Crosson-Tower, From the Eye of the Storm

“This text has the potential to help students understand the reality of being a child welfare worker. It is well written and will be eye-opening to my students.” — Lisa Schelbe, Florida State University

“It is an easy read and the questions at the end of each chapter should generate focused class discussions. I spent 22 years as a professional in Human Services and could relate many of my experiences to the content in this book.” — Francis LaChappelle, Jamestown Community College

“I have required this book for many years in child welfare–related courses. I assign all students to a small reading group and assign a number of the questions at the end of each chapter for them to discuss. I interact with the small groups, pushing them to think more or offering alternative perspectives. Having been in the field for years before teaching, I find the experiences shared realistic. Students always note this assignment as a favorite.” — Bettyanne Hutton, Florida Atlantic University

1. Where Does It Begin?
2. Getting into the Job
3. A Dose of Reality and Culture Shock
4. “The Shadow Knows”
5. On My Own
6. In Search of the Perfect Parents
7. Getting My Teeth into It
8. A Week of Introductions
9. Sit-Ins, Holidays, and Sad Thoughts
10. The Lull and Then the Storm
11. A Flurry of Placements
12. An Act of God?
13. Haunted by Echoes
14. Old Rewards and New Challenges
15. Expecting the Unexpected
16. Graduate School and Beyond
17. A Different World
18. Fickle Lady Justice
19. A Mother’s Legacy
20. A Transfer to the Front Lines
21. All in a Day’s Work
22. Childhoods in Hell
23. Happy Endings
24. Seasons of Change
25. Child Welfare, COVID-19, and After