Renee, the social worker who saved a child’s life. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - For social workers with Sacramento County Child Protective Services, quick actions can sometimes be the difference between life and death. That was the case during a recent emergency call for Renee, a Sacramento County social worker. When a mother told Renee that her one-year-old child was not breathing, Renee jumped into action and called 911. In the emergency, Renee realized she had to take immediate steps. She pushed on the child’s stomach to clear their airway, restoring the child’s breathing. ​

Renee’s dedication to helping the family in need did not stop there. She stayed by the child’s side until medical professionals arrived. She also provided support to the mother, arranging transportation to the hospital, and followed up to make sure they arrived safely.

While her actions had a life-changing impact on the family, Renee says she was just doing her job. She says her coworkers would have done the same thing if they were in the situation. She is humbled to be recognized for her actions because she doesn’t do the work for the recognition, but to help make a difference in her community.

“What brings me the most joy in my career is when a family reaches out and shares how my work has helped to improve their lives and their children’s lives or a client makes an effort to thank me for my work years later,” says Renee.

Renee is an Emergency Response Social Worker for the Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services (DCFAS)​ and she has worked for the department for about 17 years. In her role, she focuses on improving child safety and reducing risks in the communities she serves. Beyond her heroic actions during emergencies, Renee’s daily work involves advocating for families, conducting thorough assessments, and collaborating with various agencies to ensure comprehensive support for children and caregivers.

Renee’s hard work and dedication to DCFAS are just one shining example of how social workers make a positive difference in families’ lives. DCFAS leadership thanks Renee for her compassion and continued work in keeping kids safe.​​