Joe Allen

My name is Joe Allen and I’m a Social Worker. I have worked in child welfare for over 18 years and I’m currently working as a Policy Consultant and Trainer with the NCDHHS Division.  I am also a foster and adoptive parent with a passion for advocacy for youth in care.  

It’s funny how I thought I was a good Social Worker before becoming a foster parent. Fostering has taught me a lot about partnering with Resource Parents. After leaving social work, I felt the need to continue to advocate for children's welfare. I did some research (as Social Workers do!) and discovered Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina (FFA-NC). 

FFA-NC is a non-profit run by Resource Parents and their mission is to educate, advocate, support and promote partnerships that lead to positive outcomes for children, youth, and resource families of North Carolina. Initially, I was afraid my experience as a Social Worker would conflict with serving other foster parents. Instead, I found partnership when I joined the Board of FFA-NC. I saw FFA-NC not only as an organization to aid foster parents, but also a huge resource for Social Workers across this state.

As a social worker that has also been a foster parent, I have sat on both sides of the desk.  I often wondered how those without prior knowledge of social work jargon, policy, and practice could navigate the system. When asked who I talked to about all the most frustrating aspects of being a Social Worker in CPS and Foster Care, I always answered: “Other Social Workers because that’s who understands it best.” Then I had an epiphany: that is what FFA-NC is.  

Social Workers are busy. That’s not an excuse, just reality. I’ve felt the frustration of a Social Worker. I’ve been on the other side of a phone call not being returned or having to answer questions and complete tasks quickly to meet a child’s needs. Every Resource Parent has felt that a time or two. As a Social Worker, I see that FFA-NC is doing things right. They are teaching Resource Parents the ins and outs of the vernacular, policies and procedures and partnering with them to navigate gray areas in DSS policy, practices and procedures.  

I’ll end by saying that when I train Social Workers for the State of North Carolina I always tell them, “Work smarter not harder. Utilize the tools you have available to you as a Social Worker.” FFA-NC is one of those tools. Social Workers all over the state should be aware of FFA-NC and utilize it to help support those who are the most precious of all, the children and youth in our homes.