Carol Hernandez, senior child welfare case manager in Shalimar, has been named Team Member of the Quarter for FamiliesFirst Network!

Carol was recognized for helping coordinate a young child’s return to her mother in Guatemala – a feat that took months of preparation, including working with government officials, ensuring the child’s belongings were packed, and supporting mother and child throughout the process.

Carol also worked with Lakeview Center’s Mobile Response Team to support another family who suffered an unexpected death.

She helps her team on a regular basis by transporting children, watching them between placements, and providing translation support to communicate with families in their native language.

Thanks to Carol’s parent engagement work, seven families were able to reunify with their children, meaning 11 children returned home – and an average of 8 months from removal, with one reunification happening less than a month from removal.

Carol is the inaugural recipient for FamiliesFirst Network’s new quarterly recognition program. Team Member of the Quarter will receive a $50 gift card and certificate from their leader to show gratitude for all their hard work.

Thank you to Carol for demonstrating FamiliesFirst Network’s mission, vision and values!