What Kind of Experience Do Foster Care & Adoption Case Managers Have?

PCHAS Case Managers are not just professionals; they are individuals with unique stories. They all hold bachelor’s degrees, and many have master’s degrees. Quite a few are licensed social workers, trained as Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) Practitioners, or hold other credentials. Their shared commitment to ensuring kids are safe and feel loved is rooted in their personal journeys, each with a unique reason for choosing to serve children and families.

Ashley Flach is a PCHAS Case Manager in Irving, Texas. Her story is unlike most others because she was a foster parent with PCHAS for five years before joining the team as a case manager. Her personal experiences provide a unique perspective, deep empathy and guidance as she supports foster families and the children in their care.

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

I am passionate about foster care and advocating for children. I knew PCHAS was a great agency from my personal experience. The staff that were there when I was fostering are still around leading the program. I’ve worked in other areas of child welfare but wanted to come back to serve children and families through foster care. Working for a faith-based agency is important to me. I love that we pray for our families at our staff meetings.

What do you do as a PCHAS Case Manager?

My main role is to make sure the children and foster families are safe. I work with other professionals on the child’s team to coordinate services and I am an advocate for the families. I can relate to what they are going through as a foster family, so I try to explain “the system” to them and help them know what to expect. Mainly, I want them to know they matter. Foster families want to be heard, and I try to be a good listener for them.

What advice would you give to a family considering foster care & adoption?

It’s important to be prepared and flexible. You have a voice, but others are also part of the child’s team. For example, a child may need speech therapy. It will be your job to take them, but you can choose the therapist and change if it is not the right fit. You have to be intentional about knowing your role and knowing yourself while also being open to all of the things that are happening for the child and their birth family. All of the case managers at PCHAS will be here to help you!

We are grateful for Ashley and all the PCHAS Case Managers who use their passion and expertise to serve children and families daily. If you are considering fostering or adopting, you deserve an agency with great staff you can trust. To learn more, join one of our weekly Online Info Sessions or connect with a Foster Care & Adoption Guide at fosteradopt@pchas.org or 281-324-0544.