Across the United States, nearly 390,000 children are in foster care. But the caseworkers responsible for their safety and future are often handling far more families than recommended.

Child welfare experts say high caseloads are putting pressure on a system already stretched thin.

National organizations recommend about 12 to 15 children per caseworker. In many agencies, workers handle twice that number or more.

Former Department of Human Services case manager Maggie Peeler said the job carries heavy responsibility.

“The state is overworked and underpaid, and there are some angels who do that job,” Peeler said. “But it’s hard and stressful because most of the weight of a case rests on your shoulders.”

As caseloads grow, time becomes the biggest challenge, she said.

“Sometimes you just don’t have the time to really talk to those kids or see what they want,” Peeler said.

That time is critical. Caseworkers make recommendations to judges about reunification, foster placement or adoption. These are decisions that can shape a child’s future.

Advocates say heavy workloads increase the risk of missed details and delays in finding permanent homes.

“Caseloads are probably high, and when you don’t fully understand the weight of what you’re doing, the impact on these kids can last forever,” Peeler said.

The pressure also affects the workers themselves. Child welfare agencies nationwide struggle with burnout and high turnover, making it harder to keep experienced staff.

“I was so worn out mentally and emotionally from advocating for these kids that I realized it wasn’t fair to my own family anymore,” Peeler said.

Child welfare organizations say reducing caseloads, hiring more workers and expanding support services are key to improving outcomes.

For many children and families, advocates say those changes can’t come soon enough.