This year, I was assigned a case our agency has held for some time. I was not the first foster care worker, but I made it my goal to be the last. I inherited some pretty big out-of-agency documenting errors in this case, but all hands were on board to help correct them so that permanency could move forward in a timely way.

The child was amazing – a sparkle for her relative foster family. Her smile lit up the room. She was such a gift to the world just by existing. Her foster parents adopted two of her siblings and were so excited to add her to their family.

There was no obvious reason the adoption should not be completed other than two important missed steps in the documentation process. I clearly saw the writing on the wall when I visited the family. “I did everything I was supposed to do, but we cannot reach the end goal because of other’s mistakes,” they said. Their tones were rough around the edges. Their words were blunt and protective. They threw their hands up in the air asking for answers. They had worked so hard to make the foster care and adoption process go smoothly and needed someone to step in and see the last steps through while being inclusive and sensitive to all they had been through.

I made a difference, and continue to do so, by reiterating that I am a member of THEIR team. Paperwork and unanswered questions can be frustrating. But I followed up and followed through with what I said I would do. I can tell that I calmed the frustrations and fears that lurked while the family was continuing to wait in the dark. I never promised the world. I stated I would provide them with the information I could and advocate for updates when possible.

Managing the multi-faceted tasks that life brings for yourself is difficult. Covering a case that manages many important aspects of a child and family’s lives adds an entirely different view of how busy and temperamental the world can be. We cannot control the work of others, and while it would have been quicker to say that it was out of my hands, following up and hearing the family and their concerns and finding the space to advocate not only moved the problem-solving timelines along, but also provided comfort.

I made a difference by being the person who listens and hears my families, their experiences and understanding, and using that to advocate when challenges or frustrations arise. I made a difference by using my innate ability to remind the children and families that I work with that they matter, that they are heard, and that I can advocate for their needs. I am happy to prioritize that for the families that I touch.