I liked being able to ensure the safety of children while spending time with their parents. It was interesting to learn about the cases I supervised, and a little bit more about the legal system and families. Working with the other supervisors was really fun, and the bosses are great as well. I feel that this has given me great insight into how I work with some difficult clients, and what a career in social life may look like.
What I wish was different
I wish there were more learning opportunities within the organization. I would have loved to learn more about how the legal system works, and more about what the bosses do. Honestly not a big deal though. I had a very positive experience.
Advice
The schedule works like an on-call job, so treat it that way. Two days a week at a time you decide, two Saturdays a month, and one Sunday evening a month, you will be required to be available to supervise visits and facilitate exchanges. Don't make firm plans on those days unless you've asked for them off or talked to the bosses and you'll be fine. Schedules can change the day before, or even the day of. If you're doing this for internship credit, make sure that you're on top of the required hours you need, and ask other interns to take their shifts early on so you don't find yourself at the beginning of the semester scrambling for hours.
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Supervisor
July 2019 • Provo, UT
What I liked
I love how it got me engaged in my desired field. It has given me hands on experience and taught me more than I could learn in a class room.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Internship can be hard but they are worth it in the end.
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Court Ordered Supervisor
August 2019 • Provo, UT
What I liked
ACAFS is a goal orientated non profit organization that focused on restoring relationships between families who are experiencing a high conflict divorce. I love that they vocalize this to families and teach parents, children, and supervisors the skills needed to communicate and build a relationship between parent and child. This also teaches you how to work with the court and what needs to be done in a legal situation.
What I wish was different
Nothing, this is an amazing internship!
Advice
Be patient, usually you are sitting with parents and their children and observing them and it can be boring, but being patient and paying attention will allow you to find the little things that will help build a relationship.
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Supervisor
April - December 2019 • Provo, UT
What I liked
The best part about working at ACAFS is that it was very hands on. Instead of just watching somebody else work, you are supervising visits and doing exchanges yourself.
What I wish was different
Scheduling could be hard, because oftentimes you don’t know what hours you’re going to work until the day before or even the day of.
Advice
Have confidence in yourself. It can be very overwhelming at first, but if you stick with it you will learn a lot and become much better. As my bosses always said, fake it till you make it
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Third Party Supervisor
March 2019 • Provo, UT
What I liked
I was able to gain experience in ways I proabably wouldnt find anywhere else. It's very hands on and it forces you to take control
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
If you're considering social work.. do this!!!
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Peer Health Promoter
April 2019 • Provo, UT
What I liked
I loved the exposure to diverse populations and the learning experiences like the courthouse visit
What I wish was different
The schedule was sporadic and tricky
Advice
Only do it if you can make the 8 month commitment. There's a steep learning curve. If you give it the time it deserves it will be super amazing.
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Supervisor
June 2019 • Provo, UT
What I liked
I love my coworkers and the opportunity to help the families who come to Acafs.
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
My piece of advice would be to do it! The process of applying for this internship and getting experience that is related to my major has been very beneficial to help me deicide if this is the career path I want to pursue.
