My husband Jason works as a supervisor for the Department of Family and Children Services. It takes a very special kind of heart to do this work. The cases are heavy, the days are long, and the recognition is rare. These men and women step into situations most people could never imagine, yet when something good happens, it is hardly ever spoken about.
Just last week Jason had to take a baby into state care. While waiting for a foster placement, Jason stayed after hours to care for him and then returned early the next morning to pick him back up. This sweet little one, surrounded by new faces and unfamiliar places, was fussy and scared. Jason held him, soothed him, and in those quiet moments they shared something truly special.
In a world that feels so divided with anger, hate, and endless arguments, there are children simply trying to survive another day. And there are caseworkers, investigators, and supervisors who quietly make sure those children are safe, loved, and cared for. They are underpaid, overlooked, and too often avoided by the very people they are trying to help. Nobody ever cheers when DFACS shows up at the door. But maybe they should.
This picture captures the heart of what they do. While everyone else clocked out, Jason stayed. His only concern was making sure that baby felt safe and cared for. It is a reminder that there are still people choosing compassion every single day, even when no one is watching.
Credit: Chellie Heckman