National Social Work Month Profile: Louna Cajuste, RCSWI
Quality Management Specialist, Family Support Services
March is National Social Work Month – a time to recognize the dedication, resilience and impact of social workers across the country and their diverse roles across child welfare. At Family Support Services (FSS), Louna Cajuste is a stellar example of how compassion and action intertwine to create lasting change every day.
With 13 years’ experience in child welfare, Louna’s journey started in Psychology and Criminal Justice before she transitioned to social work. Investigating cases of sexual abuse and human trafficking showed her the urgent need for deeper intervention. “I saw the gaps in support and wanted to be a part of filling the gaps,” she explains. That realization led Louna to earn a master’s in social work, equipping her to better support trauma survivors.
For Louna, small actions can have big impacts. She recalls a time when simply listening closely to a distressed parent – validating their emptions and offering resources – helped prevent further trauma. “Taking the time to listen prevented the likelihood of new trauma for the family,” she says.
She believes social work doesn’t stop at 5 p.m. and isn’t just policies and paperwork – it’s about equity, understanding and perseverance. “Social work is ongoing; it doesn’t fit in a box, although it may seem that way from movies, social media and data,” Louna shares.
In her role as a Quality Management Specialist, Louna works to remove barriers to permanency, ensuring that families have the support they need for long-term stability and safety. She approaches every case with the mindset of treating others as she would want her own family treated. “I listen, ask questions, and collaborate to ensure that voices are heard from all sides,” she says, emphasizing the importance of fairness and empathy.
This month, take a moment to thank a social worker – their work often goes unseen but their impact is undeniable.
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