St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services is committed to providing social services to families and individuals that help support and maintain the family unit. The initial intervention unit responds to concerns for maltreatment involving children, families, and individuals living in St. Louis County.

In either Field I or Field II, the student will have an opportunity to develop interpersonal skills by assisting in family assessments, forensic interviews, and therapeutic interviews. Short-term family intervention, strength-based support for families and teaming cases with other professionals in child protection services are available to the student. Students will work under the supervision of staff, but need to work individually with clients in some service activities.  In either Field I or Field II, the student will have collateral contacts with other community and agency resources in fulfilling the response needs to a client.  These contacts will include schools, county attorneys, law enforcement, medical personnel, the court system, and other similar community resources.  Review of resource allocation, budgeting, and eligibility for services can be part of the administrative review of service provision. Students in a Field II placement also have the opportunity to do more work at the macro level by engaging in community activities.