Christi Anderson (right) with her Hennepin Task Supervisor, Sara Crotteau, MSW, LGSW (left).
Below, IV-E MSW student, Christi Anderson writes about her advanced field experience at Hennepin County within one of the 4 ICWA units.
For me, there is no better time than the present to be a learner and intern within a county child protection agency setting. Interning within an ICWA Child Protection unit at Hennepin County has given me a front row seat to the many changes that are occurring in child welfare practice within Minnesota. Additionally, I’m getting to see firsthand the excellent and dedicated work child protection social workers give daily to promote the safety, well-being and permanency of children.
This internship has allowed me to gain direct practice experience within the child protection field, learning many aspects of the role of an ongoing child protection social worker. Specifically I have learned more about the role, purpose and spirit of ICWA as it applies to the work of lessening disparities and upholding the importance of family, kin, culture and identity. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow through my time at Hennepin County and am thankful for the opportunity to have such hands on learning and professional growth.