They will look at how long students work for the state, whether they are quality workers, and whether they develop expertise and move into positions of leadership. Funds are also provided for the development of a Child Welfare website that focuses on the needs of protective service workers. This educational partnership with UNH is unique, in that it allows us to help educate and train students who will be our future employees. And, having students working in our offices helps renew the enthusiasm of current staff, who get to be teachers and mentors. Lamberton says the Child Welfare Training Project with UNH has a two-year commitment from the state.
Renewal depends upon governor and council approval.
Students receiving grants for the inaugural year of the project include undergraduates Anna Hopf and Molly Thomson of Newmarket, Allison Jordan of Manchester, Patricia Lindquist of Portsmouth and Angie Sargeant of Durham. Also receiving project support is graduate student Joanne Tarantino of Dover. I feel that we can always go deeper to help families who are struggling. From there, I think we can begin to make social change. I believe that some of the children we work with in child protective services are future doctors, lawyers, educators, social workers and politicians.