Social Work Students Gain Insight into Government Operations During Capitol Visit

Exploring Governance: A Learning Experience for Social Work Students

Recently, a significant group of social work students and faculty from Northwestern State University took part in a two-day immersion into the workings of state government in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From April 23-24, the students attended various sessions at the State Capitol to deepen their understanding of advocacy, policymaking, and the complexities of public service.

The visit provided an invaluable opportunity for students enrolled in social work programs to see real-world applications of their studies. As they participated in an open session at the Capitol, many were recognized on the Senate floor, where they learned about legislative processes from senators and state representatives. Tyliayah Smith, a student from Minden, highlighted the experience, stating, "I learned so much about DCFS, how bills are passed at the State Capitol, and even got insight into the criminal justice system. The moving parts involved in creating real change were eye-opening."

Students were divided into groups to observe House and Senate committee hearings that focused on crucial issues such as health, welfare, education, and governmental affairs. They had the opportunity to meet with prominent senators and representatives, including Alan Seabaugh and Jay Luneau, which provided a direct connection to the legislative process.

A further highlight of the trip was a visit to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). There, David Matlock, the secretary, alongside his team, welcomed the students and engaged them in discussions about the various services the DCFS provides to children and families throughout Louisiana. This initiative included components such as centralized intake, child protective services, and foster care.

Connie Guillory, an NSU alum and deputy assistant secretary for Child Welfare, led an enlightening discussion, connecting students with insights from their upcoming careers. The exploration involved topics on trauma-informed care, providing the students with critical insights into how such care can impact their future work in social welfare.

Assistant Professor Kirby Peddy spearheaded this excursion, collaborating with DCFS staff to create an informative itinerary. Other faculty members, such as Dr. Andrew Fultz and Lisa Mount, were also present, guiding students through discussions and providing context to their learning goals.

"This experience was incredibly enriching for our students and faculty alike," stated Peddy. It specifically enhanced the educational journey of students enrolled in the Social Welfare Policy course, fostering their practical understanding of real-world social work competencies. The visit highlighted the necessity of engaging policy practice within the field of social welfare.

Another student, Amanda Spraggins from Shreveport, reflected on how informative the sessions were on processes to pass legislation into law. She noted that the insights from those in the field brought a clearer understanding of the numerous facets involved in governance.

Students learned that compromise in policy-making does not always equate to unanimous agreement, and the importance of finding common ground through understanding diverse perspectives stood out to many. This multifaceted experience emphasized to the students that social work goes beyond policies—it's ultimately about people.

Social work is a vital and diverse field, and the exposure to state governance has fortified these future social workers’ commitment to making impactful changes within their communities. As they return to their studies, there's little doubt that the knowledge and insights gained from the Capitol visit will have lasting effects on their professional development.

For further information about Northwestern State University's Department of Social Work and their programs, visit NSU Social Work.