DCFSTorrance Office Location

2325 Crenshaw Blvd.

Torrance, CA 90501

Tel: 310-972-3208

Fax: 310-222-5520

Map and directions

 Since 1999, the 1^st-Year Intern Unit has been housed in the DCFS Region II Torrance Office. In addition to the DCFS-employed field instructor, the administrative team includes a UCLA-employed field consultant and administrative assistant. The staff provide specific training for the interns in the unit, in addition to the trainings offered by DCFS to all interns in LA County DCFS.

Nicole Castillo, Field Instructor

UCLA MSW nterns work directly with and are exposed to programs, workers, and administrators within the Torrance Office and throughout the broader DCFS system.  Intern workload consists of up to four family cases that they carry throughout the academic year.  Typically, each intern provides intensive services for approximately eight to ten children and youth. Interns carry cases in Family Maintenance and Reunification, Permanent Placement, and sometimes Family Preservation and Adoptions cases. Interns have an opportunity to participate in ridealongs with case-carrying Children's Service Workers engaged in Emergency Response. For each case, interns visit children and caregivers weekly and make collateral contacts. Interns visit in the homes, schools, or at out-of-home care settings (group homes, residential facilities).

 MSW Interns, 2007

            Interns gain exposure to the traditional role of a CSW, yet also learn to identify and assist populations with unique needs. Among clients on their caseload, interns both focus on children and youth with most need, and work with the entire family. Soon after rapport is established, interns hold "family meetings" where they check in on past week events, facilitate communication, and problem-solve with caregivers as issues arise.  Interns also work closely with staff in specialized units such as the High-Risk Unit and Black Family Investment Project (BFIP). Interns have the opportunity to view cases at varying points in the system, learn how DCFS personnel operate in different capacities, and observe how DCFS interfaces with the community.

Throughout their internship, interns participate in weekly evening groups that accommodate children and families. The 1^st Year interns work primarily with the Children's Sexual Abuse Program (CSAP) and the National Family Life's Rights of Passage and Independent Living Programs. Through CSAP, interns learn group-facilitation skills and benefit from intense supervision provided by CSWs and SCSWs with expertise in working with the specialized population. Interns co-lead groups working with victims from ages five to 18, the siblings, the non-offending parents, and the perpetrators.  In addition to CSAP, the National Family Life programs allow interns to co-facilitate weekly personal development group meetings with youth up to ages 21. In the past, interns have also worked with caregiver support groups through Grandma's House, the Parent support group in the Pasadena Office, and the Central Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Unit (CLASAU).   

Macro Project Highlights 2006-2008

Step Show Project

The unit invited university African American Greek organizations to perform for entertainment and to talk about the Greek organization to let them know about the black fraternity and sororities on campus to help students understand the different activities that happen at the college level.

Cinco de Mayo Picnic Project

The unit brought cultural enrichment about Latino cultural heritage to the families and youth by celebrating this holiday together.

UCLA Tours Project

The unit conducted tours at UCLA to provide youth with educational enrichment and exposure to university campus life.  

Independent Living Talent Program

The unit sought out talent of foster youth who participate in the Independent Living Program to showcase their talent (e.g., art, modeling, dance) in front of an audience of professional talent agents.

College Application Assistance Program

As a collaborative effort with the Independent Living Program, the unit provides youth a forum to complete all necessary paperwork for entry to colleges, universities, and trade schools.  

 Larthia Dunham, Field Faculty

For more information on the Torrance unit, contact Larthia Dunham at 310-825-5810.