Larry N. Rein, CEO and President, ChildNet

In this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, Larry N. Rein, President and CEO of ChildNet, discusses how the organization manages community-based foster care across Broward and Palm Beach Counties in Florida and works to improve outcomes for children and families involved in the child welfare system. Larry explains how ChildNet’s community-based care model brings together nonprofits, government agencies, foster care providers, and other community resources to provide specialized services while keeping responsibility for each child’s case centralized. He shares how ChildNet has helped reduce the number of children in foster care in Broward County from approximately 4,000 to fewer than 1,200, while also discussing the challenges that success can create for partner organizations whose services and funding needs change. Larry also explores the evolution of child welfare from removal-focused approaches toward family reunification, kinship care, and strengthening families whenever safely possible. He discusses the importance of supporting and retaining case managers who face significant emotional and professional pressures, emphasizing work-life balance, recognition, gratitude, and organizational support. Looking ahead, Larry reflects on the importance of continuously evaluating what is working, acknowledging imperfections, communicating successful models to policymakers, and ensuring that young people leaving foster care continue to receive support as they transition into adulthood.