2012 recipient of the Audrey J. Harris Summer Internship Award
Interned at the Children’s Court Services in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She worked specifically with the Juvenile Court Intake Department.
Goals: I plan to pursue a Masters of Social Work and work with children and families providing protective services, as well as foster care and adoption services.
Working closely with the Juvenile Court Intake staff, I primarily observed and conducted interviews of children referred to our office by law enforcement. Gathering a client’s background and point of view allowed the intake staff and myself to file a recommendation to close a juvenile’s case, create a deferred prosecution agreement (supervision), or petition the case to court. Along with the intake process, my internship presented different opportunities to explore the multiple facets of the Juvenile Justice System. Attending court hearings for children, observing forensic interviews pertaining to sexual abuse at the Children’s Advocacy Center, and visiting the schools and homes of juveniles on supervision were a few of the many tasks I took on throughout the summer.
I have gained a better understanding of the Juvenile Court System, as well as a new perspective on justice and the importance of treatment. My internship also taught me the value of service and the ability to be flexible in unexpected situations and ethical dilemmas.
My time with the Children’s Court Services of Eau Claire has provided me with the necessary resources, mentors, and hands-on experience to guide my future educational pursuit for a Masters of Social Work and a career working with children and families.
I am thankful and honored to be awarded the Audrey J. Harris Summer Internship Award. This financial blessing supported my summer internship with the Children’s Court Services of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.