As a career macro-level social worker, I’ve arrived at a major shift in perspective. The unit of change is more about people than policy. Today’s episode is about how I came to the idea that systems don’t change until people change. In other words, I believe that systems change strategies are important, but they are insufficient in advancing justice for families. I share how the strategies I’ve worked on ran up against very real limitations in their ability to improve the well-being of children or parents and keep families together. When we change the structures of the system are we solving the right problem? I wrap with some of my practices for how I am changing so that my work is in service of people rather than systems.

We embark on an inspiring journey with Brandon Youngblood, exploring his life’s challenges and triumphs. Join us as we delve into Brandon’s incredible journey from a consistently chaotic childhood marked by domestic violence and substance use to becoming a Foster Care Specialist at MDHHS. At 29 years old, Brandon’s story is one of resilience, expertise, and advocacy.