On The Case: Stay-At-Home Mom Chooses Child Welfare Casework Over Retirement

In 2018, Brandy and her husband were ready to retire. They left Colorado Springs for the San Luis Valley, a beautiful part of Colorado where Brandy spent her childhood vacations and where she brought her own children for adventures when they were young. In addition to being a beautiful and relaxing place to live, Fort Garland was nearer their grandchildren. As her husband began work on building their new home – a cabin in the mountains – Brandy realized that instead of retirement, what she really wanted was to resume her college studies and take a job that would help children.

In 2019, Brandy began working for the Costilla County Department of Social Services as a receptionist. She soon moved on to a role helping residents access SNAP benefits then a child welfare caseworker – a job she had always wanted to pursue.

“I’ve always been drawn to helping children, and child welfare casework has become my passion,” said Brandy. “Someone close to me experienced abuse as a child and the trauma from a bad experience in the foster care system has affected them their whole life. This job gives me the opportunity to ensure that kids in my community don’t have to go through the same thing.”

Brandy is determined to ensure the parents and kids with whom she works have access to the best resources and support available, even if that means reaching outside if the county. “Everyone deserves a chance and it’s my job to help parents access the right resources and support to create an environment where their children can thrive,” added Brandy.

From the very beginning, Brandy believes in the families with whom she works. She knows they can work through their challenges and become good supports for their kids. They don’t feel judged by Brandy and she makes it clear to all parents that their kids belong with them and she is there to help make that happen.

“Removing a child from their home has lasting impacts but it is sometimes necessary for safety. When that happens, my favorite part of my job is reuniting that family,” said Brandy. “I know that I’ve had a positive impact on a family’s life when a child runs up to hug me and is happy to see me. Those moments are why I work so hard for families in my community.”

A typical day for Brandy can start at any time as her phone is on 24/7. She arrives at work early in the morning – an hour before everyone else – so she can take care of paperwork and any pressing deadlines with no interruptions. She spends the remainder of her day visiting families and kids, and handling referrals. The hours can be long but Brandy wouldn’t want it any other way. “In this job, you can’t be on the fence. It can be challenging so you either need to be all in or out. I am all in. This is my world and what I want to do,” Brandy added. Brandy has strong support from her husband who encourages her self-care and she come home every night to wonderful dinners he has prepared. She also has good support from her supervisor.

“Brandy has definitely been an asset to our families in Costilla County,” said Jacqueline Vigil, supervisor at the Costilla County Division of Child Welfare. “Brandy has a great rapport with the children – especially the older children who need extra attention. I have seen hear interact with these children and they have the utmost respect for her.”

In addition to her casework, Brandy is also currently pursuing a college degree. When her children were young Brandy began her college journey but with three kids to raise it ended up on the back-burner.

“You’re never too old to go back to school or start a new, fulfilling career,” said Brandy. “I’m living proof of that!”