Brooke Budine was employed as a per diem Delaware County Corrections Officer from August 23, 2003 until April 3, 2006.  On July 25, 2005, Brooke was hired by the Delaware County Department of Social Services as a full-time Caseworker.  She was trained to become a Child Protective Caseworker to investigate child neglect and abuse referrals from the State Central Registry.  On January 11, 2009, she was promoted to a Senior Caseworker I in Child Protective Services.

Brooke is an experienced Child Protective Caseworker having served eight years in that capacity.  Child Protective investigations are expected to be initiated within 24 hours of a report being filed with the State Central Registry.  If it is initially determined that there are risk factors present in the investigations, a worker then has seven days in which to complete and file a child safety plan.  A worker then has 60 days in which to complete his or her investigation and make a determination whether or not there is some credible evidence present.  In cases where safety is a factor and those issues cannot be satisfactorily addressed, the case may proceed to Family Court where, depending on the severity of the case, orders of supervision or removal may be obtained.  A Child Protective Caseworker is responsible for completing all aspects of the investigation including appearing in Family Court in those cases where the aid of the Court is essential to a child’s well-being.

Brooke believes that protecting children and helping families restore themselves to effective functioning is a perfect job for her.  She enjoys working with her colleagues but finds her true calling to be the children aspects of casework.

Brooke is married and the mother of two children.  She has a busy personal life and, in her spare time, enjoys visiting antique shops and collecting antiques.

Congratulations, Brooke, for a job well done.