Last week I made my first call to Child Protective Services (CPS) to report a parent. It was an emotionally draining day. I knew that I would have to call CPS at some point...it's almost a given if you are working with families...but I just wasn't emotionally prepared for how hard it would be.

I felt so badly for the child, and I knew that I had no other choice but to report the situation...that's a part of being a social worker. It is especially hard because it has taken me a while to build up a relationship with this parent, and I am not sure how she is going to receive me now.

It was definitely a "learning by fire" experieince. After I called CPS, they said that I should have called 911 immediately...but I just didn't know.

Now it's time to begin building trust again with this parent and her kids. Will she answer my calls? Will she let me in her house? Will she tell me the truth about what's going on? Will I be safe? Will she trust me? Will her situation change? Will she want to change?

We will see what happens.