The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how media coverage of child maltreatment cases affected social workers in terms of their perceptions, motivation, and job satisfaction. This study employed face-to-face interviews using a researcher-developed interview guide with 15 children's social workers (CSWs) employed by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Findings revealed that CSWs generally believed DCFS is most often portrayed negatively in the media and that these negative portrayals result in workers feeling disheartened, with a few cases overshadowing the many accomplishments of the department. These negative media portrayals result in frustration and a desire for systemic change to counter the distorted depictions. Recommendations were discussed for DCFS administrators, new CSWs, as well as implications for practice, including the need for increased support for workers and policy redevelopment.