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.
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
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.
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
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.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
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.
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
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
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
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.
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
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.
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
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.
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
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.
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Episode 1:
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, 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.