An interview with Alma Fowlkes, MSW, as she discusses her social work career with Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Interviewed by Esther Gillies. Date of interview: 11-30-11. Length of Interview: 1 hour and 2 minutes. DVD containing interview. Interview Topics (00:31) -- Introduction by Esther Gillies. (02:09) -- The beginning of Fowlkes career for DCFS. (03:50) -- Staff development specialist for Exposition park -- Services and eligibility were being separated . (04:42) -- Training for staff and foster parents . (05:34) -- MAPP Program - Model Approach to Partnership and Parenting . (08:00) -- Parenatal Program -- Drug-exposed babies. (10:11) -- Early influences . (11:30) -- Budget standards differ for drug-exposed babies . (12:00) -- National Grandparent program development & Respite Program . (13:50) -- The demands of fostering drug- and alcohol-exposed babies . (15:25) -- The development of Kinship services . (17:20) -- Program design in 1970s with Adult Protective Services . (20:08) -- Early event planning with DCFS . (20:55) -- Alma Fowlkes Award created by workers and foster parents . (21:40) -- Christmas party with 3,000 attendees . (24:59) -- Planning events on limited budget . (27:44) -- Planning an Easter Egg Hunt for the children . (28:55) -- Annual picnic in the park . (30:25) -- The necessity for appreciation and recognition of social work staff . (32:00) -- Eat-in to improve staff moral . (33:38) -- Creative use of MSW Interns . (34:55) -- Families Helping Families Program . (38:00) -- Region 2 moves into separate office -- Creating a good working environment . (43:20) -- Black Families Unit . (44:50) -- Advice for future social workers regarding working in a large bureaucracy . (48:05) -- Benefits of working in a large bureaucracy . (54:45) -- County dress code . (56:35) -- Establishment of Senior's Committee in Region 2 Additional Materials Department of Children's Services Gospel Hour Contest Program. Very Important Parents Newsletter. Families Helping Families NACO Award.