So, maybe a month ago, I went to the Wharton County CRCG Meeting. No, I cannot tell you what CRCG stands for, but I can explain the concept. Basically, a bunch of representatives from community agencies get together and brainstorm possible resources or placements for children with behavior problems. While there, I met a lady from the Department of State Health Services, who described several projects they were trying to get off the ground. One of these was a Wharton County Child Fatality Review Team Meeting.
After the meeting, I spoke with her and volunteered for the Child Fatality Review Team. I have a history in the field of child abuse as well as mental retardation/developmental disabilites, and I thought I would be an asset to their team.
She called me back today, and invited me to the next meeting, on June 11th. My schedule was clear, so I accepted. I got permission from my boss (who probably thinks I am crazy for WANTING to be on that kind of team)....
I am super excited! I have always wanted to be on a Child Fatality Review Team! As far as I know, Fort Bend does not have one (although Houston/Harris County does -- Fort Bend might have in the past, and maybe they do now, it's been almost 2 years since I was in the "know."). I doubt that Wharton County will have any "sexy" cases, more likely kids getting hit by a car and discussing the need for a stop sign, but I am excited. It's a great way to network, learn about other resources, and have a chance to make a difference for a child, which is what I am all about.
People often ask me if I miss interviewing children. For a long time, I did. A couple of months ago, I was called to testify in a criminal case in Harris County on a child I had interviewed shortly before leaving the field. When I went downtown and reviewed the recorded interview, I was surprised at my feelings. I was GLAD I didn't do that anymore. All the other times I have reviewed my interviews, I always felt sad that I didn't do that anymore since I was so good at it.
When I left CAFB, it wasn't really my idea to leave the child abuse field. But, I didn't want to work for CPS, and you can imagine the demand for "Child Forensic Interviewers." I interviewed with Harris County's CAC, and got pretty far in the process, but they didn't pick me.
Anyhow, I have missed working with children (if not interviewing them), and I have missed that feeling that I am making a difference for a CHILD. This opportunity will allow me to get that feeling again, and I am super stoked!
After the meeting, I spoke with her and volunteered for the Child Fatality Review Team. I have a history in the field of child abuse as well as mental retardation/developmental disabilites, and I thought I would be an asset to their team.
She called me back today, and invited me to the next meeting, on June 11th. My schedule was clear, so I accepted. I got permission from my boss (who probably thinks I am crazy for WANTING to be on that kind of team)....
I am super excited! I have always wanted to be on a Child Fatality Review Team! As far as I know, Fort Bend does not have one (although Houston/Harris County does -- Fort Bend might have in the past, and maybe they do now, it's been almost 2 years since I was in the "know."). I doubt that Wharton County will have any "sexy" cases, more likely kids getting hit by a car and discussing the need for a stop sign, but I am excited. It's a great way to network, learn about other resources, and have a chance to make a difference for a child, which is what I am all about.
People often ask me if I miss interviewing children. For a long time, I did. A couple of months ago, I was called to testify in a criminal case in Harris County on a child I had interviewed shortly before leaving the field. When I went downtown and reviewed the recorded interview, I was surprised at my feelings. I was GLAD I didn't do that anymore. All the other times I have reviewed my interviews, I always felt sad that I didn't do that anymore since I was so good at it.
When I left CAFB, it wasn't really my idea to leave the child abuse field. But, I didn't want to work for CPS, and you can imagine the demand for "Child Forensic Interviewers." I interviewed with Harris County's CAC, and got pretty far in the process, but they didn't pick me.
Anyhow, I have missed working with children (if not interviewing them), and I have missed that feeling that I am making a difference for a CHILD. This opportunity will allow me to get that feeling again, and I am super stoked!
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