Title IV-E Success Stories

Debbie Webb

I feel it is very important for social workers in the child welfare field to participate in this program because not only does it help social workers in continuing education, it serves as a reward for all of our hard work. My experiences have been rewarding and it makes me joyful to know that as a social worker and participant in this program, I can empower the lives of children and their families

Debbie Webb, TWU Social Work and Title IV-E Training Program alumna

"I am currently doing my internship at Child Protective Services. Doing my field at CPS has been a great experience. The classes at TWU and the training at the Academy have prepared me for what I will experience at CPS. I strongly encourage anyone who is interested in child welfare to complete their Field Practicum at CPS." - Florence Olugbuyi

"My transition for Title IV-E to Employee has been a great experience.  I am truly thankful for the training I received in the academy and from the CPS employees.  CPS is definitely a big family willing to take you in and give you support.  I am also thankful I do not have to look for employment; it was nice to know I already had a job.  I recommend the Title IV-E to anyone interested in working with children and families.  This is one experience I will never forget." - Joanna Letz

"I am officially a conservatorship caseworker for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, assuming the title CPS Specialist II. While completing my last few weeks of the CPS training academy, I was offered and accepted a CVS position in Dallas county. My career is now centered around protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by involving clients, families, and communities. I advocate for children and their families by providing and arranging for services necessary to prevent abuse or alleviate maltreatment, as well as making referrals to other service providers and outside resources. My role within this agency is to ensure that every child is afforded the opportunity to achieve safety, well-being, and permanency, while promoting family preservation or reunification. I am so appreciative of the staff of the Social Work Program at Texas Woman's University for preparing and equipping me with adequate knowledge, skills, resources, and support to be both an effective and efficient social worker, overcoming obstacles encountered within this profession. I would like to encourage students to consider the Title IV-E program. It is such a rewarding experience." - Kelli Johnson

"Transitioning from a Title IV-E student to an CPS conservatorship worker has truly been amazing. I very am blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families.  I absolutely love the everyday challenges and the interactions that I have with clients.  My coworkers have been most helpful and eager to help me learn.  Some of the most important aspects that I have learned during my transition is to stay positive, remember why I am here, and to stay organized.  I am looking forward to continuing to work for The Department of Family and Protective Services and to fight for social justice." - Kellie Parks

"The transition from being a Title IV-E intern to an employee is liberating! Interning in this fast-paced environment is sometimes difficult.  There is a lot of work to be done and a lot of questions to be asked; in the end, the experience is truly rewarding.  Now, I have the opportunity to apply my skills as a social worker to make a difference in the life of a child!  I am grateful that the Title IV-E program provided me with the opportunity to earn my credit while training for such an important position.  It also averted the stress of searching for employment after graduation." - Leonila Mendoza

"The IV-E program has been a great way for me to begin my social work career, working to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our society."- Patty Mosqueda

"I successfully completed academy training at CPS through the Title IV-E program at Texas Woman's University. I am a legal caseworker in Dallas. I work within a cohesive unit with a great team of unit members. I face challenges often and still, at the end of the day, I am optimistic in knowing that I am influencing positive change and growth in children and families. This job highly satisfies my need as a professional to encourage and promote a thriving existence in the lives of people. I am able to advocate on behalf of my clients and work with the courts to strive for safety, permanency and the well being of children. I continually gain knowledge relating to how the department operates and ways to assist our clients within the scope of our Social Work values and ethics. It has become a great pleasure to be able to begin my career path at DFPS through the Title IV-E program."- Tabita Gonzalez

"I am a proud Title IV graduate and very proud to be working for CPS. My experience as a Title IV participant has provided me with an opportunity to gain practical experience while increasing my career potential.  As a CPS caseworker, I am presented with new challenges and learn new things  on a daily basis. I am surrounded by great mentors who provide invaluable assistance in my career progression. It has been a monumental experience and I highly recommend the program to students who are seeking a career in social work." - Teresiah Owens

"I graduated from TWU in May of 2005. I am currently working at the Dallas County Child Protective Service (CPS) office as a legal/on-going worker. I love my job!!!! Since I started my position in June I have encountered a lot of situations that I was not prepared for due to my own socialization. The situations were turned into successful victories due to the expertise of my co-workers and supervisor. I can truthfully say that I have had a successful journey so far. If you are seriously considering a job where you are able to help children and families I would suggest looking into the IV-E Child Welfare Grant. I do want to “Thank” the professors and staff members of TWU for the strong foundation that was given to me." - Youree Edwards

Page last updated 11:06 AM, December 5, 2023