Dora Saenz-Belden, MSW

Dora Saenz-Belden received her BS in psychology from University of La Verne in 1997 and her MSW from the University of Long Beach in 2000.

Dora Saenz-Belden began working in the field of social work 1986 as a Domestic Violence Advocate in a non-profit catholic agency in the San Fernando Valley. Ms. Saenz-Belden continued her passion and interest in working with families by working as an In home support Worker for CAAN (Child Abuse and Neglect). This work eventually led Ms. Saenz-Belden to her 17 year old partnership with the County of Ventura, Children and Family Services as a Child Welfare Social Worker. Interestingly enough prior to her work in social worker Ms. Saenz-Belden also has an interesting perspective of having worked in law enforcement for 10 years for a police department which allowed her to understand the law enforcement perspective as well as relate to some of the social issues involved with individuals being incarcerated.

The experience and knowledge that Ms. Saenz-Belden acquired while working with the County of Ventura includes; Emergency Response, Foster Care Licensing, Relative Approval, Recruitment, Foster Parent training and Orientation, TDM Facilitator, On-going as well as lead worker and Supervisor for On-going, ICPC (Interstate Placement of Children), ICT (Inter-county transfer cases), Placement (foster children), Time in Care staffing, and group home staffing. Additionally, Ms. Saenz-Belden has participated in various work groups in the County of Ventura County.

Ms. Saenz-Belden has previously presented before large groups such as, the Law Enforcement Peer Support Conference on Domestic Violence. She has also presented at the Carpe Diem Conference on, Mental Illness in the Family. Ms. Saenz-Belden has been a trainer for the County of Ventura, Children and Family Services on; Placement program, ICPC, ICT, Time in Care, Group Home Staffing, CLETS, Mandated reporting. In addition, Ms. Saenz-Belden has created curriculum, written policy and a grant for the County of Ventura. She also trained the San Diego and Fresno Academy on Criminal Background for Relative Caregivers.

Ms. Saenz-Belden has been a strong advocate throughout her career to help increase knowledge social workers and be a support for families in the community. Ms. Saenz-Belden hopes that she can continue to be of assistance to child welfare as she shares her passion, experience and knowledge.