Conversations with a Social Worker
No safety threats identified.
They’ve shared a single pack of ramen every night this week.
Protective factors recognized.
They’ve not bathed in two weeks.
Case appropriate for closure.
The oldest child sleeps with her shoes on.
Services declined.
The mother cried before opening the door.
No environmental hazards observed.
The refrigerator hummed empty all afternoon.
The lights do not work.
The water does not run.
I just want to help.
Case appropriate for closure.
4 thoughts on "Conversations with a Social Worker"
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
This hits so deep, thank you for sharing it.
That is gut wrenching. Thank you for sharing.
Fellow social worker here… no words except ouch.
Oh, lordy, Hope. My heart is in my throat. Yes, this is how it rolls, but it shouldn’t. We’ve yet to find “the best of all possible worlds,” and meanwhile…You’ve tackled a tough topic, and done it oh so well. Every single word pays its rent to be in that poem. Well done!