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.