As a clinical social worker with San Mateo County’s Children and Family Services Department, Laura Stovall is sometimes required to go into a family’s home when a child’s life is put in danger—oftentimes, her own life is put in danger as well.
But when Stovall asks San Mateo County management for time off or the ability to work some days from home or fair overtime pay so that she can regroup, spend quality time with her family and get ready to help other families in need, she is often punished or made to feel like her job isn’t important.