Child Welfare Workforce Month recognizes the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Angela Blanton, a child welfare leader whose 18-year career, personal journey as a foster parent and unwavering commitment to her community make her a true hometown hero.
Angela’s Background and Journey:
Angela’s path in child welfare began 18 years ago in Oklahoma, fresh out of college, where she worked in family-centered services. Over the years, she gained experience in investigations and foster care for the state and TFI. Eight years ago, Angela joined TFI as a caseworker. Her determination and dedication propelled her into a supervisory role. Today, she leads as the Director of Foster Care for Oklahoma.
But Angela’s commitment to child welfare isn’t limited to her professional life. She and her husband spent six years fostering five children, ultimately adopting three. Her lived experience as both a foster parent and a professional has given her a unique perspective, enabling her to approach her work with empathy, understanding and a personal connection to the challenges faced by foster families.
Angela’s Career:
For Angela, a pivotal moment in her career came when she shifted from caseworker to foster parent. Experiencing both sides of the system gave her a deeper appreciation for the emotional and procedural complexities that foster families and caseworkers navigate.
While adoption is a deeply rewarding outcome, Angela is passionate about reunification, believing it to be one of the most meaningful achievements when children can safely return to their biological families. This perspective has shaped her leadership style, emphasizing understanding, compassion and collaboration with all parties involved.
Angela’s Impact on Families and the Community:
Angela’s influence extends far beyond her job description. In addition to her role at TFI, she actively volunteers on a local nonprofit foster care board and partners with her church to support initiatives like CarePortal and 111. She is deeply involved in recruitment and retention efforts for foster families, often attending events and community outreach programs with her family, who share her passion for service.
Angela is also a vocal advocate for mental health, a cause that became even more personal after the devastating loss of her adopted daughter to suicide at age 15. Her experience has deepened her resolve to ensure that children and families receive the emotional and mental health support they need, providing a voice for those who may feel unheard.
Angela’s Motivation and Vision:
What drives Angela, even on the most challenging days, is her belief in the power of permanency. Whether it’s through reunification, adoption or kinship care, she is motivated by the knowledge that every child deserves stability and a loving home. Witnessing children thrive in their forever homes and hearing stories of their success fuels her determination to keep going.
Looking ahead, Angela envisions a brighter future for child welfare—one where more families feel supported, foster care systems are better understood and every child has the opportunity to feel safe and valued. Her goal is to continue advocating for change and providing leadership that inspires others to make a difference.
This Child Welfare Workforce Month, let Angela’s story remind us of the incredible impact one person can have when they dedicate their life to the service of others.
Child welfare professionals like Angela work tirelessly to protect and support vulnerable children and families. Let’s celebrate their contributions and commit to supporting foster care initiatives in our own communities. Together, we can create a future where every child has the stability, support and love they deserve.
# # #
