journal_smAn important skill for all social workers is the ability to critically reflect upon the work they are engaged in. MSW IV-E students are asked to keep a field journal to reflect on growth, experiences, strengths, challenges, difficulties, successes, supervision, etc. from their field placement. At times, they write about integration of theory into practice, classroom into field (or field back to classroom).

Below is an excerpt from one student’s journal this past week as she reflects on her first experiences observing court.

“I had my first experience in child protection court today and it was quite the process. One of the biggest things that stood out to me was the fact that social workers have to play two sides a lot of the time and court can make that an interesting process. How do you build a relationship, rapport and trust and at the same time go into a court room where many perspectives and desires are divided?

It was really interesting to observe my county supervisor talk with the family before court started and then during court, consult in whispers to the County Attorney who was arguing against what the father was saying he wanted. It was obvious that the County Attorney was stating my supervisor’s perspective and it really opened my eyes to the many hats a Child Protection social worker has to play and that many times they may compromise a positive working relationship with a client. I was really impressed by my supervisor because after the hearing she went to talk to the mom and dad and it seemed that she was able to connect with them and be an understanding support. I feel like I am learning a lot about the art of social work in seeing my supervisor balance her role in court and her priority on the safety and well-being of the child, while at the same time offering support and advocacy for the parents. “