Charlene Burris
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dedicated Foster Parent Support Specialist with expertise in child development and mental health awareness. At the IL Department of Children and Family Services, I successfully enhanced parental involvement through workshops, while fostering a nurturing environment for medically fragile children. Proven ability to connect families with resources, promoting educational support and well-being.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Foster Parent Support Specialist
IL Department of Children and Family Services
06.2024 - Current
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in foster care provision.
- Cared for four medically fragile children in need of extensive support.
- Provided services for families experiencing difficulties, connecting them with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
- Supported families in school systems and accessing resources, promoting a positive learning environment.
- Enhanced parental involvement by conducting informative workshops and support groups.
Specialized Foster Parent
Ucan
11.2011 - 07.2025
- Collaborated with social workers to develop individualized care plans for each child in the foster home.
- Facilitated family visits and maintained open communication with biological parents when appropriate to support reunification efforts.
- Encouraged positive relationships among siblings placed together in the same foster home through conflict resolution techniques and team-building activities.
- Enhanced children''s well-being by providing a safe, nurturing, and structured home environment.
Good Shephard Home Day Care
Self-employeed
06.2000 - 10.2012
- Provided an age-appropriate learning environment for children age six weeks to twelve years old.
- Provided quarterly trainings to promote child development with staff and parents.
- Partnered with community Head Start with three- to five-year-olds for preschool learning
Education
Associate Of Applied Science - Education
Triton College
River Grove, IL08-2025
GED -
IL Department of Education
Chicago, IL01-1987
Skills
- Mental health awareness
- Self-care promotion
- Child development expertise
- Educational support
Timeline
Foster Parent Support Specialist
IL Department of Children and Family Services
06.2024 - Current
Specialized Foster Parent
Ucan
11.2011 - 07.2025
Good Shephard Home Day Care
Self-employeed
06.2000 - 10.2012
Associate Of Applied Science - Education
Triton College
GED -
IL Department of Education
Similar Profiles
Twynette LomaxTwynette Lomax
Child Welfare Specialist Trainee at IL Department Of Children And Family ServicesChild Welfare Specialist Trainee at IL Department Of Children And Family Services
Nicalas PleasantNicalas Pleasant
Public Safety Coordinator at Allied Universal Security ServicesPublic Safety Coordinator at Allied Universal Security Services
Holli Smith-HarringtonHolli Smith-Harrington
Family Service Worker Specialist-Adoption Specialist at Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Children & Family ServicesFamily Service Worker Specialist-Adoption Specialist at Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Children & Family Services
Railyn O'ConnorRailyn O'Connor
Barista at StarbucksBarista at Starbucks
LaToyia DavidsonLaToyia Davidson
Brand Marketing Communications Consultant at LucyBell Brands, LLCBrand Marketing Communications Consultant at LucyBell Brands, LLC