Committed to Child Welfare: A Call to Action

Spotlight on Sacramento County’s Child Services: Meet Melanie Perez

In an age where community support and social services are more critical than ever, Sacramento County’s Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services (DCFAS) is full of dedicated staff members dedicated to making a difference. Among them is Melanie Perez, a Program Planner with the department’s Quality Management Administrative Services Team. This month, DCFAS is shining a light on Melanie as part of its “Beyond the Call” series, recognizing her vital role in shaping the future of social workers.

Melanie’s journey into the world of social services is inspiring. With a career that began in 2006, her motivation stemmed from a deep-seated desire to uplift families and children in challenging situations. Prior to her current position, she made her mark as a special education teacher, where she specialized in working with children grappling with emotional trauma. This experience laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in social services. In 2016, Melanie transitioned to focus on training and recruitment for human services social worker positions specifically in child protective services (CPS).

“So much of what we do involves not just identifying candidates for the social work roles but ensuring they are adequately prepared for the challenges ahead,” Melanie explains. As part of her role, she manages all recruitment and hiring processes for social workers while also overseeing their training once they come on board.

Dispelling Myths About Child Protective Services

One of Melanie’s primary objectives is to address and dispel the common misconceptions surrounding Child Protective Services. Many people associate CPS solely with the removal of children from their homes, but Melanie emphasizes that this is not the organization’s core mission.

“Our goal is to strengthen families and provide support at every stage they may be facing,” she asserts. While there may be cases where removing a child becomes necessary for their safety, Melanie stresses that this is seen as a last resort and is approached with careful consideration. “The experience can be traumatic for everyone involved,” she notes, highlighting that the emotional well-being of both children and parents is at the forefront of their mission.

During her training sessions, she educates new social workers about the intricate family dynamics they will encounter in the field. By helping them understand these complexities, she believes they will be better equipped to provide the support needed when working with families. “It’s all about building trust and rapport,” Melanie explains. Understanding that social workers are there to assist rather than alienate families is crucial for effective service delivery.

A Passion for Community Engagement

Melanie’s dedication doesn’t stop within the walls of training sessions; she is passionate about community engagement. “I love working for Sacramento County because I can be a part of the changes that happen in my community,” she states. This commitment is directly linked to how she approaches her work—always with the aim of fostering understanding and support between social workers and the families they serve.

Throughout the year, Sacramento County will continue to spotlight various roles within DCFAS, sharing stories about how employees use their personal experiences to better address the needs of the community. This initiative aims to foster a greater understanding of the department’s functions and the significant impact its workers have on the well-being of families throughout the county.

The Future of Social Work in Sacramento County

Looking ahead, the DCFAS is committed to nurturing the next generation of social workers who are not only skilled but also compassionate and community-focused. With leaders like Melanie at the helm of training and recruitment efforts, Sacramento County is poised to enhance its child protective services significantly. By equipping new recruits with the tools they need to understand and address family complexities, the department is ensuring that compassionate, informed service is the norm in CPS.

If you’re interested in learning more about Melanie Perez and the incredible work happening at the Sacramento County Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services, make sure to check out the “Beyond the Call” series. As Melanie and her colleagues continue to make strides in transforming child welfare practices, it’s clear that their efforts are paving the way for a brighter, more supportive future for families across our community.

As we navigate these evolving social landscapes, it remains imperative that we recognize and support the individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes—individuals like Melanie Perez who are, indeed, the heart of our local child welfare systems.