Humboldt County honors social workers during Child Welfare Services presentation

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on March 25, 2025, where the primary focus was a presentation by the Department of Health and Human Services Child Welfare Services (CWS) in honor of Social Worker Appreciation Month. The meeting began with a brief delay as one presenter arrived, after which Amanda Winstead, the director of Child Welfare Services, introduced her leadership team and outlined the agenda.

Winstead emphasized the importance of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in their operations, noting that approximately 30 to 40% of their caseload involves Native American children. She highlighted the establishment of a dedicated ICWA program, which has been recognized as one of the best in the state, and stressed the department's commitment to collaborating with tribal partners throughout the child welfare process.

Kim Schneider, a program manager, followed Winstead's introduction by detailing the critical role of social workers in assessing child safety and providing services to families. She explained the complex processes involved in responding to reports of child abuse and neglect, which include investigations and ongoing support for families. Schneider noted that the CWS team operates 24/7, handling over 3,200 referrals in the past year.

The presentation continued with Sherry Von Savoy, another deputy director, who discussed various intervention programs available to families, including family maintenance and family reunification. She explained that these programs aim to ensure child safety while promoting family well-being, with a focus on finding permanent homes for children when necessary.

Pam Miller, the ICWA program manager, elaborated on the specialized services provided to Native American families, emphasizing the importance of culturally appropriate practices and collaboration with tribal communities. She highlighted the establishment of a family wellness court, which integrates tribal and state judicial processes to better support families in the dependency system.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the extensive support staff that contribute to the success of Child Welfare Services, including those involved in emergency response, court reporting, and resource family approval. The team’s achievements were noted, including a 91.5% timely investigation closure rate for the previous year.

Overall, the meeting underscored the dedication of Humboldt County's Child Welfare Services to improving outcomes for children and families, particularly within the Native American community, while recognizing the vital work of social workers in the field.