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Every child in the welfare system has a story. And behind every story, there are people doing steady, often unseen work to keep children safe and families supported.

March is Social Work Support Month — a time to recognize the case managers, social workers, family support workers, and advocates who navigate crisis, complexity, and heavy decisions every day. Their work requires deep knowledge, emotional resilience, and an unwavering commitment to children’s long-term well-being.

In Douglas County and across Kansas, the success of the child welfare system depends on collaboration. No single role carries the weight alone. This month, we’re highlighting what social work looks like in practice, why it matters, and how our community can strengthen and support the people doing this essential work.

Check out the latest news & updates from Step Up:

Social Work Support Month: Recognizing the Value of Social Work in Child Welfare

National Social Work Month is an opportunity to pause and consider what social work means in child welfare: showing up during crises and transitions, coordinating across systems, and developing plans for safety, stability, and permanence. This story explores how this work unfolds in Douglas County and shows why CASA’s advocacy relies on strong partnerships with professionals working within the day-to-day realities of the system.

This Month's Easy Wins

National Social Work Month is an opportunity to acknowledge those engaged in this work and to improve the conditions that enable their success: to thank a case manager, social worker, or family support worker for their invaluable contributions.


• Take a moment to thank a case manager, social worker, or family support worker for the work they do.
  
• Volunteer, donate, or advocate for policies that strengthen child welfare resources and support in Kansas.
  
• Learn how to assist children and families in your community through KVC Kansas — whether through fostering, volunteering, or forming community partnerships.
  
• Many causes across Kansas need more dedicated, compassionate social workers. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a social worker, explore degree programs at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare.

KVC Kansas


In Douglas County, KVC Kansas is the foster care case management provider, supporting children, teens and families during some of the most complex and high-stakes moments of their lives. KVC case managers and family support professionals assess safety concerns, coordinate services, navigate legal timelines, and work toward permanency while honoring the human realities behind each case. 

Social Work Support Month is a reminder that this work is both skilled and sustaining. It takes coordination among agencies, trust between partners, and community support that transcends individual roles. We are grateful for the dedication of the KVC Kansas staff and the collaboration that prioritizes children’s needs in decision-making.