Assistant Director for Children's Services Division, Baltimore County Department of Social Services
Right now, over half a million American children are living away from home because their parents are unable to provide for their essential needs. When children and youth require foster care, people like Judith Schagrin come forward to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Judith is one of the estimated 168,000 professional social workers making an important difference for at-risk children and families. For the past 23 years, she has worked for the Baltimore County Department of Social Services. As the Assistant Director for Children's Services, she is responsible for out-of-home placements such as foster care and adoption. She supervises a staff of 75 social workers and paraprofessionals who assist nearly 1,000 children each year. Judith says:
"I take this work very seriously. I feel like a parent to every child in care. It's a tough job, but it isn't any tougher than what we ask these children to do. I want to make their situation as stable and supported as possible."
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, social work is one of America's fastest growing careers. By the year 2010, the profession is expected to grow by 30%. Of the nation's nearly 600,000 social workers, more than 28% are like Judith, specializing in serving children and families.
Judith's outstanding commitment to those in her care has earned her the respect of her peers. In 2004, the National Association of Social Workers named her the Social Worker of the Year. She is the current President of the association's Maryland Chapter. Judith recently received The Trailblazer Award from the Citizen's Review Board.
She is a tireless and outspoken advocate who regularly calls attention to workforce issues, and the need for better services for children in care. Her time running the county's Independent Living Program gave her a front row seat to the challenges facing older youth. She initiated a teen advisory board and developed adventure-based camping and summer employment programs. She also organized Camp Connect helping separated siblings in foster care maintain important family bonds.
"As social workers, we help people overcome many difficult challenges including poverty, abuse, addiction, illness, and more. We counsel individuals, families, and communities on how to cope more effectively with the stresses of everyday life and help them navigate through the often overwhelming child welfare system."
Judith's dedication to children extends beyond the workplace. As the daughter of a rabbi and a teacher, she grew up in a nurturing home that always encouraged public service. The legacy of giving continues with her own family. Judith has been a foster parent to older youth. She and her husband David are active volunteers in their community. They are proud parents to Alex, who is pursing a career in social work, and Kate, who does her part by raising funds for Camp Connect through her neighborhood lemonade stands. Judith reflects:
"After all these years, giving back is just the natural thing to do. I have seen time and again what a positive difference an investment in a child can make."