Srita Chakka, Fall 2013
Srita Chakka was placed with the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services and supervised by Trista Piccola. Srita analyzed survey data to create a snapshot of older foster youth transitioning from foster care and their struggles as they deal with life after care. She compiled all the data in a meaningful format and was able to report out the findings to an internal committee. In addition, Srita identified some policy recommendations for improving youth experiences as they transition out of foster care. She also attended social worker trainings and various staff meetings to learn more about serving this population.
The Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services is dedicated to assuring that children at risk of abuse and neglect are protected and nurtured within a family and with the support of the community. The Division of Children and Family Services embraces the philosophy that children grow better in families and support this by keeping children close to their families whenever possible through neighborhood foster care. Their programs have the goal of stabilizing and reuniting families that have been weakened through poverty, illness or crisis, resulting in neglect of abuse to children.
“I was surrounded by people who genuinely care for kids, and this experience enabled me to explore my own interests and passions.”
Eva Cuollo, Spring 2014
Eva Cuollo was placed at Cuyahoga Country Division of Children and Family Services, supervised by Tamara Chapman-Wagner, Deputy Director of Administrative Services. In addition to shadowing social workers answering the KIDS Hotline, she was a member of the agency Human Trafficking Taskforce, and conducted research determining how human trafficking affects children under agency custody. With this research, she found children whom are considered “high risk” for involvement with trafficking and gathered a set of common risk factors. She worked with the taskforce to create a new agency policy to help employees and social workers manage human trafficking cases, and provide for the victims. The Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services is dedicated to assuring that children at risk of abuse and neglect are protected and nurtured within a family and with the support of the community. The Division of Children and Family Services embraces the philosophy that children grow better in families and support this by keeping children close to their families whenever possible through neighborhood foster care. Their programs have the goal of stabilizing and reuniting families that have been weakened through poverty, illness or crisis, resulting in neglect of abuse to children.
“I was included in the agency’s Human Trafficking Taskforce, and conducted research to determine how human trafficking affects children who came to the attention of our local child welfare agency.”
Brittany Rattliff, Spring 2014
Brittany Rattliff externed at the International Services Centerunder the supervision of Karin Wishner. During the externship, Brittany focused on the experiences of young adult and teenage refugees in both Cleveland and Lakewood City Schools. She wanted to know what drove them to either go directly into the American workforce or stay in school. She participated in case management activities including home visits and school enrollments and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of securing employment that will allow clients to become self-sufficient without stressing their families, as she found that some clients left school to help support their families.The International Services Center’s mission is to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide and support their transition to a dignified life.
“My externship was an incredible experience. Working with staff and meeting directly with families new to this country gave me the opportunity to better understand not only what the refugee resettlement process is like, but also the unique challenges and experiences of children and young adult refugees.”