
- The Housing Support Program (HSP), which provides assistance to homeless CalWORKs families, calmed the storm because Anna was homeless, and stabilizing her housing needs was key to helping her feel capable of tackling all the other CWS requirements to regain custody of the minor. Anna worked really well with CES Marcy Hernandez, and HSP also assisted with the purchase of furnishings for the apartment.
- Section 8 Voucher: It was a blessing to further anchor Anna into the reality of a stable future on her own with her children. The process was confusing and challenging as sets of documents were misplaced by others involved but, in the end, Anna pushed through and provided additional copies.
- Parent Partner: This position has proven to be key with many parents. In the case of Anna, her parent partner [name withheld] was very knowledgeable as to CWS court process. Anna relied heavily on this person.
- The JOBS Program, which provides subsidized employment for Employment Services participants, was also very helpful. Anna was placed with a local nonprofit employer in Lompoc where she was able to improve her computer knowledge skills and earn some extra money. In addition, it also provided additional points on the Housing Authority application for having the status of Employed.
- Mental Health: Anna was responsive and attentive to her treatment goals. We were able to work through some of the trauma she experienced as a victim of domestic violence. We also worked on her self-esteem and validated her ability to successfully parent.
- Substance Use Treatment: Anna completed 6 months of inpatient services at [recovery home] and transitioned to outpatient services. Given her late onset of substance use, it is not surprising that she has been able to maintain a life of recovery.
- Child Family Team (CFT) meeting: I was invited to one CFT meeting on 1/31/2020 and it proved to be productive and helpful to the successful outcome of this case. As her therapist, it was helpful to meet the Resource Parent and see first-hand the challenges that Anna was encountering. It was also very helpful to be bilingual Spanish, as I was able to accurately translate what the resource parent was saying directly to Anna.
- Homelessness: Anna, along with the rest of the residents, was provided a “notice to vacate premises” from [former residence]. This notice and subsequent move created a lot of uncertainty and obligated Anna to move temporarily into [subsequent bridge housing].
- Family: Anna’s four sets of parents are empty-nesters and are very much dedicated to their respective families. During this very difficult, stressful and challenging time, Anna was supported minimally and with much resistance and apprehension. Anna’s mom did step up and make herself available toward the end of last year at the birth of second child. She also made herself available to help Anna transition back into part-time employment and cared for the boys for a few months. Anna’s dad, although living out of state, has made some effort to stay in contact.
- Daycare: Anna was forced/challenged to use outside resources to secure licensed day care services. Her mother reached her limit and felt guilty when the minor accidentally found nicotine gum on the floor as it fell out of her purse. The minor did chew the gum and had a minor reaction that was taken care of by Anna and the minor’s primary doctor. Anna reached out to her co-worker and was able to secure a reliable and caring provider. To date, this childcare arrangement has proven to be positive and supportive for the minor's needs and Anna's work schedule.