Ruth’s journey into social work was deeply influenced by her personal experiences growing up. Losing her father at a young age and witnessing her mother’s struggle to provide for the family instilled in her a profound empathy for those facing similar challenges. Despite adversities, her family’s resilience and support from her in-laws transformed her life, inspiring her to dedicate herself to helping others in need.
As a Senior Practitioner at Child’s i Foundation, Ruth plays a pivotal role in identifying and supporting families at risk of separation. Her typical day involves conducting assessments, providing psychosocial support, and ensuring the safety and well-being of children placed in foster care. She tirelessly works to reunite separated children with their families, conducts monitoring visits, and collaborates with partners to advocate for children’s rights.
Ruth’s passion lies in ensuring every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment, free from the threat of separation. Witnessing the joy on a child’s face and knowing she has played a part in their happiness fuels her dedication to her work. Her commitment to helping vulnerable individuals and communities navigate life’s challenges reflects her unwavering compassion and determination.
My passion for children really motivates me to do what I do. It is my desire to see that every child grows up in a safe and loving family where all their needs can be met and they can be nurtured to grow up into responsible citizens.
Ruth is empowering families to identify and implement solutions to their problems. Through active listening, encouragement, and linking families to community resources, she enables them to overcome obstacles and strengthen familial bonds. Her efforts extend beyond reuniting separated children with their families to providing ongoing support and guidance to ensure their well-being.
Building meaningful relationships with families and witnessing their transformational journey is among the most rewarding aspects of Ruth’s work. Empowering families to overcome challenges, embrace change, and support one another brings her immense satisfaction and fulfilment.
The most rewarding aspect of being a Social Worker is being able to build relationships with the families of these children and adults so they can also help identify and resolve problems the person may be experiencing in their day-to-day lives.
While rewarding, the role of a social worker comes with its challenges. Ruth emphasises the need for patience and persistence, particularly when dealing with complex family dynamics and entrenched behaviours. Effecting meaningful change often requires time and perseverance, which can be emotionally taxing.
Social work plays a crucial role in supporting families and children, helping them navigate crises, address concerns, and improve their quality of life. By promoting family preservation and preventing separation, social workers like Ruth contribute to the holistic well-being of communities, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive within a supportive familial environment.
“At the end of the day seeing a child happy and has a smile on their face gives me joy and keeps me going. I am devoted to helping vulnerable people and communities work through the challenges they face in their everyday lives.”
Ruth
