What is a Guardian Ad Litem in Foster Care with Shanelle Dupree

Shanelle Dupree has deep Midwestern roots. She was born in Nebraska, raised in Oklahoma, and moved to Kansas to attend Washburn University School of Law. Shanelle is a lawyer, author, speaker, administrator, strategic connector, wife of a Pastor and Elected Official, and mama of 4. Shanelle’s faith is the thread that connects her life.
Attorney Dupree practiced law for nearly a decade representing children as a Guardian ad Litem, Parent’s Attorney, and handled numerous high conflict family law and juvenile law cases. Mrs. Dupree is a connector and creator. She successfully created and taught a series of legal and social child welfare informational classes for five years in Johnson County, Kansas. She provided hope, help, and humor to parents struggling to understand the child welfare system.
After leaving the courtroom, Shanelle traveled the state interviewing agencies and people running for office about the foster care system. She connected foster care and fashion and produced over 30 videos. Shanelle was appointed as the Kansas City Regional Director of the Department for Children and Families in March 2019. She manages resources and staffing across 5 counties for 450 employees.
Mrs. Dupree is a writer and has authored articles in the Johnson County Bar Journal and the Kansas Bar Association Journal. She presents at various conferences and workshops regarding children, family, and equity matters.
She is married to her law school sweetheart Wyandotte County District Attorney and Pastor Mark Dupree. Together they serve in ministry at Grace Tabernacle Family Life Outreach Center located in Kansas City, Kansas. Shanelle is the Bible Study teacher and recently published Bible Study Perspectives: Genesis which helps people looking to connect to God’s word using a simple and creative system.
Shanelle is passionately involved in policies and laws that affect the community. She has served as a campaign director, campaign advisor, and copywriter for multiple successful political campaigns.
Shanelle and Mark are the parents of 4 active and brilliant children, Layla, Mark, II, Lilly, and Micah.
Shanelle’s book