A Glimpse into the Life of a Caseworker

March is Caseworker Appreciation Month, and at Project 1.27, we are deeply grateful for the dedicated professionals who walk alongside children and families every day. Caseworkers often serve as the steady presence in some of the most challenging moments in a child’s life, advocating for safety, supporting foster families, and working tirelessly toward stability and healing. This month, we want to honor their compassion, resilience, and commitment to the children in Colorado’s foster care system. 
To help give a glimpse into the heart of this work, we asked Jessica Reffule, a Placement Case Worker on the Western Slope, about her role.

What led you to become a caseworker?
What ultimately led me to become a caseworker was the influence of people I deeply respected. I had close friends working in child welfare who encouraged me to apply after I finished school, and at the same time, I was surrounded by friends who were fostering, and I got to see their firsthand experiences. Being able to see both sides of the system from within child welfare and from the perspective of foster families was a gift. That early exposure gave me a well-rounded understanding of the work and helped guide me.  

Did you always see yourself doing this kind of work?
I’ve always wanted to help people, and this work felt like a natural fit. I love the families and the kids I get to work with, and now that I’m here, I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. 

What do you love about what you do?
What I love most about my job is getting to know the foster/kin families who step into a role that isn’t easy and choose to show up anyway and building relationships. I also love that there’s always something new to learn; every child, every family, and every case is different. That constant growth and variety make the work incredibly meaningful.

If you could change one thing about the system, what would you change and why?
If I could change one thing about the system, it would be to ensure families and caregivers have more consistent training and resources from the very beginning. When people step into this work, whether they’re parents, foster families, or caregivers, they’re often doing something incredibly hard with limited tools. Strengthening early support would not only help families feel less overwhelmed but would ultimately create more stability and better outcomes for the kids we’re trying to serve. Understanding the legal process takes time.  

Can you tell me about one moment that changed you?
One moment that has stayed with me is seeing this young boy make real progress, not just in behavior but in learning to connect with others and trust others. He came in guarded, unsure, and angry. Over time, through patience and support, he began to trust the people around them. Watching him open up, build relationships, and take small steps toward feeling safe reminded me why this work matters. Those moments of growth and connection are what make every challenge worth it. We can't change a child's past, but we can help make their future brighter. 

What is one thing you wish foster parents knew?
I wish foster families knew how much power they truly have and that they’re not alone in this work. While we may not always agree with judicial decisions, we’re here to support them and make the most meaningful impact possible in the time we have. This isn’t easy work, but when foster families stay engaged, advocate, and lean into that role, real change happens. We support that involvement and believe in the difference it can make. 

What reminds you that this work matters?
What reminds me that this work matters are the moments of connection, seeing a child feel safe, watching a family grow more confident, or witnessing progress that may seem small but is life changing. Those moments, and the resilience of the kids and families I work with, are constant reminders that even on the hardest days, the work we do truly makes a difference. 

What is a way that the community can encourage you?
Understanding that we are here to help. We want to support families and guide them towards the best outcomes for themselves and their children.  
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Anything else you’d want people to know?
What foster parents do matters more than they may ever realize.  I hope the foster families know they are a blessing to the children and communities they serve. I would tell them to not be afraid to ask for help, don't be afraid to speak up. Have compassion for those around you.

Stories like Jessica’s remind us that caring for children in foster care takes a community. Caseworkers, foster families, churches, and supporters all play a role in helping children find safety and belonging.