Chicago's Very Own: Former ward turns DCFS investigator
Meet a DCFS investigator who was also abused and removed from his own home as a child. Hear his compelling story and find out why he views his childhood as --- a good thing.
December 7, 2007
Richard Echevarria/Former ward turned DCFS investigator: "My mom was basically neglecting and abusing me."
Ricky Echevarria has vivid memories of the day DCFS took him away from his mother. He was 11-years old.
Richard Echevarria: I love my mom and I don't blame her for anything that happened in the past.
So you think it was a good experience?
"Yea, it was definitely probably a very good experience for me to be taken out of that environment at that time."
After Ricky was put into protective custody he kept running away. Like many others, he lived in foster care. He lived in group homes. Something inside of him - told him his mom needed help. When he ran away, he ran to his moms.
Richard Echevarria: Well, let's say she wouldn't say anything. She wouldn't turn me in.
Part of Ricky's deep understanding (he feels) comes with age. The other part…and perhaps why he's also able to work with DCFS... is his sheer drive to improve the system.
Richard Echevarria: Back then I didn't feel that they did everything in their powers to keep me at home. So, I wanted to come into the department and kind of help change ways.
He wanted to work to help keep kids at home -(if at all possible).
Educate. Help. Support parents. The stuff his own mother needed back then.
Richard Echevarria: Maybe respite care, um substance abuse, um help, anger management.
As we see here, Ricky now has his own family. He's been with DCFS for 13 years. As an investigator, he goes into homes where they suspect child abuse.
He believes his past offers more insight. He recalls trying to hide the truth from a DCFS worker himself.
Richard Echevarria: The rational for my injuries that I was explaining at that time was not consistent. That's how we normally know.
Hector Aviles is *the* DCFS worker who took Ricky and his brother from his home more than 25 years ago.
Hector Aviles/ DCFS public service administrator: "When I investigate cases, I like to see them all the way through if possible."
After Ricky got help and finished school - hector put his own job on the line to help Ricky get hired with DCFS.
Hector Aviles: The director looked at me and said you have that much faith in this kid hah? I said we all need a break.
Ricky also does motivational speaking and child welfare training. All in the name of keeping families connected. For Chicago's very own, I'm Jane Boal.
Today Ricky maintains a good relationship with his mother. He says she's doing very well. Just like Ricky used to be...there are still a lot of kids in the system who really need help. If you like to assist a foster child (with anything from) finding an internship or help with homework there are links for more information.
WEB LINKS AND MORE INFO
http://www.fosterkidsareourkids.org
Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)
http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/index.shtml
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children & Families
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/programs_fund/discretionary/2005.htm
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