Mandated reporters, CPS Leadership, and Volunteers: Is Better Possible in Foster Care?

Do You Even Think This Is Possible?

Not long ago, I had a conversation with a colleague about a project our boss had assigned. I was walking through what needed to happen and what the goal was.

Every time I shared a piece of the plan, I was met with:

Finally, I stopped and asked the only question that made sense.

“Do you even think this is possible”

She said she did, her words said “yes,” but her actions and tone said no. Reflecting back to that day, she was overwhelmed and didn’t feel like she had the tools to meet the expectation and goal.

That moment stuck with me because it mirrors how we often operate in the family and child welfare system.

The Stories We Tell About Foster Care

When people talk about foster care and the child welfare system, the language is often heavy and hopeless.

We say:

I have said some of those things too. But admiring the problem, never solved the problem. I am intentionally reframing how I talk about the system, because how we talk about it shapes what we are willing to do.

I have been listening to people from every part of the system:

From families, I hear that the system feels confusing, harmful, and scary. They do not feel like they are part of the process.

From the workforce and volunteers, I hear about burnout, compassion fatigue, and the constant tension of wanting to help but not knowing how to truly make a difference.

So here is the real question for all of us:

Do you even think that better is possible?

Because if we do, we can start doing things differently.

Blame, Shame, and Unrealistic Expectations

Right now, much of family and child welfare operates from a place of blame and shame.

We blame parents who are overwhelmed by housing instability, poverty, and other societal problems that may lead to neglect, or be mistaken for neglect. We expect them to understand the foster care system quickly, and we grow impatient when they do not. Their missteps are documented and repeated in court for everyone to hear.

We shame workers who struggle to manage the complex dynamics of a family, even when the family itself could not manage those same dynamics without support. We place unrealistic expectations on a system that was never meant to replace a family.

Volunteers and mandated reporters are trying to help, but often feel unclear about policies, boundaries, and expectations. The rules seem different with every case. There is no obvious, safe space to ask questions and get straight answers, so confusion keeps recycling.

If we truly believe that better is possible, we cannot keep doing the same things and expecting different results.

Families need clarity.

Volunteers need connection.

Workers need a network of support.

When Doing What “Always Worked” Is Not Enough

When I transitioned from high school to college, I thought I knew how to be a good student.

In high school I:

That approach helped me graduate as one of the valedictorians of my class.

So, I used the exact same method in college. I went to class, listened, took notes, and studied them. Then I got back my first test.

D+

My heart was hurt. I was stunned. I did everything I knew to do. Why didn’t it work? I had a thought…maybe I’m not good enough.

I pushed down these thoughts that didn’t serve me, and I went to my professor. He started asking questions about the assigned reading listed in the syllabus. That was my light bulb moment.

The syllabus was new to me. I didn’t realize most of the test material came from reading that happened outside of class. Once I understood that, I changed what I did. I read the syllabus, did the assigned reading in the syllabus, and my grades improved.

Same student. Same brain. Different approach. I connected with someone who could answer my questions.

The method that worked in high school was not enough in college.

In family and child welfare we sometimes say, “I told the family what they needed once” or “I treat them like I would treat my own family.” The problem is that this is not the same environment, and it’s not your family. More is required and different is required.

We are not in high school anymore.

We Do Not Have To Do This Alone

Here is the good news. People who work, volunteer, or are connected to child welfare do not have to figure this out by themselves.

Syncing Child Welfare is a national program designed to:

This program is meant to fill a crucial gap in our collective work. We are not just tinkering with isolated skills. We are reimagining how we move from confusion to connection so families can truly thrive.

Because this is not just community work. It’s generational work.

Start With the 360º Partnership Assessment

If you are ready to do something different, a powerful first step is taking an honest look at how you are partnering right now.

The 360º Partnership Assessment helps you:

You can take the 360º Partnership Assessment at www.syncingchildwelfare.com.

Use it with your organization, your church, your team, or your collaborative group as a starting point for intentional change.

Learn More: Syncing Child Welfare Preview Sessions

If you want a closer look at the program itself, you are invited to a live preview of Syncing Child Welfare in early 2026.

I will be hosting two online sessions that will cover the same material, so you can choose the time that works best for you:

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Central Time REGISTER HERE

Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Central Time REGISTER HERE

In about 45 minutes, we will walk through:

I am excited about launching a real solution in 2026, and I refuse to let go of the belief that better is possible. Because it is.

December 22, 2025