Jennifer Behen-Givens

Jennifer Behen-Givens has 21 years experience working with Children and Family Services in Los Angeles County and Orange County. Jennifer Behen-Givens started working with children and families in 1993. Jennifer started her career with Penny Lane Foster Family Agency (FFA) as a case-carrying social worker. During her role in this agency, Jennifer worked closely with Department of Children and Family Services in helping to assist with placements and case management of dependent children. Jennifer helped design and implement training manuals for Penny Lane FFA in order to train and certify foster homes.

In March 2001, Jennifer started working for Orange County Social Services in the Group home division as a Senior Social Worker. Jennifer worked with dependent children from age 12 to 18 years of age. These dependents were living in group homes. During her time in Group homes, Jennifer became very well versed with mental health issues for young adults and helping to transition these youth to lower levels of care or home with their families. During this time, Jennifer worked closely with the Health Care Agency to help assist with these youths’ mental health needs.

In 2007, Jennifer transferred to another division and worked with dependents ranging from age 0-12 years of age. During this time, Jennifer also worked on many work groups developing policy and procedures for Court reports.

In May 2014, Jennifer was promoted to Senior Social Services Supervisor in Integrated Continuing Services (ICS). Jennifer currently supervises seven senior social workers in ICS. Jennifer is also involved with the Safety Organized Practice implementation team for Orange County Children and Family Services. Jennifer is currently doing in-house training for Safety Organized Practice.

Read about Jennifer’s WHY:

My name is Jennifer Behen-Givens I currently am a Senior Social Services Supervisor with the County of Orange. I have been provided many learning opportunities to deepen my knowledge in child welfare through the training academy. These trainings have afforded me the opportunity to grow in my knowledge of social work to be able to train others. This has allowed me to share the experiences that I have gained through the years in child welfare with them. I find joy and fulfillment in helping others become more successful in their careers. My heart has always been with child welfare and the academy has allowed me to share this with others through all the trainings that I have delivered. The academy has also allowed me to become more proficient in my job through educating others. My why has always been to have the privilege of watching families change and grow to keep their children safe. This has been my passion since 1995. There is no other career that I saw myself working in. This has been an amazing journey and I wouldn’t have changed it for anything.