First post, and some CAST

So I have a relatively boring life, so writing a blog is really just for me. It is to keep my memory working a little and have some record of what I do.

So this is my first post...today I went to CAST like I do every Friday. Some background: CAST is a great place I have been volunteering at since late September, early October. It's called Child Abuse Services Team, for the County of Orange, and I work as a child advocate. The position is very structured and filled with rules of what you can and can't do, but as a great social worker said "you are basically a glorified babysitter". Okay maybe a little more than that. Children come in for interviews and medical exams to disclose sexual, physical, and mental abuse and/or neglect. Mostly the first. Before and after (sometimes during) this visit we spend time with them to keep them company and be their friends. I play Candy Land, often get dressed up as a princess, play Xbox, play with Barbies, etc. Sometimes I feel like they are insulting my intelligence or that this is below my level, as sad as that sounds, but I still enjoy it there. The main difference is you have to keep a record of how long you were with a kid, keep the social worker informed if they say or do anything odd, help them undress for medical exams if they are comfortable, etc. Even though it is far, I go because the people are great, almost everyone there loves me, and I get to interact and see what social workers do, but only slightly. That is the part that bothers me, not enough social worker stuff, until today.

So today was fascinating, at least for me. I got to observe my first (and only, grr) interview with a child about alleged sexual abuse. Now, I'm not allowed to say much or anything really, because of confidentiality, but I will say I got to see a great interview with a very eloquent and smart little girl, which is unusual. She disclosed a lot of information, very matter of fact, and I sat watching (no talking/commenting from me allowed) while the social workers and detectives discussed what was happening/going to happen. It was long and tiring I must admit, but like I said, fascinating. It made me want to be a social worker even more.

Afterwards since there were no advocates I had to play with the girl which honestly felt weird. I also got to talk to the parents (they needed a translator) which was also great, I felt special. The social worker from the interview was very helpful and answered questions I had after the interview. She seemed to find me pleasant, at the very least :). Oh and then I ate more baked goods like red velvet cupcakes and brownies. Oh the life of a CAST advocate :). It was a fantabulous day and Daniel <33 picked me up from the train station and we went to Applebee's for some appetizers just for fun.

Monday I go to work and need to sign up for my CPR/First Aid class to apply for jobs. Wish me luck :).