Hello

OUCH! We had a laid back weekend and spent our Saturday afternoon at the beach, hence to beginning my blog with ouch. I have this amazing sun screen that doesn’t even allow me tan, but I happened to miss a few spots on my body and look like a spotted leopard. I believe I will be asking for Katie’s help next time!

We did not get to go kayaking as all the kayaks were all owned privately. Sunday Katie and I checked out the Esplanade which was beautiful and we walked up and down the beach way, as well as looking at some of the items that locals were selling. We also tried to investigate transportation for this upcoming weekend but had no luck. We would like to go to Cintsa but there are no busses that stop there. We could take a taxi but that is about 480 rand both ways, equaling $70 American dollars. Transportation is probably the biggest draw back for us Americans as there is no set transportation here; our only options are taxis or mini buses, and the mini buses both pick up and drop off at certain locations.

Work has been going well this week; this week and next week are filled with orientation workshops for all staff, what fun!! I have also had the chance to get together with Colette, my supervisor and discuss what I will be doing the next few months! After our meeting I was very excited learning that I will have five cases, two dealing with preventative issues, two dealing with foster care, and one with reunification with the biological family. I am excited about these cases as I believe it will be a wonderful experience. I will also be putting together a focus group with teenagers that have behavioral problems. This program is the one that scares me the most. But I know once I get it started it will be ok and I have a wonderful team I can ask for advice. I will also be doing intake once a week (these are the cases that are new to the CW Society). I will be working on a research project with Boomie, this is something I did not have the opportunity to discuss with him yet this week, as he is assisting on the orientations and wants to finish that up. I do know I will be assisting him in research with his home health type project. It will be an educational and eventful 4 months.

While talking to Colette I have learned that the CPU (Police) here are not as active in assisting the Child Welfare Society as necessary. For instance, there have been two instances where the CPU have removed the children from the home and have not told anyone. We had a mother come in this week and wonder where we placed her children, the agency was unaware of this placement. Come to find out the CPU have removed the children from the home and have not told the CW Society about this. There have been a few times the Society has requested the CPU to assist them in a removal of a child and the CPU will not show up. The week I arrived here one of the ladies at the agency was mugged right outside of the agency (no worries we have taken precautions and have followed them!) and it took two hours for the police to show up. Colette has told me, “My dear” it’s the way CPU works. Colette has also informed me that she is putting together networking meetings to work on the CPU and the CW Society’s relationship!

All for now! Hope everyone is well!