Happy Social Worker month! My name is Justin and I am a social worker with Adult Protective Services of Middlesex County, NJ. March is a time to give appreciation to the social workers who assist us on a professional and/or personal level every day. Recently I learned through the National Association of Social Workers that our nation has over 600,000 social workers! It is amazing to think that there are so many caring individuals in this nation that spend their life devoting time to supporting and fostering a healthy life style for others.

Adult Protective Services, under the umbrella of Family and Children’s Service, is the county designee entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the local community’s vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and/or exploitation via New Jersey’s “Adult Protective Services Act.” I have been working with this specific population for over two years and currently pursuing a graduate degree in social work.

With my current position, I employ a variety of skills in order to manage numerous issues that arise within my client’s life. On a daily bases, I work with various professionals, including law enforcement, health care professionals, mental health care workers, and attorneys, to gather information that assists me in advocating and creating a case plan to ensure the client’s safety and health in the community.

The work I do can be difficult but after reflecting I am reminded of the importance of protecting our most vulnerable adults. My feelings of joy and significance are validated when I receive such warm responses from clients and their close family and friends; including my own.

I hope you join me in celebrating all social workers in the important work they contribute to ensure the welfare of many within our communities year round!

– Justin da Conceicao, Adult Protective Services