Cindy Folkerson
Kitchener,Ontario
Summary
Child Protective Services Social Worker highly skilled in responding to reports of child abuse or neglect. Approaches cases with calm and objective eye with well-being of all parties in mind. Works cooperatively with law enforcement, court officials and educators to promote welfare of child.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Protection Worker- Investigation Worker
Family & Children
07.2020 - Current
- S Services of the Waterloo Region- Child & Youth Advocacy Center
- Complete joint investigations with Waterloo Regional Police Services Youth Protection Unit involving Child Sexual Abuse, Child Sexual Abuse Material, Child Trafficking, Physical Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence
- Complete Forensic Interviews of child victims and witnesses using Tom Lyons
- Collect and assess evidence provided by victims, witnesses, and alleged offenders, to determine immediate and future risk of harm to a child(ren)
- Mitigate risk with client driven safety plans and education that strengthens a family’s capacity to be protective of their child(ren)
- Engage with clients in a respectful manner to ensure they understand the investigation process, child protection concerns, and steps toward resolution
- Prepares for and act as a witness in Family and Criminal Court matters
- Complete investigation reports in a clear and comprehensive manner.
Child Protection Worker
02.2009 - 07.2020
- Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region- Family Violence Unit and Child & Youth Advocacy Center
- Provide supervision, advocacy and support to families when there are concerns regarding physical abuse, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse material, human trafficking, physical abuse, emotional abuse, mental health, addiction, neglect and/or intimate partner violence
- Complete child protection investigations (non-criminal) and joint investigations with police
- Create client centered safety plans that mitigate the risk of future harm and strengthens a family’s capacity to be protective of their child(ren)
- Apply relevant law; the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, and the Criminal Code of Canada to ensure the safety and well being of children
- Draft affidavits and initiate child protection court proceedings when less intrusive options have been exhausted
- Ongoing risk assessment to determine if concerns have been adequately addressed
- Ensure case files are up to date using MS Office applications and industry software applications
- Ongoing Participation in Special Projects: FACS representative at the Family Violence Project, FACS representative at DART, FACS partner with WRPS Early Education Intimate Partner Violence Pilot Program, member of the Child & Youth Advocacy Center Team.
Direct Care Worker & Outreach Worker- Pilot Project
05.2006 - 02.2009
- Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region
- Provide direct care and supervision to children residing in Society care who experience complex factors such as mental health and addiction issues, discrimination, racism, poverty, and involvement with the Youth Justice system
- Engage with children and families in a respectful manner to ensure they are aware of the Society’s expectations, access services to mitigate risk and feel supported by the process.
Child and Youth Worker
Avalon Specialized Services
01.2005 - 05.2006
- Provide direct care and supervision to youth residing in residential group care who experience complex mental health, addiction and family system issues and engage in high-risk behaviour.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Women’s Studies/Sociology
University of Western Ontario
London, ONSkills
- 18 years experience ensuring the safety and well-being of children, by working collaboratively with their families and community stake holders to end child abuse and neglect
- Excellent ability to analyze information, problem solve and make good decisions
- Strong ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships at all levels in order to build trust and confidence in services provided
- Works respectively, positively, and collaboratively within a team environment
- Self-directed with a solid ability to organize, plan, prioritize and multi-task
- Excellent written documentation skills that are clear, thorough, concise, accurate and timely
- Certified Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Society ONLAC trainer
- Provides training and orientation to colleagues regarding forensic interviewing, The Family Violence Project and the Child and Youth Advocacy Center
- 5 years business to business sales experience- Human Resources Recruiting
Timeline
Child Protection Worker- Investigation Worker
Family & Children
07.2020 - Current
Child Protection Worker
02.2009 - 07.2020
Direct Care Worker & Outreach Worker- Pilot Project
05.2006 - 02.2009
Child and Youth Worker
Avalon Specialized Services
01.2005 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Women’s Studies/Sociology
University of Western Ontario
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