The latest news & thinking from Alia...

“For kids who have nobody, we believe there actually are somebodies. And the question becomes: Are we willing to do what it takes to find and support those somebodies?” Amelia Franck Meyer, Alia Founder and Executive Officer

Child welfare stands at a crossroads. Nationwide, the workforce is facing overwhelming workloads, burnout, turnover, and systemic instability—increasing risk for families. Beneath the surface lies a fundamental truth: the resilience of the child welfare workforce hinges on a sense of connection and belonging to one another and their organization. At Alia, we serve organizations building a culture of belonging grounded in the evidence that a resilient workforce begins with a connected one. 

In the heart of Rock County, Wisconsin, there exists a haven for Black women impacted by Rock County Human Services called the BeeHive. This is not your typical support group or advisory board; the BeeHive is a sisterhood, a village, a safe space where Black women can come together to share their stories, support one another, and find strength in their shared experiences. It’s also an opportunity to sit at the decision-making table to improve family outcomes.

The path to systems transformation in child welfare is laced with challenges, but the rewards are immense. One of these challenges is the resistance to change. This resistance, although natural, can deter leaders (and those they lead) from making progress toward a big goal. This is especially true when that goal may threaten someone’s sense of safety and security. As a leader, it’s important to acknowledge this fear and uncertainty. Here are some common causes of fear as it relates to change, and ways leaders can better regulate their workforce and continue to make strides forward.