Gloria Campos
Investigation Social Worker
Department of Children and Families
149 Water Street
Norwalk, CT 06854 |
Connecticut
Gloria Campos works predominantly in the Investigations Unit of the
Connecticut Department of Children and Families as first responder to
new reports of child abuse and neglect. Well-known and respected in
the community for her professional and calm demeanor as well as her
thoughtful approaches to providing services to families, she emerges as
a leader in the Department.
The outstanding performance of Ms. Campos during the case of a child
fatality calls for special recognition. Four-month-old Maximiliano, Baby
Max, lived with his young mother in the local community at the time
of his death, cared for by relatives and periodically by his mother's new
boyfriend while the mother worked. The local hospital notified the
Department of Children and Families after Max presented to emergency
responders in a life threatening condition consistent with Shaken
Baby Syndrome. Assigned the investigation, Ms. Campos worked in
collaboration with the local police department to determine the cause
of his injuries and to protect Baby Max from further harm. Throughout
the investigation, Ms. Campos handled well the extremely difficult
positions she experienced: as she interviewed the family and other individuals
on her own and also acted as a translator between the family
and the police department and as interpreter between the family and
the hospital staff. She was present when the family made the decision
to take Baby Max off life support and at the time of his death.
Ms. Campos took the initiative in proposing to the Department that
it assist the family in arranging and paying for Baby Max's funeral. In
response to the family's request, she also attended the services. Other
Department of Children and Families staff also present during the
funeral observed that the family highly respected Ms. Campos, appreciated
her work, and valued her as an individual truly committed to
helping their family.
All that Ms. Campos represents to the family of Baby Max demonstrates
her values and the ongoing commitment and compassion she
extends to the families with whom she works on a daily basis. The
State of Connecticut foresees a long and productive career in child
protective services for Ms. Campos. |