What Does A Foster Care & Adoption Case Manager Do?

Families working to become foster or adoptive parents often have a lot of questions. Understanding what kind of support to expect usually tops the list. When you become a PCHAS family, you will have a case manager who will be with you every step of the way. Larrice Floyd is a PCHAS Case Manager in Wichita Falls, Texas. We asked Larrice to share about her role with families and children. Here’s what she had to say:

What led you to want to support families and children in foster care?

I love kids. To be there when they first enter into care, build a relationship with them, and get them to feel safe so that they open up is important. I especially like working with our teenagers and being there for them. Our families are fantastic, too. I love seeing their hearts for the children, and I enjoy helping them along the way.

Why did you choose to become a Case Manager for PCHAS?

I started with PCHAS 9 years ago after working in other roles in child welfare for 6 years. While working for CPS and CASA, I worked with PCHAS families, and they were always the best families. They were not only well trained, they seemed to also have the best interests of children in mind. I wanted to work with the best! 

What are your main roles as Case Manager?

I oversee foster homes and make sure they are taking great care of the kids. Mostly, that means I am there to support them. I will be the person they can talk to if they are not sure what they are supposed to do. I am a liaison for them, too. I have transported children to medical appointments and visitation, and I advocate for children to make sure they are getting the resources they need.

How do you collaborate with other professionals (state workers, attorneys, CASA, etc.)?

I try to build relationships with everyone involved through meetings, phone calls, and home visits. I work in conjunction with all parties so that we can get the best outcomes for our children. We are all on the same team.

How do you help families on the first night when children enter their home?

I will help with an orientation for the child. I introduce the parents and I introduce myself as the case manager. We will let the child know their rights. Also, if we are able to, we will bring something to the family or child from our office. Most of the time, it will be pajamas, clothing, or basic toiletries. Before I leave, I will sit with the foster family and let them know the timeline of what they need to do in the next week. The next day, I will normally check in with a phone call and text to see how everyone is doing.

What advice do you have for families considering foster care & adoption?

Do your research. Children from hard places are going to have some different behaviors, but they are not “bad” behaviors. Learn to see where they are coming from. PCHAS trains families in TBRI and helps families become trauma-informed. When you get to see the breakthrough, it is amazing.

Larrice and our team of case managers do an incredible job of supporting families. If you are interested in fostering or adopting, you can count on PCHAS to be by your side. To get started, connect with a Foster Care & Adoption Guide or Join An Online Info Session.