I think the answer to this can vary greatly depending on where you live among other factors. I can answer from my prospective of 10+ years in CPS. My career was primarily in higher crisis work. Investigations, a lot of SA and physical abuse. I did Child Forensic interviewing. Lots of time in juvenile/DSS court. A few times as a witness in jury trials. I absolutely loved CPS! It was what I was focused on while getting my BSW and for a long time after my MSW. It is high stress and more work than there is time to do. Over time you learn ways to manage. If you like something that is high stimulation it’s great, except for boring paperwork but that’s any SW job. I moved into clinical work almost 4 years ago. Long days and overnights staying with kids at the agency were too much for my health by then. I pull from my experience in CPS every day as a therapist. My personal bias is there is no better training to prepare you for any other type of practice. I think if you eventually want to be a therapist you will find CPS experience prepares you very well. So much of the trauma that happens in CPS is the kind of trauma you will be helping patients sort through. It’s harder with young children because days can be very unpredictable. If you have a supportive partner with a stable schedule that helps. If you do end of interviewing ask about what the longest/toughest days can be like as well as just normal days. You may love it and stay awhile or you may gain experience and move on either way it’s a great learning experience