Well, I did it, folks! For better or worse, I decided to continue my education, through distance learning (ack!) to advance my career.

While I am continuing to work at writing, I have done a good deal of considering what goes into a career, and realized that there is a career out there where my skills are much needed and where I fit in well. Since I've considered it for some time, it's hardly an impulsive decision.

First, there has to be a need for that field...there is. Second, you have to have an aptitude and an interest in the field...I do. Third, it has to be realistic (which is why I didn't head down to Houston to become an astronaut...lol).

Anyway, after researching CPS for several years, through both firsthand and outside observations, I've noticed there basically are no advocates for families wrongfully accused. If you cannot afford an attorney (with the attached $5,000 retainer), you're pretty much stuck with representing yourself...which for most folks results in a plethora of legal mistakes that are difficult for an attorney to undo. Add to that the fact that most attorneys are ill equipped to fight CPS, and many of those that are properly equipped to do so simply do not WANT to take on CPS. They're afraid they'll be seen as defending "child abusers" (due largely to CPS' historical skill in manipulating the media).

So, after careful consideration, I'm going to begin studying to be a paralegal. I may eventually couple that with some studies in social work to assist me in understanding the mindset of social workers, and am also working on studying the policies and procedures manuals of various CPS agencies throughout the United States. In other words, I am specifically training for what is currently a nonexistent degree, that of a family advocate for the wrongfully accused. My hope is to work with other advocates in developing a quality training program for volunteer advocates.

I doubt I'll ever get rich off of this kind of work, but standing up for what's right is for me FAR more valuable than making insane amounts of money.