Field Agency Assessment Paper – The student will write a paper (minimum 5-7 pages APA format 7th edition which should include title and reference page) on the practicum agency that they are most interested in pursuing as an internship placement (or the agency you have secured a placement with), emphasizing agency structure, populations served, core services provided and an analysis of relevant agency policies. This paper is to be double- spaced, typed, and must include references (in-text citations as well as a reference page). The content is not limited to, but must include:
1. Stated goals, objectives, and mission of the agency
2. The social services programs administered by the agency. Identification and exploration of core services provided by the agency (explain what services are provided and what they do for clients)
3. Overview of populations served
Any qualifications that the clients have to meet prior to receiving services at this agency
Describe the clients of the agency and what client needs the agency meets
4. Identify key sources of funding for the agency (where do they get their money – example: do they receive funding through insurance billing, the government, or are they non-profit and rely on community support and fundraising? If non-profit, what are their biggest fundraisers or where do they get the bulk of their profit?)
5. Identify three key community resources used by the practicum agency (what other community agencies do they partner with to provide resources/services to their clients? For example, DHR may partner with the Child Advocacy Center on abuse cases – Explain who their partners are and why they partner with those agencies)
6. Overall, explain why you are interested in/why you chose this particular agency for this assignment and your thoughts/feelings about entering practicum.
You will gather information for your paper thru the Practicum Agency Interviews, Websites, etc. – Make sure to add citations for any references you use (In-text citations and reference page). You are required to have at least two references.
APA 7th Edition Example Paper: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_sample_paper.html
FIELD AGENCY ANALYSIS
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Agency Analysis: Internship at the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office
Lisa Spellman
SWK-4480 Pre-Practicum
Professor Rebecca Jones, MSW
February 14, 2024
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Field agency analysis
This paper explores my forthcoming practicum internship at the Wayne County
District Attorney’s Office in the Brunswick Judicial Circuit in Jesup, Georgia, specifically
focusing on my placement within the Victim Advocacy Department. The paper begins by
exploring the agency’s mission, goals, and objectives, followed by the organizational
structure and the core services it offers to victims of crime. Subsequently, it examines the
diverse populations served by the department, highlighting their specific needs and how the
provided services address them. Furthermore, the paper highlights the crucial funding sources
and community partnerships that empower the operations of the Wayne County District
Attorney’s Office. Finally, I share my motivations for choosing this agency and my
reflections on this practicum journey. Hence, this paper aims to comprehend the Wayne
County DA’s Office structure, target populations, and operations and demonstrate how I can
contribute to its noble cause during the internship.
As an aspiring advocate for vulnerable populations and victims of crime, I am
profoundly drawn to the agency’s mission to “seek justice, act with integrity, and provide
ethical, competent, and professional service to the citizens of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit
and the State of Georgia (About, n.d.).” This statement resonates deeply with my personal
values and career aspirations, which involve using my skills to empower individuals
impacted by crime and advocate for their well-being within the justice system.
Similarly, the agency’s goals and objectives align closely with my desire to serve the
Jesup community and uphold the principles of justice. In particular, the Wayne County
District Attorney’s Office aims to prosecute criminal cases effectively and efficiently while
ensuring fairness, integrity, and accountability in the legal process (About, n.d.). Its objectives
include reducing crime rates, enhancing public safety, and advocating for victims’ rights by
collaborating with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and other
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stakeholders to address systemic issues contributing to crime and victimization (About, n.d.;
Higgins, 2021). By promoting transparency, responsiveness, and accessibility, the office
seeks to build trust and confidence in the criminal justice system among residents of the
Brunswick Judicial Circuit and the broader state of Georgia. This commitment to excellence
and public service highlights the agency’s mission to protect the rights and interests of all
citizens while promoting a safer and more just society.
The Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office operates within a
comprehensive organizational framework with four office locations in Baxley, Woodbine,
Brunswick, and Jesup, serving Appling, Camden, Glynn, and Wayne counties, respectively
(About, n.d.). Led by Keith Higgins, an experienced attorney with nearly 40 years in the field,
the agency has a dedicated team of over 50 professionals, including prosecutors, victim
advocates, legal assistants, investigators, and support staff (Higgins, 2021). The agency has
more than ten officials at the executive level, including the human resource manager, chief
investigator, and other departmental directors and their assistants (Higgins, 2021). Together,
the executive and administrative staff oversee the agency’s operations, allowing it to fulfill its
mission of upholding justice and providing compassionate support to victims within the
Brunswick Judicial Circuit.
Within the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office, the Victim Advocacy
Department provides information, assistance, and support for victims of crimes across the
five counties (Victims Services, n.d.). Victim Advocates are dedicated professionals who
liaise between victims and the judicial system, providing crucial information about rights,
case status, and eligible services (De La Rue et al., 2021). They also offer emotional support
to individuals impacted by crimes, ensuring a compassionate and empathetic presence
throughout the legal process. Hence, the victim advocacy department collaborates with other
departments within the Brunswick Judicial Circuit, such as the probation or prosecuting
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attorney office, to provide a comprehensive approach to victim support within the justice
system.
The Victim Advocacy Department at the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office
serves a diverse clientele, including individuals of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic
backgrounds. The department’s reach extends to victims of various crimes, with a focus on
domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse, and other traumatic experiences
(Higgins, 2021). This broad population target reflects the department’s commitment to
inclusivity and addressing the unique needs of each demographic within Georgia County.
However, rising caseloads and complex legal proceedings can challenge the department’s
ability to offer individualized support to each victim. For instance, data from the District
Attorney’s Office shows the total pending caseload for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit surged
from 3569 cases at the end of 2020 to 5298 cases at the end of 2021 (Higgins, 2021). This
significant increase indicates the heightened demand for legal services and victim advocacy
during this period, potentially creating situations where advocate-to-victim ratios are
stretched significantly.
Similarly, the Victim Advocacy Department collaborates with the District Attorney’s
Office to offer vital support to victims at each stage of the legal process. The process begins
with a police investigation, where victim advocates offer vital guidance and support to
victims during interviews and evidence collection, ensuring their empowerment (Higgins,
2021). As the case progresses to the preliminary hearing and grand jury proceedings,
advocates continue supporting their victims by explaining legal terminologies, providing
essential resources for healing, and guiding victims through the complexities of arraignment
and pre-trial processes (Higgins, 2021). Throughout the trial, advocates offer unwavering
support, aiding victims in understanding testimonies and procedures. After the verdict and
sentencing, advocates help victims comprehend the next steps, offering emotional support
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and guidance, whether the outcome involves probation or incarceration (De La Rue et al.,
2021). This collaborative approach ensures that victims receive consistent and comprehensive
assistance, mitigating the challenges posed by complex legal proceedings within the
Brunswick Judicial Circuit’s District Attorney’s Office.
The operations of the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office are primarily sustained
through multiple funding channels, including state and local government appropriations
(Department of Justice, 2020). These appropriations form the backbone of the office’s budget,
providing essential resources for day-to-day operations and staffing. However, recognizing
the need for additional funding to support specific initiatives and programs, the office
actively pursues grants from federal agencies and private foundations (Department of Justice,
2020). These grants serve various purposes, such as boosting domestic violence prosecution
efforts and funding diversion programs tailored for non-violent offenders. Furthermore, the
DA’s office generates revenue through court-imposed fees and victim restitution payments,
contributing to its financial sustainability (Higgins, 2021).
In addition to securing funding, the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office fosters
strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance its operational capacity and impact.
Collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies, including local police departments, the
sheriff’s office, and state police, ensures smooth coordination in investigating and prosecuting
crimes (Victims Services, n.d.). Moreover, the DA’s office cultivates partnerships with
community organizations, such as victim advocacy groups, mental health providers, and
social service agencies (Victims Services, n.d.). These partnerships help address the
underlying causes of crime, support victims, and promote holistic approaches to justice.
Hence, the Wayne County DA office offers comprehensive services and fosters an equitable
criminal justice system by working collaboratively with community organizations.
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My decision to pursue a practicum internship at the Wayne County District Attorney’s
Office Victim Advocacy Department is driven by a commitment to advocating for vulnerable
populations. As a social work, my responsibility includes not just fulfilling my professional
duties to my clients. Rather, it also includes protecting the vulnerable and empowering them
to address issues facing them. The department’s focus on empowering victims of crime
through comprehensive support services aligns with my personal values and aspirations of
advocating for social justice. In particular, the department’s dedication to serving diverse
populations, including victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and other
traumatic experiences, resonates with my goal of addressing the unique needs of
disadvantaged individuals.
Therefore, this practicum presents an invaluable opportunity to gain practical
experience within the legal system and contribute meaningfully to the welfare of those
impacted by crime. I look forward to learning from seasoned professionals within the Wayne
County District Attorney’s Office and contributing meaningfully to the department’s mission.
While I anticipate encountering some challenges, such as handling complex court
proceedings and managing emotionally charged situations, my dedication, empathy, and
eagerness to learn will enable me to overcome obstacles and make a positive impact.
In conclusion, my upcoming practicum at the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office
Victim Advocacy Department provides a valuable opportunity to contribute to the well-being
of crime victims, gain practical legal system experience, and align with my commitment to
social justice. The agency’s ethos resonates with my values, including justice, integrity, and
ethical service. The collaboration between victim advocates and other District Attorney’s
Office departments reflects a supportive approach that addresses the needs of diverse
populations. The office’s financial sustainability through state appropriations, grants, and
revenue generation, together with strategic partnerships with law enforcement and
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community organizations, highlights its commitment to a fair criminal justice system. Despite
anticipating challenges, I am eager to learn from professionals, contribute meaningfully, and
foster a positive impact within the Wayne County community.
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References
About. (n.d.). Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney. Retrieved February 12, 2024,
from https://brunswickda.org/about-2/
De La Rue, L., Ortega, L., & Castro Rodriguez, G. (2022). System-based victim advocates
identify resources and barriers to supporting crime victims. International Review of
Victimology, 29(1), 026975802210883. https://doi.org/10.1177/02697580221088340
Department of Justice (2020, December 4). Grants | United States Department of Justice.
Www.justice.gov.
https://www.justice.gov/grants#:~:text=The%20Department%20of%20Justice%20offer
s
Higgins, K. (2021). 2021 Annual Report. Office of the District Attorney Brunswick Judicial
Circuit. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://brunswickda.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/05/BJC-DAO-Annual-Report-2021.pdf
Victims Services. (n.d.). Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney. Retrieved February 12,
2024, from https://brunswickda.org/victims-services/
