Putting families first:
After 20 years in the military, Amy King was ready for a new chapter, one that allowed her to continue making a difference in the lives of others. During her time in the military, she spent five years volunteering as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL), advocating for children and gaining firsthand insight into child protective services.
“I’ve always known I wanted to work with children,” Amy said. “I just didn’t know what that would look like.”
When she joined FamiliesFirst Network in August 2018, Amy was drawn to the opportunity to grow her impact, supporting both children and parents.
Amy began her career at FamiliesFirst Network in a judicial role, working in early childhood court. She then transitioned to the Conditions for Return team, where she spent three years helping families work toward reunification, supporting parents as they made changes to safely bring their children home.
Today, as a senior child welfare case manager, Amy works with families whose children remain in the home. Her focus is on addressing challenges early, preventing the need for foster care placement.
That work often means stepping into situations shaped by generational cycles, poverty or lack of resources, then helping families find a path forward.
Stories of impact
One case that stands out involved a medically complex child who was wheelchair‑bound, while the mother was experiencing declining health and losing her vision.
“It was a really hard one,” Amy said. “The mother wasn’t lacking for love or care. But she didn’t have the support or the means. Her health was failing.”
The home environment reflected those challenges.
Moments like these highlight the complexity of child protective services.
Fortunately, team members like Amy go above and beyond to support the needs of families. In the face of a difficult removal, Amy ensured that this child could still celebrate a birthday surrounded by family. Amy personally transported the mother and siblings so they could be together.
“If it’s something I’m able to do, I want to help,” she said. “I want to do whatever I can to set people up for success.”
Amy drove another struggling family to food banks and medical appointments, even doing their laundry.
“If I didn’t do it, who was going to help them?” she said. “I felt like it was the right thing to do.”
Her coworker Nikki Weaver has seen this commitment firsthand.
“Amy consistently steps up to support not only her immediate team but case managers across the entire organization,” Nikki said. “I’ve had the privilege of partnering with Amy on home visits, and I’m continually inspired by the empathy and respect she shows every parent and child. Amy truly exemplifies what it means to put families first.”
Celebrating progress
One of Amy’s most meaningful experiences involved a mother who had previously lost parental rights to two children. Years later, Amy had the opportunity to work with her again after the birth of a new child.
This time, things were different.
With support and dedication, the mother made lasting changes, ultimately keeping custody of her child.
“This time, she trusted me,” Amy said. “That’s what I wanted – for her to know we’re here to support her.”
A culture of caring
Amy credits her success to the people she works alongside.
“I have an awesome team,” she said. “We have the same hearts. We all want to see our families do well and the children be safe.”
That shared commitment creates a culture where team members support one another just as much as they support families.
“Amy remembers the small things that make her teammates feel seen and valued,” Nikki said. “She’s always ready to lend a hand, whether it’s covering a visit, transporting a child or supporting a colleague.”
Team members like Amy do inspiring work every day, supporting parents and children in need. But we can’t do this alone.
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