From Foster Care to Family Law: Susan Chesnutt on Justice, Healing, and Child Welfare

Our Best of Fostering Change series continues with an unforgettable conversation featuring Susan Chesnutt—a family law attorney, former child abuse investigator, and former foster youth whose life has come full circle through advocacy and service.

Susan has experienced the child welfare system from nearly every perspective. Raised in foster care herself, she later investigated child abuse cases for Florida's Department of Children and Families before earning her law degree and dedicating her legal career to representing children and families. Today, through The Chesnutt Law Firm and her podcast, From Foster Care to Family Law, she works to make the child welfare system more compassionate, transparent, and effective.

Conversation Highlights

How Susan's own foster care experience shaped her career in child welfare law

What really happens during a child protective services investigation—and what families should know

Why empathy and trauma-informed advocacy are essential in family law

The importance of protecting both children's safety and families' rights

Susan's vision for a child welfare system rooted in compassion, accountability, and healing

Looking Ahead

We're enjoying revisiting these memorable conversations throughout the summer, but there's even more ahead.

This fall, we'll return with all-new episodes featuring inspiring guests and important conversations—under a new podcast name we'll announce very soon. We can't wait to share what's next, so stay tuned!

Connect with Susan Chesnutt