Problems in the US Social Services System

To me, it went without saying that the clients I was going to be working with had struggled and we're overwhelmed by life's problems. What I was blind to before I went through this program were the enormous obstacles that our client's would face at the hands of a system that is supposed to be designed to help them. I think one of the reasons that so many of us got into this field is because we know what a powerful and incredible feeling it is to help someone who feels like no one cares about them. It's an amazing feeling to realize that sometimes, we have the power to help someone find relief or happiness or peace or strength. But unfortunately, that's the easy part. To me, the hard part is working within a system that doles out benefits with incredible frugality-making sure no one "gets too much" or "more than they are entitled to."

Social workers are dedicated to promoting the dignity and worth of every human being. We are compassionate and forgiving and generous and kind-because for a million different personal reasons, we all have some sense of what it is like to feel totally lost and hopeless and then find the strength to keep trying.

I know many social workers who are fiercely dedicated to the clients they serve and who do wonderful work with people. But, just as we've learned how unhealthy it is for people and families and communities to ignore their problems and put up a good front, I think that we need to be willing to admit to and look at the enormous injustices within the social welfare system. We have all learned in some way to adapt to the limitations of this system, because it's too massive and complex and deep-rooted for us to rip it down brick by brick and start over, as much as we might like to. But my greatest hope for the members of the graduating class is that we are able to work within the limitations of the system without becoming complacent about working within a system that is unjust.