TFI Family Services Ensures Continuity of Foster Care Services in Nebraska, Announces New State Director

5/5/26 (Grand Island – NEBRASKA) — TFI Family Services is expanding foster care services
across Nebraska and is actively seeking caring individuals and families to become foster
parents to help meet the growing needs of children in foster care. TFI assumed responsibility for
foster care service provision for Nebraska families and children previously served through St.
Francis Ministries. Importantly, the transition was grounded in continuity — the same trusted
staff continued their work, ensuring children in placement did not experience disruption in their
case management or foster family relationships.
To lead this work, TFI is pleased to announce Michelle Dramse as Nebraska Foster Care
Director. Based in Grand Island, Dramse provides statewide leadership during this transition,
supporting staff, foster families, and partners while ensuring services remain stable, compliant
and child-centered.
In her role, Dramse oversees all placements in foster care and provides final approval of home
studies. She leads the day-to-day operations of the Nebraska foster care program, offering
clinical and administrative guidance to supervisors and foster care staff while maintaining
compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
Dramse brings more than 16 years of leadership experience in child welfare and is widely
recognized for her commitment to safety, stability and support for children involved in foster
care. In 2026, she was selected as the recipient of the Safe to Grow Award, an honor presented
through the For the Love of Children Banquet and Celebration. The award recognizes
individuals who make an extraordinary difference for youth in foster care through caregiving,
advocacy or service.
“As our foster care services continue to expand across Nebraska, it is critical that we strengthen
both our staff support and our foster parent network,” Dramse said. “Providing children with
safety, stability and connection begins with families who are willing to open their homes and
hearts.”
Dramse holds a Bachelor of Human Relations from Doane University and an Associate of
Criminal Justice from Central Community College. In addition to her professional experience,
she has been a licensed foster parent for 15 years, giving her firsthand insight that informs her
trauma-informed, family-centered leadership approach.
“We knew the priority in this transition had to be the children and families. The staff who showed
up for those families every day didn’t stop. They came to TFI and kept going. That continuity
matters in child welfare, and we are honored to carry that forward,” said Pam Richardson,
LMSW, TFI Vice President of Foster Care Services.
As TFI continues this work across Nebraska, the organization is also seeking individuals and
families interested in becoming foster parents — offering care, stability and connection for
children who need it most. To learn more about becoming a foster parent to a child in need, visit
www.tfifamily.org.
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TFI is a leading child welfare agency providing experience, compassion, quality services and care. We have more
than 60 years of experience strengthening families. We provide various services to the community, including foster
and kinship care, case management, adoption, clinical and behavioral health, prevention and family preservation,
residential, and numerous other child welfare services.