Navigating Child Welfare | CPS, Foster Care, Family Court, Adoption, Mandated Reporter
Shanelle Dupree
17 episodes
3 days ago
Are you struggling to keep good child welfare staff and volunteers? Are they drowning in alphabet soup, unclear timelines, fuzzy roles, and “who does what” confusion? Does attending court hearings cause anxiety in staff and families?
You are not by yourself. When people talk about the foster care system they often describe it as broken, confusing, and frustrating. It’s why I’m so excited to introduce a podcast that will help staff and volunteers see the big picture of child welfare, lessen anxiety, and provide tips on how to connect with partners in the child welfare system.
I’m Shanelle Dupree and I’ve been working in the child welfare system for 20 years as an attorney, a social service administrator, a non-profit leader, and now as a consultant. I have experienced first hand that knowing how to do your job is not enough to be successful in serving families. We need to connect better and see the big picture. When I was representing families in court, I finally realized that to have families reach their goal, it requires connection and collaboration with the others involved in the child welfare ecosystem.
I’ve created a 360º view of the child welfare system that will eliminate confusion, build relationships, and develop trust with families. If this sounds like the natural but missing piece in your work with vulnerable families- this podcast is for you. So hug your loved ones a little bit tighter, and let’s connect.
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Are you struggling to keep good child welfare staff and volunteers? Are they drowning in alphabet soup, unclear timelines, fuzzy roles, and “who does what” confusion? Does attending court hearings cause anxiety in staff and families?
You are not by yourself. When people talk about the foster care system they often describe it as broken, confusing, and frustrating. It’s why I’m so excited to introduce a podcast that will help staff and volunteers see the big picture of child welfare, lessen anxiety, and provide tips on how to connect with partners in the child welfare system.
I’m Shanelle Dupree and I’ve been working in the child welfare system for 20 years as an attorney, a social service administrator, a non-profit leader, and now as a consultant. I have experienced first hand that knowing how to do your job is not enough to be successful in serving families. We need to connect better and see the big picture. When I was representing families in court, I finally realized that to have families reach their goal, it requires connection and collaboration with the others involved in the child welfare ecosystem.
I’ve created a 360º view of the child welfare system that will eliminate confusion, build relationships, and develop trust with families. If this sounds like the natural but missing piece in your work with vulnerable families- this podcast is for you. So hug your loved ones a little bit tighter, and let’s connect.
Faith + Foster CareChild welfare can feel complicated and confusing—but families should never be asked to navigate it alone.
In this episode of Navigating Child Welfare, I share how faith, prevention, and community supports surround families before, during, and after system involvement. We talk about opening our eyes (2 Kings 6) to the help already around us, reducing shame, and building natural supports that last when paid services end.
We cover:
Why “do it by yourself” is unsafe for families and for anyone.
Prevention + support: the often-missed pillars that keep families stable.
How churches and communities act as real-world prevention and long-term support.
Practical next step: list 3–5 natural supports and make a warm connection this week.
Visit our website to learn more and be sure to sign up for the upcoming SYNCing Child Welfare launch in 2026! https://syncingchildwelfare.com/
#ChildWelfare #FosterCare #SocialWork #FaithInAction #Prevention #Kinship #CommunityCare #SystemsChange
Host Shanelle Dupree makes the case that no one can (or should) do this work alone. Drawing on courtroom moments and frontline advocacy, she surfaces the barriers to connecting well, like not understanding the multiple systems families must navigate and offers practical ways to help parents, youth, staff, and volunteers participate fully. Shanelle also introduces Syncing Child Welfare (SYNC), a 360-degree perspective designed to align partners across the ten connected systems and provide practical tools, questions, and worksheets.
You’ll hear about
Why expecting families to “figure it out alone” is unrealistic and harmful.
How not knowing the other systems (plural) becomes a barrier for helpers and families.
The difference between having answers and knowing who to connect people to.
📌 Get SYNC updates here: https://form.jotform.com/253052608129050
#childwelfare #fostercare #socialwork #traumainformed #familypartnership #systemschange
Episode summary In this episode of Navigating Child Welfare, host Shanelle Dupree makes the case for a third “C” that changes outcomes: connected. Through a story about attending a presentation in Spanish, Shanelle shares how knowing the language can help make you feel connected. Shanelle shows how child welfare jargon and acronyms quietly exclude parents, youth, volunteers, and even new staff. Her fix is simple and powerful: translate the work. Provide glossaries, slow down for definitions, and create shared language so people can participate fully in decisions that shape their families and futures.
You’ll hear about
Why “I don’t speak this language” is the hidden barrier in child welfare, even when everyone is in the same room.
Practical ways to translate the system: court-approved glossaries, plain-speech explanations, and who/what/why/by-when summaries.
How understanding increases power, participation, and better questions from families and partners.
Interested in staying updated on the Simplifying Your Navigation and Confusion in Child Welfare program? Click the link HERE.
#ChildWelfare #FosterCare #SocialWork #FamilyFirst #TraumaInformed #PlainLanguage #CommunityEngagement #SystemsChange
Episode 14 Description: Child welfare is often confusing and complicated…so how do we get to connected?
In this episode, Shanelle Dupree names the Three C’s, unpacks a heavy multi-system case, names a issue that can keeps us stuck, and shares a first look at Syncing Child Welfare (SYNC), a new way to simplify systems and connect communities.
🎧 Listen now: From Confusion to Connection: The Three C’s of Child Welfare
🔁 Try it: Start your next staffing by asking, “Which C are we in?”
📌 Get SYNC updates here: https://form.jotform.com/253052608129050
This week’s episode discusses the perspective of Kenisha Coon who works nationally as a child welfare reformist working to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in child welfare. Kenisha uses her personal experiences of contact with the child welfare system throughout her childhood to help fuel her work. Kenisha shares some of the challenges she sees regarding the child welfare system, one was “forgetting about the humanity of the families we are serving,” …but what are the challenges that you see? Fill out the form HERE to share your perspective. Check out Kenisha’s book “And Then She Persisted” HERE. Connect with Kenisha at www.kenishacoon.com or on social media on Facebook (Kenisha Coon), LinkedIn (Kenisha Coon), or IG (Kcoon9288)
Episode 12 Description: This week’s episode discusses the power of getting our experiences regarding equity out of head. A tool I am so excited to introduce to the Skin DEEP community is the DEEP Observations Journal. It is a place to write the equity moments you encounter AND ask the next question- now what? Feelings do not equal facts, so it’s important to get “it” out of our head to determine - what do I do with this? Our end goal is emotional intelligence as we navigate equity moments. Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP? Step 1: Join our newsletter, HERE. Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree HERE. Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course HERE. The promo code for the Skin DEEP online course is PODCAST. Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop HERE.
Episode 11 Description: This week’s episode discusses power within the child welfare system. People within the system have power- but with power needs to come an acknowledgement of the power and the proper use of it. We are discussing case workers, CASA’s, and Foster Parent’s power in the child welfare system. From your perspective, who has the power AND how? How can people in power understand the influence they have so they are hyper aware of this dynamic?
Fill out the form below to share your thoughts on who has power within the child welfare system using the link HERE.
Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP? Step 1: Join our newsletter, HERE. Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree HERE. Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course HERE. The promo code for the Skin DEEP online course is PODCAST. Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop HERE.
Episode 10 Description: Kinship families or keeping kids is an age old practice for many communities- and it’s making a comeback. This is the thing- it was a way of life for many families when situations didn’t go as planned. Now we recognize the benefits for everyone involved, keeping children with people who know, love, and whom they trust- it truly is a win win situation. However, there needs to be more support for these families, because they are providing an invaluable service.
Check out the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network resource and tip page on improving support for kinship/grandfamilies: https://www.gksnetwork.org/resources/strategies-for-tanf/?#gf_1
Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP? Step 1: Join our newsletter, HERE. Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree HERE. Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course HERE. The promo code for the Skin DEEP online course is PODCAST. Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop HERE.
Episode 9: Loving, discovering, and embracing your culture is a beautiful thing. Join us as we wrap u an interview with Autumn a Chinese adoptee and program manger for The Ties Program, where she leads the China heritage journey program. Check out The Ties Program below.
Website: www.thetiesprogram.com
Facebook: Adoptive Family Travel - The Ties Program
Instagram: @the.ties.program
Registration is now open for Summer 2026 trips to China, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Korea, and Paraguay!
Learn more at www.thetiesprogram.com
Ties Together: Monthly Chats – A welcoming virtual space by The Ties Program created for the adoption community to connect, reflect, and feel supported. Held on the first Tuesday of every month, these free sessions offer two simultaneous gatherings: Connect & Chat for adoptees only and Talk Time for parents/loved ones. Sign up on our website under "Events" for the next one. Because the journey doesn’t end when the trip does and you don’t have to walk it alone.
Community & Connection Trip (Sedona, AZ – March 2026) – A wellness-focused retreat for adoptees and their loved ones, blending rest, reflection, and community in a beautiful setting - https://www.thetiesprogram.com/ties-community-wellness
The Gift of Identity Fund – Provides grants to adoptees to participate in heritage travel trips through The Ties Program, ensuring cost is not a barrier to connection - https://gift-of-identity.org/
Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP? Step 1: Join our newsletter, HERE. Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree HERE. Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course HERE. The promo code for the Skin DEEP online course is PODCAST. Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop HERE.
Episode 8:
Autumn is honest, reflective, and provides thought provoking dialogue on her journey of returning to her birth country of China as an adoptee. She is now leading the heritage journeys in China and provides a safe space and experience for other families. Join me as we take a journey on cultural discovery.
Check out The Ties Program
Website: www.thetiesprogram.com
Facebook: Adoptive Family Travel - The Ties Program
Instagram: @the.ties.program
Registration is now open for Summer 2026 trips to China, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Korea, and Paraguay!
Learn more at www.thetiesprogram.com
Ties Together: Monthly Chats – A welcoming virtual space by The Ties Program created for the adoption community to connect, reflect, and feel supported. Held on the first Tuesday of every month, these free sessions offer two simultaneous gatherings: Connect & Chat for adoptees only and Talk Time for parents/loved ones. Sign up on our website under "Events" for the next one. Because the journey doesn’t end when the trip does and you don’t have to walk it alone.
Community & Connection Trip (Sedona, AZ – March 2026) – A wellness-focused retreat for adoptees and their loved ones, blending rest, reflection, and community in a beautiful setting - https://www.thetiesprogram.com/ties-community-wellness
The Gift of Identity Fund – Provides grants to adoptees to participate in heritage travel trips through The Ties Program, ensuring cost is not a barrier to connection - https://gift-of-identity.org/
Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP? Step 1: Join our newsletter, HERE. Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree HERE. Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course HERE. The promo code for the Skin DEEP online course is PODCAST. Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop HERE.
Enjoy the conclusion of my interview with Ms. Gwen, a 92 year old resident of Montgall Ave. Community connection can start with a simple hello. Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP? Step 1: Join our newsletter, HERE. Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree HERE. Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course HERE. The promo code for the Skin DEEP online course is PODCAST. Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop HERE. Check out the book! Kansas City’s Montgall Avenue, by Margie Carr.
Episode 6:
A close knit community can get things done. Montgall Ave is an example of what can happen when neighbors come together to help support one another. Join me in chatting with Ms. Gwen, a 92 year old resident of Montgall Ave. Remember whatever community you are working with has strengths. Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP? Step 1: Join our newsletter, HERE. Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree HERE. Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course HERE. The promo code for the Skin DEEP online course is PODCAST. Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop HERE. Check out the book! Kansas City’s Montgall Avenue, by Margie Carr
Episode 5: Skin DEEP was created because of a deafening silence around the impact of poverty as well as Black, Native, Latino, and Asian families historical experiences in the child welfare system. When the conversation isn’t presented…it feels off limits. Equipping our family serving workforce is the goal for Skin DEEP and it begins with understanding history and then launching into real time solutions.
Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP? Step 1: Join our newsletter, HERE. Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree HERE. Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course HERE. The promo code for the Skin DEEP online course is PODCAST. Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop HERE.
Episode 4:
The child welfare system can be overwhelming—policies, agencies, courts, and constant change. In this episode, we will discuss a potential solution to our complex systems. How do you manage navigating the child welfare system personally or on behalf of the families you work with? Share your thoughts HERE.
Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP? Step 1: Join our newsletter, HERE. Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree HERE. Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course HERE. The promo code for the Skin DEEP online course is PODCAST. Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop HERE.
Episode 3:
In child welfare, it’s easy to get lost in paperwork, policies, and constant demands. But behind every task is a family, and a purpose. In this episode, we’ll reconnect with the reason so many of us entered this field: to help, to heal, and to advocate for families. We’ll explore strategies to stay grounded in your “why” amidst the pressures of the system. Don’t forget to fill out the form to share your “why.” Later, I’ll be sharing some of your responses on the show HERE.
Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP? Step 1: Join our newsletter, HERE. Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree HERE. Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course HERE. Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop HERE.
Episode 2:
The Judge sets the culture for the courtroom. They are suppose to be guided by their ethics- not bias. Yet we know toxicity can exist in the courtroom. We are naming 3 toxic courtroom experiences. to identify and pursue another way. If you have experienced a toxic courtroom environment, feel free to share your story HERE. Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP? Step 1: Join our newsletter, HERE. Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree HERE. Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course HERE. Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop HERE.
What is Skin DEEP? It’s not a skin care line! It is the decision to go beneath the surface level and talk about race, poverty, and bias that impact families in child welfare. We make race easy to talk about and bias impossible to ignore within organizations. If you are sick of the surface level conversations and ready to move into action- download the Skin DEEP podcast. Let’s go deep.
Want to stay connected to Skin DEEP?
Step 1: Join our newsletter- https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/2neyyZJ/skindeepcw.
Step 2: Sign up for Going DEEP Coaching with Shanelle Dupree- https://www.skindeepcw.com/products/Skin-DEEP-Coaching-68882aedc6d52f660496c889.
Step 3: Sign up for the Skin DEEP online course- https://www.skindeepcw.com/courses/Skin-DEEP-The-history-of-chid-welfare-by-race-664fc62d6b24a863622af7d5.
Step 4: Sign your organization up for the Going DEEP Together Skin DEEP Workshop- https://www.skindeepcw.com/#1734625313242d.
Navigating Child Welfare | CPS, Foster Care, Family Court, Adoption, Mandated Reporter
Are you struggling to keep good child welfare staff and volunteers? Are they drowning in alphabet soup, unclear timelines, fuzzy roles, and “who does what” confusion? Does attending court hearings cause anxiety in staff and families?
You are not by yourself. When people talk about the foster care system they often describe it as broken, confusing, and frustrating. It’s why I’m so excited to introduce a podcast that will help staff and volunteers see the big picture of child welfare, lessen anxiety, and provide tips on how to connect with partners in the child welfare system.
I’m Shanelle Dupree and I’ve been working in the child welfare system for 20 years as an attorney, a social service administrator, a non-profit leader, and now as a consultant. I have experienced first hand that knowing how to do your job is not enough to be successful in serving families. We need to connect better and see the big picture. When I was representing families in court, I finally realized that to have families reach their goal, it requires connection and collaboration with the others involved in the child welfare ecosystem.
I’ve created a 360º view of the child welfare system that will eliminate confusion, build relationships, and develop trust with families. If this sounds like the natural but missing piece in your work with vulnerable families- this podcast is for you. So hug your loved ones a little bit tighter, and let’s connect.
