Adoption Hacks: Adoption and Foster Care Support and Education

Kandace and Callie answer listener questions in this season 4 FINALE! We talk attachment, 2nd adoptions, how covid is impacting the adoption world, talking with siblings about adoption details and much more! Thank you to all of our listeners this season, we so appreciate the support and community! Find Us: instagram.com/adoptionhacks facebook.com/adoptionhacks --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

This is such an important topic! Todays guest is Cara Peper. It was so wonderful to get to chat with Cara, she's an adoptive mom of 2 little ones. as you'll hear she's so honest and vulnerable about her story. Something that I know I didn't anticipate after placement was post placement guilt and anxiety. We've talked this show before about post placement depression but this is a little different. And we're going to get into what it is, and if its something you are experiencing I hope this helps you know you are not alone. We have a Q&A episode coming up! So send us ALL your questions! You can DM us on Instagram or Facebook @adoptionhacks email us at adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com or send us a voice memo that could be featured on the show! anchor.fm/adoptionhacks This weeks episode is sponsored by Kindred + Co! Kindred + Co. is a brave adoption community that lifts stories from all sides in the adoption triad. Kindred believes that sharing stories is a powerful way to understand and education on the complexities of adoption. Kindred and Co. desires to see relationships built within the adoption triad. Kindred hosts online coffee hours, in person retreats and hopefully will be launching their first conference in the near future. Weekly, you can find blogs written by all sides of the triad at www.kindredand.co/blog Kindred + Co. also creates modern, custom adoption profile books for prospective adoptive parents. Kindred + Co. was the first profile book provider to have a birth mom on their team that educates clients on language and best practices for making your profiebook. Kindred helps you make a book that you can feel proud to present - while making sure that every expectant mom that flips through your book feels seen and respected. To learn more you can visiting www.kindredand.co - and following Kindred + Co. on instagram @kindredand.co Find Us: instragram.com/adoptionhacks facebook.com/adoptionhacks Guest views and opinions are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adoption Hacks. We strive to create a space for adoptive parents to learn and grow from a variety of perspectives, experiences and opinions from all sides of the triad. We hope you join us in honoring the unique backgrounds and stories of our guests. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

On todays show we are talking with Sharon from Gift of Adoption. Gift of Adoption (GOA) is a national charity that provides grants to complete the adoptions of vulnerable children – giving them permanent families and the chance to thrive. Founded in 1996, GOA is celebrating 25 years, $11.5 million in adoption funding and 3,900 children home for good (as of June 2021). If you are new to this adoption world there are usually so many questions surrounding fundraising and adoption grants, so we wanted to talk with an organization to hear how it works, what are they looking for, and how to apply. Find out more of what Gift of Adoption is doing and your local chapter here: https://giftofadoption.org/ In a couple weeks we are going to do a Q&A episode! So send us ALL your questions! You can DM us on Instagram or Facebook @adoptionhacks email us at adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com or send us a voice memo that could be featured on the show! anchor.fm/adoptionhacks Find Us: instragram.com/adoptionhacks facebook.com/adoptionhacks Guest views and opinions are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adoption Hacks. We strive to create a space for adoptive parents to learn and grow from a variety of perspectives, experiences and opinions from all sides of the triad. We hope you join us in honoring the unique backgrounds and stories of our guests. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Today on the show, Kandace interviews JT Olsen, founder and executive director of Both Hands. Both Hands helps families fundraise for their adoption by coordinating a service project fixing up a widow's home. Their mission is to fulfill James 1:27 by serving widows, orphans and adoptive families simultaneously. If you are fundraising fr an adoption, this is a must listen! Hear the heart behind this organization and get inspired to do your own project. And even if you are not currently fundraising, this episode is wrth the listen to hear JT's own story of loss and how it led him to create Both Hands. Check out all Both Hands is doing Here: https://bothhands.org/ In a couple weeks we are going to do a Q&A episode! So send us ALL your questions! You can DM us on Instagram or Facebook @adoptionhacks email us at adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com or send us a voice memo that could be featured on the show! anchor.fm/adoptionhacks Find Us: instragram.com/adoptionhacks facebook.com/adoptionhacks Guest views and opinions are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adoption Hacks. We strive to create a space for adoptive parents to learn and grow from a variety of perspectives, experiences and opinions from all sides of the triad. We hope you join us in honoring the unique backgrounds and stories of our guests. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Kasi Pruitt is with us today and WOW it is so incredible to hear her adoption journey and her perspective. She is a mom of 5, soon to be 6 kids. In this episode we talk about navigating unknowns. What do we do when life looks different from what we imagined? Maybe that is medical needs or simply starting an adoption in the middle of a pandemic. Most adoptions at some point hit things we just did not expect. Kasi talks us through what that was like for her family and walks us through some things she has learned along the way. Find Kasi on Instagram: @pruittkasi Email Us: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com Find Us FB/IG: @adoptionhacks Guest views and opinions are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adoption Hacks. We strive to create a space for adoptive parents to learn and grow from a variety of perspectives, experiences and opinions from all sides of the triad. We hope you join us in honoring the unique backgrounds and stories of our guests. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

On this episode we have some very practical and helpful advice about profile books from the amazing Kindred + Co. Team! Profile books are used by domestic infant adoptive parents and it can be overwhelming to know how to create one of these books and what you should and shouldn’t include. So Hannah Eloge and Jessie Mattos are here to walk us through it all! Kindred + Co. creates modern, custom adoption profile books for prospective adoptive parents. Kindred + Co. was the first profile book provider to have a birth mom on their team that educates clients on language and best practices for making your profile book. Kindred helps you make a book that you can feel proud to present - while making sure that every expectant mom that flips through your book feels seen and respected. Kindred also hosts online coffee hours, in person retreats and hopefully will be launching their first conference in the near future. Weekly, you can find blogs written by all sides of the triad at www.kindredand.co/blog To learn more you can visiting www.kindredand.co - and following Kindred + Co. on instagram @kindredand.co Email Us: adoptionahacksinfo@gmail.com Find Us IG/FB: @adoptionhacks Guest views and opinions are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adoption Hacks. We strive to create a space for adoptive parents to learn and grow from a variety of perspectives, experiences and opinions from all sides of the triad. We hope you will join us in honoring the unique backgrounds and stories of our guests. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

As a child Peter Mutabazi ran away from an abusive home and was helped by the kindness of strangers. As an adult he found himself in a position of being able to help foster children, so he began taking children into his home years ago to give back what was so freely given to him. It's his mission to give back as much as he can to the vulnerable among us. That's what drives Now I Am Known: to bring a message of hope to the hopeless, the same message Peter needed so badly to hear as a child. He and his son will be partnering with foster care agencies to give away a plush puppy with the message "Now I Am Known, Seen, and Heard" to at-risk children across the country. Hear his incredible story of becoming a foster dad, and how he is reaching so many children with the affirming message that they are known and loved. Find Peter Here: www.NowIAmKnown.com YouTube: @nowiamknown Instagram: @fosterdadflipper Facebook: @fosterdadflipper Email Us: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com Find Us FB/IG: @adoptionhacks --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

This week we get to talk with Whitney Runyon from The Archibald Project! Whitney and her husband are adoptive parents who are passionate about empowering others to care for orphaned and vulnerable children. In this episode we get to hear Whitney’s personal adoption story and what the Archibald Project is and how it began. Then we dive into a deep discussion of ethics in adoption. What can we do as prospective and current adoptive parents to ensure that we are promoting ethical adoptions? What are some of the typical ethical downfalls in this process and how can we spot the red flags? We know this talk is Heavy! But its sooo important for us to have. Check out all The Archibald Project is doing here: TheArchibaldProject.com And on Instagram at @TheArchibaldProject Email Us: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com Find Us IG/FB: @adoptionhacks --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Lanaya Graham is with us this week! And of course we are talking about BOOKS!  You may know Lanaya from her instagram account @adoption.books where she shares her honest, detailed book reviews- not just recommendations. She speaks out about how the complexities of adoption really need to be reflected in Children’s books, and that adoptees need appropriate representation in literature. Her reviews include children’s literature, biographies, and adoptive parenting books. Resources Mentioned in Episode:  Adoptee Reading: http://adopteereading.com/ Frankie and Friends Talk Adoption by Pam Kroskie Motherbridge of Love by Xinran Growing Grace by Erin Mason Star of the Week by Darlene Friedman Through Adopted Eyes by Elena Hall The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler Primal Wound by Nancy Verrier Find her on IG at adoption.books and her website www.lanayagraham.com This weeks episode is sponsored by Kindred + Co! Kindred + Co. is a brave adoption community that lifts stories from all sides in the adoption triad. Kindred believes that sharing stories is a powerful way to understand and education on the complexities of adoption. Kindred and Co. desires to see relationships built within the adoption triad. Kindred hosts online coffee hours, in person retreats and hopefully will be launching their first conference in the near future. Weekly, you can find blogs written by all sides of the triad at www.kindredand.co/blog Kindred + Co. also creates modern, custom adoption profile books for prospective adoptive parents. Kindred + Co. was the first profile book provider to have a birth mom on their team that educates clients on language and best practices for making your profiebook. Kindred helps you make a book that you can feel proud to present - while making sure that every expectant mom that flips through your book feels seen and respected. To learn more you can visiting www.kindredand.co - and following Kindred + Co.  on instagram @kindredand.co Find Us on IG/FB:  @adoptionhacks Email Us:  adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Michelle Batten is with us this week to talk about the Power of Play! Michelle is a TBRI® Educator, SSP Practitioner, and ACPI Parenting Coach. Michelle is a a trauma responsive parenting coach who helps exhausted adoptive and foster parents explore needs behind difficult behavior, find hope again, and bring healing to their family. In this episode we discuss the the healing power of play time with our children. What happens in our child's brain while we play and some practical games and tools to build in connection times to our daily lives. Find out more about Michelle at HopeParenting.com Find Us on IG/FB: @adoptionhacks Email Us: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

We talk about EVERYTHING in this episode! Whatever stage of adoption you are in, this episode has something for you. Ligia shares her personal story of loss and how it led to adoption. We also discuss what it's like to adopt as a person of color and finding community. Ligia shares where things stand with racial justice and the adoption community and what the future of trainings could look like. And she talks about personal stories of her adoption journey and how we can love our children well. Check out Ligia's website and book here: https://www.ligiacushman.com/ More about Ligia: Inspired by her very deep and personal connections to adoption, fueled by being the daughter of immigrants and motivated by the realities of a complex society, Ligia has become a fierce advocate for adopted children and multiracial families. Her ability to have authentic conversations about her Afro-Latina experience, adopting a mixed race child, and being married interracially is genuine and insightful. Part of her personal mission is to address how differences in class, culture, and race impact adoption in today's world. Ligia is also dedicated to changing the narrative by introducing a modern understanding of adoption through her own professional and personal story. Earning a Masters Degree in Professional Counseling and with over 18 years of experience as a social worker, Ligia recently stepped into the role of National Child Welfare Consultant at AdoptUSKids. n 2019, Ligia published her first book "Heard: How Loss Led Us to Love" which was recognized as one of the top 20 books on adoption by Book Authority. In 2020, Ligia’s blog was named one of the best adoption blogs of 2020 by Healthline Parenthood. Her hope is to raise awareness and change the narrative of what it means to be a transracial adoptive family in a world that often wants to put you in a box. Find Us on IG/FB @adoptionhacks Email Us AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Check out Part 1 from yesterday! Co-hosts Kandace and Callie have recorded the podcast they wish they had in the early days of adoption! The goals of attachment are to create a connection, build trust and let the child know they are safe, understood and their needs are being met. We go through many different ways to ease in connection and attachment through Eye Contact, Physical Touch, Closeness, Language, Food, Smells and Sleep.We want this episode to give you hope that attachment is a journey with ebbs and flows and provide you with very very practical ways that we found helpful. Email Us: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.com Find Us on IG/FB: @AdoptionHacks --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Co-hosts Kandace and Callie have recorded the podcast they wish they had in the early days of adoption! The goals of attachment are to create a connection, build trust and let the child know they are safe, understood and their needs are being met. We go through many different ways to ease in connection and attachment through Eye Contact, Physical Touch, Closeness, Language, Food, Smells and Sleep.We want this episode to give you hope that attachment is a journey with ebbs and flows and provide you with very very practical ways that we found helpful. Part 2 will be out tomorrow!! Email Us: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.com Find Us on IG/FB: @AdoptionHacks --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Allie Haaz from Bethel China is with us today! Bethel China cares for children across China who are blind or have significant visual impairment. They provide preschool services and adoption advocacy for children who have been orphaned and therapy for families with visually impaired children so these families can receive education and support. Bethel is a great example of how we can advocate for family preservation and adoption at the same time. In this episode we discuss how Bethel is doing that and how we as adoptive families can do that as well. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allie.bethel.104 Website: https://www.bethelchina.org/ Email: allie@bethelchina.org Love at Last Grants: https://www.facebook.com/loveatlastgrants/ Exposed to Hope: https://www.amazon.com/Exposed-Hope-Families-Visually-Impaired-ebook/dp/B00JRSWWZ2/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Bethel+china&qid=1605549763&sr=8-5 Find Us: FB/IG @adoptionhacks Email Us: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Mom of 12 through birth and adoption, Lisa Qualls, and late child-development expert Dr. Karyn Purvis provide practical advice and powerful tools to encourage secure attachment for adoptive and foster families in The Connected Parent: Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment. The final written work of bestselling author Dr. Purvis, The Connected Parent includes insights from her decades of renowned clinical research devoted help children coming from hard places. Qualls, co-host of The Adoption Connection Podcast, demonstrates how readers can successfully implement these strategies taught by Dr. Purvis in their homes, just as she did in hers. After 22 years of marriage and seven children by birth, the Qualls took the first step towards adoption. Several years later, after adopting four kids, they reached a point of tremendous discouragement and exhaustion. “We read books, received training, and learned that it would take time for our adopted children to trust us, accept us, attach to us, and begin healing,” said Qualls. “But we were experiencing extreme challenges. One of our kids was so wounded that her suffering was impacting all of us. It was a dark and dreadful place to be. We felt shame over our apparently insufficient parenting skills and our inability to bring healing to our child.” Email Us: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com FB/IG @adoptionhacks --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

In this episode Callie interviews Foster/Adoptive Parents - Bennett and Brittany. They share their heart for foster children and their beautiful family story. We discuss how their view of parenthood has shifted, overcoming fears and navigating and valuing birth family relationships. This episode is Sponsored by The Mustard Seed Marketplace: The Mustard Seed Marketplace believes your purchases make a powerful impact! Whether it's providing jobs for overcomers of sex-trafficking, or supporting small businesses - they want you to be able to shop the causes that you care for most! They’re passionate about bringing you on-trend items with a greater purpose. Shop online at www.themustardseedmarketplace.com and find them on Facebook and Instagram at @themustardseedmarketplace Email Us: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.com FB/IG: AdoptionHacks --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Torie Dimartile is a doctoral student in Sociocultural Anthropology at Indiana University studying the impact of systemic racism on domestic transracial adoption and an advocate for racial justice in the Christian church. She herself is a transracial adoptee on a lifelong journey towards a healthy racial identity. In this episode we talk about the history of transracial adoptions and systematic racism in the US adoption industry. We also discuss how adoptive parents can prepare for their transracial adoptions and things to look for in agencies. Find Torie Here: https://wreckageandwonder.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/wreckageandwonder Join us in thanking Torie for her time here: Venmo: @Victoria-DiMartile Email Us: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.com FB/IG: AdoptionHacks --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

In this episode Callie interviews Elizabeth McGlathery about her company Honey Clothing Company. Elizabeth and her husband adopted a child from South Korea and during that time realized the need for single mother support in the country. Honey creates retro, stylish clothing and accessories and gives a portion of their proceeds to support Korean single mothers. In this episode you'll hear Elizabeth's adoption story, how Honey was created and advise for those wanting to start a small business that gives back. Listeners can get 20% off your next order from Honey by using the code ADOPTIONHACKS Find Honey Here: https://honeyclothingcompany.com Email Us: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.com FB/IG @AdoptionHacks It's an honor to be listed as #2 in Feedspots Top Foster Care Podcasts! https://blog.feedspot.com/foster_care_podcasts/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

On the show this week we have - Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP, TBRI® PRACTITIONER from Lifeline Children Services. Sonia serves as Lifeline's Director in the Central Alabama area. She engages the central Alabama church community in implementing Families Count, birth mother support and services, and speaking to parents, professionals, Judges, DHR attorneys, & GAL’s at various conferences in the southeast on topics such as parenting kids from hard places and how to measure bonding and attachment in deciding best placement for children in foster care. Sonia is the mother of 7 teenage boys, 3 of which were adopted internationally and she is a foster parent for Montgomery County DHR. Sonia and Kandace discuss "typical" behaviors in foster and adoptive children, what parents need to be aware of and what is under the surface of those behaviors. And we have an in depth discussion where Sonia gives VERY practical examples of how we can flip the conversation and create connected moments when we are parenting and correcting. See what Lifeline is doing here: https://lifelinechild.org Follow Us IG/FB: @AdoptionHacks Email Us: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

In this episode, Callie interviews Elena S. Hall, a Russian adoptee with a passion for adoption advocacy. Elena’s goal is to aid those in the adoption triad to promote healing and growth within the adoption community and empower readers to share their own stories. Elena is the author of 2 books which we discuss in this episode: Through Adopted Eyes which explores the world of adoption from the viewpoint of adoptees. Elena shares her own story and thoughts on the subject of adoption in addition to interviews from other adoptees of different ages, heritages, and perspectives. And Through Adopted Hearts which explores the world of adoption from the viewpoints of both birth and adoptive parents. If you are an adoptive parent, birth parent, adoptee, or just curious to learn more, these book provides thoughtful and challenging perspective into how adoption shapes and changes lives. If you’d like to join us in thanking Elena for her time and work in the adoptive community, you can do so via Venmo @elena_hall Check out all that Elena is doing here: Instagram: @throughadoptedeyes Facebook Amazon Audible Email Us: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.com IG/FB: AdoptionHacks --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Steven Benedict is a Professional Track Athlete & Olympic Qualifier, Keynote Speaker, the founder of the Fostering Success Project, and Published Health Personality.  In this episode Steven tells his story of growing up in the foster system, how that led to his running career and how he is now using his platform to come alongside foster children.  His ongoing determination to his sport and companies runs parallel with his dedication to sharing a story that will inspire and highlight an oftentimes hidden reality. There are hundreds of thousands of adults and children like him who need to know that our experiences are not our finish line. More importantly, there are millions of people that need to hear his message. Resilience and the ability to overcome adversity is not just a story for kids in foster care or adopted homes, it is a story for everyone. Check out all that Steven is doing here:  https://www.stevieyb.com This episode is sponsored by GOEX - GOEX believes in the power of purchase. They use a simple t-shirt to connect their customers with their apparel makers. GOEX customers sustain fair wage jobs that liberate workers from poverty and empower them in their families and communities. They are proud to be a verified member of the Fair Trade Federation. Shop sustainable, eco-friendly t-shirts and sweatshirts with purpose today at goexapparel.com Email Us:  AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.com FB/IG:  AdoptionHacks Review us on iTunes!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Welcome to Season 4 of Adoption Hacks! This season the show will be hosted by both Kandace Lecocq and Callie Troyer! We will be taking turns interviewing guests and coming together to discuss topics. This season 4 debut episode features Callie's husband Brian who is a licensed marriage and family therapist and TBRI practitioner and an adoptive dad. He is with us today to discuss practical ways to incorporate TBRI in your home. Trust Based Relational Intervention is an incredible tool especially for parenting children from hard places. But sometimes it can be hard to see how the science and the methods of TBRI translate into everyday life.. in your home.. with your child. In this episode you'll hear how TBRI comes into play in Brian and Callie's everyday parenting. This episode is sponsored by Brave Gals! Brave Gals mission is to empower Mompreneurs through a collection of apparel items with encouraging messages and fostering a community of women to share their Brave stories. Check out BraveGals.com and use coupon code adoptionhacks10 for 10% off! Rate us on iTunes! Follow Us (IG/FB): @adoptionhacks Email Us: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

EXCITING NEWS! Callie Troyer is joining Kandace Lecocq as Co-Host for Season 4! We are coming together to highlight voices in our community and meet you where you are in your adoptive/foster journey! Season 4 Debuts September 22nd! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Kandace and her husband Anthony answer listener questions this week! We discuss what we wish we would've known before adopting, can you begin the adoption journey still having a lot of questions or fears? How to talk with friends or family who are unsupportive, what cocooning was like for us, a message for adoptive dads and more!  That's a wrap on season 3! Thank you for your support/listens/messages/reviews! You make this podcast so fun to create! Follow Us on IG/FB @AdoptionHacks Email Us:  Adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com Music: DrummerBoy by Misterwives --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Sharday Dufresne is on the show this week to discuss racial issues inside of adoption. We discuss the history or racial injustices in adoption and agency practices, Saviorism, white privilege and adoptive parent privilege. We urge you to lean in and sit with these difficult topics... these conversations are crucial to our community. Sharday is a transracial adoptee who is inviting that voice within to rise up storyteller. She continues to champion and advocate for those in this triad community in hopes of gathering around the table to hear others stories rise up.  She, her husband and two little gents live in Long Beach, Calif. You are able to thank Sharday for her time via her Venmo @Sharday-Dufresne Race and Adoption Video: https://vimeo.com/kneetoknee/review/436426471/d8533345c3. Email us: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com FB/IG @adoptionhacks --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Ashley Mitchell, owner of Big Tough Girl and Founder + Executive Director of Lifetime Healing Foundation, set out to seek increased care, understanding, and resources for birth mothers.  For over a decade, Ashley has been one of the most consistent and sought after birth mother voices in the nation.  Entering in to the adoptive community can be overwhelming to new adoptive parents so on this episode Ashley and Kandace discuss how AP's can find your footing and role in these conversations. Ashley shares how she has seen this community grow through tension and difficult conversations. We discuss Adoptive Parent Privilege and why it is so important for AP's to be listeners and life long learners. And we also discuss how AP's can use their voice and role to support adoptees and birth moms.  Find Ashley on Instagram @BigToughGirl  and also:  bigtoughgirl.com sitkneetoknee.com Find Us:  IG/FB @AdoptionHacks Email Us:  adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Callie Troyer is on the show this week to talk to us about navigating unknowns and possible developmental delays when reviewing a referral and bringing a child home. She shares her adoption story and the importance of surrounding yourself with adoption minded health professionals especially during the attachment season. Callie is an incredibly thoughtful and conscientious adoptive parent and advocate and it is refreshing to hear her perspective on many adoptive issues. You'll want to listen to this one! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

Adoptive Mom Breaunna Stone is on the show this week to walk us through her experience with Post Adoption Depression. While it is becoming more common to hear about or have trainings regarding Post Adoption Depression, there is a huge need for more... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adoptionhacks/support

When Alison Storm and her husband decided to adopt, remaining debt free was incredible important to them. But how can a family remain debt free with the overwhelming fees of adoption?! Alison is on the show this week to share many of her creative ideas for fundraising and funding an adoption. She also walks us through their Burundi Adoption, what that was like, how they managed being in a pilot program and the unpredictable wait, and what being home together is like now. Check out Alison's Podcast: "My Pleasure: The Unofficial Chick-Fil-A Podcast"Find Us on Facebook & Instagram: AdoptionHacksEmail Us: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.comMusic: DrummerBoy by MisterWives

As adopted and Foster parents we need to be constantly educating ourselves about trauma. Not just in the training or pre-adoption stage. Once we are parenting a child who has had trauma, we are constantly trauma parenting so we need ongoing training and education. Steve Luther is the Executive Director and Founder of Grace Wellness Center, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Therapeutic Parent Coach, a Certified Splankna Trauma Therapist and Trainer AND a foster and adoptive dad. He lives this through and through!In this episode he is going to walk us through the helpful trauma parenting model he created called DANCE. That takes you from battling from with your child to dancing with your child. He is also offering his 8 module trauma parenting program for a limited time as "Pay What you Want" to Adoption Hacks Listeners! This is an incredible opportunity. See below link to sign up or get more info!https://go.traumabasedchristianparenting.com/pandemic-parenting-master-classFind about more about Steve's programs here: https://www.traumabasedchristianparenting.comEmail Steve here: steve@traumabasedchristianparenting.comInstagram and Facebook: AdoptionHacksMusic: DrummerBoy by MisterWivesRate and Review Adoption Hacks on iTunes!

Heartbreaking and upsetting. Kandace discusses the complex issue of the Stauffers adoption dissolution. There are clear devastating decisions the family made that they need to be held accountable for. But it seems they were also undereducated, underprepared and unsupported. How can we in the adoption community keep this from happening to families?

International Adoption Spotlight: Thailand!This weeks guest, Lindsey Thompson and her husband adopted their son from Thailand a couple years ago, and now they are adopting siblings, also from Thailand. So with 3 children from Thai adoption, Lindsey has incredible amount of information and stories to share about the process. Adoption Hacks Host, Kandace and her husband have recently shifted their 2nd adoption from India to Thailand. During that process Lindsey was an incredible resource when finding more out about Thailand adoption. So of course Lindsey needed to come on the show and share with you all as well! Send in your Questions for next episodes Q&A! adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.comInstagram and FacebookAdoptionHacksMusic: DrummerBoy by MisterWives

All parents run out of empathy and compassion at some points... especially parents with kids who come from trauma backgrounds... and especially during a global pandemic!Melissa Corkum breaks down why and how parents run out of compassion and experience blocked care and how this relates to our kids blocked trust. She also shares encouraging words about why we should not feel guilt when we have hit moments where we want to give up. She gives us practical ways to care for ourselves and parent compassionately again and supportive advice for families during a time of unpredictability and quarantine. Her and her team at The Adoption Connection have created wonderful resources and practical steps to parent compassionately, which they are sharing with Adoption Hacks listeners!Compassion Quiz and Resources: http://www.theadoptionconnection.com/adoptionhacksFind more of Melissa's resources at https://www.thecorkboardonline.com/Instagram: TheAdoptionConnectionFacebook: The Adoption ConnectionPodcast: The Adoption Connection

Host of The Adoptive Mom Podcast Alex Fittin is with us today! Alex shares her own personal journey of adoption and how it led her to resourcing and supporting others through her podcast. Typically Alex is interviewing guests for The Adoptive Mom but today she gets to share her story! We dive into topics like older child adoption, RAD and family dynamics. And we also look talk about the importance of counseling and finding support. Podcast: The Adoptive MomInstagram: TheAdoptiveMomFacebook: The Adoptive Mom Podcast

Embo Tshimanga grew up in and out of foster care, going in at age 7 and leaving upon graduation at 17. Her life was riddled with inconsistencies and she lived in fear of what would happen next. She attended over 25 schools and lived in over 25 homes including homeless shelters, group homes and in cars. But thankfully the circle of people around her told her the truth of who she was and not just the truth her circumstances told her. That she is worth everything, not worthless. That she has a place in this world, not disposable. That she is deeply loved and worthy of love, not unlovable. Today she is in college, and has the opportunity to speak life into children in foster care in the DFW area through DFW Angels.

CASA supports and promotes court appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home. If you are curious what CASA is, how it works, how it impacts foster kids and how to get involved - this is a great episode to listen to! Get all the info here!Email Us: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.comInstagram Us:@AdoptionHacksMusic: DrummerBoy by MisterWivesFind More from Arthur here:Web www.arthurcwoods.comSocial Media: @ArthurCWoodswww.trustingthegodofthegospel.com/shopwww.facebook.com/trustingthegodofthegospelPodcast: Trusting The God of the Gospel

Birth Mom, Bio Mom and Adoptive Mom Adrian Collins shares her story along with insights and wisdom about making difficult decisions and finding inner peace along the way. **GIVEAWAY** Rate and Review Adoption Hacks on ITunes for a chance to win an adoption trial keychain!Email Us: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.comInstagram Us:@AdoptionHacksTodays episode is sponsored by Arrow + Root's new education course Woven Together!www.woven-together.comMusic:DrummerBoy by MisterWivesSolo by Oh Wonder

Christa Jordan is back on the pod to talk about Sensory Processing Disorder, her education, work as a social worker and mom of a child with SPD she is the perfect person to hear from about this topic. In this 2 part episode, you'll learn about what exactly SPD is, what the signs are in children of all ages, the difference between the types and why this seems to be more common in adoptive/foster children. *NEW CONTEST* Rate and Review Adoption Hacks on iTunes for a chance to win an adoption triad keychain! Books Mentioned:The Out of Sync Childhttps://www.amazon.com/Out-Sync-Child-Recognizing-Processing/dp/0399531653/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=out+of+sync&qid=1573158322&sr=8-1The Out of Sync Child Has Funhttps://www.amazon.com/Out-Sync-Child-Has-Revised/dp/0399532714/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=out+of+sync+child+has+fun&qid=1573158384&sr=8-3The Out of Sync Child Grows Uphttps://www.amazon.com/Out-Sync-Child-Grows-Processing/dp/0399176314/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2MSR9JTGWPDT4&keywords=out+of+sync+child+grows+up&qid=1573158412&sprefix=out+of+sync+child+grow%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-3The Body Keeps The Scorehttps://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748/ref=sr_1_2?crid=OA32FBOAMSRQ&keywords=body+keeps+the+score+van+der+kolk&qid=1573158445&sprefix=body+keeps+the+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-2The Connected Childhttps://www.amazon.com/Connected-Child-healing-adoptive-family/dp/0071475001/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=connected+child&qid=1573158469&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyRkg2WldQWjBOVzNSJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDg4MjQxUDA1NEpFTDMwMU1LJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxOTg1MDgxREZFQkMyTVlDMklUJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==Its Tough to be Gentlehttps://www.amazon.com/Its-Tough-Be-Gentle-Dragons/dp/1505961890/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=its+tough+to+be+gentle&qid=1573158508&sr=8-1Email Us: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.comInstagram Us: @AdoptionHacksMusic: DrummerBoy by MisterWives

Christa Jordan is back on the pod to talk about Sensory Processing Disorder, her education, work as a social worker and mom of a child with SPD she is the perfect person to hear from about this topic. In this 2 part episode, you'll learn about what exactly SPD is, what the signs are in children of all ages, the difference between the types and why this seems to be more common in adoptive/foster children. *NEW CONTEST* Rate and Review Adoption Hacks on iTunes for a chance to win an adoption triad keychain! Books Mentioned:The Out of Sync Childhttps://www.amazon.com/Out-Sync-Child-Recognizing-Processing/dp/0399531653/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=out+of+sync&qid=1573158322&sr=8-1The Out of Sync Child Has Funhttps://www.amazon.com/Out-Sync-Child-Has-Revised/dp/0399532714/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=out+of+sync+child+has+fun&qid=1573158384&sr=8-3The Out of Sync Child Grows Uphttps://www.amazon.com/Out-Sync-Child-Grows-Processing/dp/0399176314/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2MSR9JTGWPDT4&keywords=out+of+sync+child+grows+up&qid=1573158412&sprefix=out+of+sync+child+grow%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-3The Body Keeps The Scorehttps://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748/ref=sr_1_2?crid=OA32FBOAMSRQ&keywords=body+keeps+the+score+van+der+kolk&qid=1573158445&sprefix=body+keeps+the+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-2The Connected Childhttps://www.amazon.com/Connected-Child-healing-adoptive-family/dp/0071475001/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=connected+child&qid=1573158469&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyRkg2WldQWjBOVzNSJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDg4MjQxUDA1NEpFTDMwMU1LJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxOTg1MDgxREZFQkMyTVlDMklUJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==Its Tough to be Gentlehttps://www.amazon.com/Its-Tough-Be-Gentle-Dragons/dp/1505961890/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=its+tough+to+be+gentle&qid=1573158508&sr=8-1Email Us: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.comInstagram Us: @AdoptionHacksMusic: DrummerBoy by MisterWives

Kelly Strong was adopted as an infant from China. In this episode she shares her decision to visit China and what that was like emotionally and mentally. She discusses what her expectations were for the trip and what surprised her along the way. She helps adoptees know how to discuss birth families and birth country visits with adoptive parents and how to process those emotions after your journey. Music: DrummerBoy by MisterWivesEmail: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.comInstagram: @AdoptionHacks

Adoption Airfare provides discounted flights and travel assistance to anyone who is traveling for adoption, missions, a heritage journey or orphan care. They are quick to assist their clients, which is especially helpful with last minute or flexible travel needs. Adoption Airfare is a staple in this community and has been serving families for years. Kandace interviews Adoption Airfare owner Tabitha Lovell to hear her heart for this company and how they are helping families. If need have adoption travel needs, be sure to check this out!Music: DrummerBoy by MisterWives Email: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.comInstagram:AdoptionHacks

Brittany Wermager joins us again this season to walk us her through China Adoption. This is the most comprehensive account of Chinese adoption you can find. Brittany has so many details regarding timelines and travel as she shares what her personal experience was like. We discuss how much information you receive about your child, how medical updates work and what questions to ask. This is a 2 part episode, check out yesterdays episode for part 1!Instagram: AdoptionHacksEmail: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.comMusic:Drummer Boy by MisterWives

Brittany Wermager joins us again this season to walk us her through China Adoption. This is the most comprehensive account of Chinese adoption you can find. Brittany has so many details regarding timelines and travel as she shares what her personal experience was like. We discuss how much information you receive about your child, how medical updates work and what questions to ask. This is a 2 part episode, join us tomorrow for the 2nd half!Instagram: AdoptionHacksEmail: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.comMusic:Drummer Boy by MisterWives

After 3 biological children, Angel Bellante adopted 2 children from China. We discuss talking to children in your home about adoption, whether or not to include them in the decision and how to handle transition. Angel shares how adoption has developed empathy, compassion and adaptability in their whole family.

This is part 2 of Ashlee Peters Foster Care journey. In this episode we dive into, discussing heavy topics like foster care and birth parents with your children and leading the way in foster care/adoption in your community. Ashlee also shares extensively about when you are on the fence about foster care, dealing with the fear and negative emotions and the power of saying yes even amidst the negative emotions. Follow Adoption Hacks on Instagram@Adoption HacksFollow Ashlee Peters on Instagram@Ashlee_PetersMusicDrummer Boy by MisterWives

Foster Mom Ashlee Peters, shares her foster care journey in Southern California. We discuss being on the same page as your spouse, extensive visitations and birth parent empathy. Ashlee describes foster care as being all consuming and yet 100% worth everything you give. Part 2 Coming Tomorrow!This Episode is Sponsored by Fawn and FosterFawn and Foster is an Organic Baby Essentials Company Who Gives 50% of Profits to Foster Care Organizations!fawnandfoster.comInstagram: @FawnAndFosterFollow Adoption Hacks on Instagram@AdoptionHacksFollow Ashlee Peters on Instagram @Ashlee_PetersMusic:DrummerBoy by MisterwivesSolo by Oh Wonder

Christa Jordan has a degree in social work, a love for adoption/foster care and is an adoptive mom. While sharing with others about adoption, she realized there was a huge need for potential adoptive/foster families: a place where families could see all types of adoption laid out in front of them. So Christa created a workbook called "Before You Adopt". This workbook prompts readers to discover what avenue of adoption is right for them and creates conversations between families. It addresses expectations, the specifics of each type of adoption, and how to find the right agency for you. This workbook is great for those considering adoption but aren't sure where to start, families beginning their adoptive journey and support or ministry groups who want to help others find their way on this journey. SpoonfulofJordan.com/shopUse Discount Code: adoptionhacks for 10% off!Follow Christa on Instagram @SpoonfulOfJordanBlogToday's Episode is Sponsored by Arrow + RootModern Adoption Profile Books!http://arrowandroot.orgInstagram @ArrowAndRootFollow Adoption Hacks on Instagram @AdoptionHacksMusic: Drummer Boy by MisterwivesSolo by Oh Wonder

Shanna Littleton has adopted 5 children from the Ukraine! In this episode she shares a little about each of those experiences, her daughters story of being held hostage by Russian Separatists and advise for families considering Ukrainian adoption! Get more of the Littletons Story here: LifewiththeLittletons.orgFB: Life With the LittletonsMusic: DrummerBoy by MisterWivesEmail: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.comIG: AdoptionHacksFB: Adoption Hacks Podcast

Brittany Wermager is back with us this episode to tell us what is was like for her family as they started an adoption process after grieving the loss of their son Isaac. We talk about knowing when you are ready, dealing with pushback from others and working through readiness with your adoption agency. Brittany also beautifully shares about keeping Isaac in their lives and memories without constantly facing the pain and if she was able to relate more deeply to her son adopted from China through the trauma. Grief is apart of every adoption story in one way or another, so this is an incredibly helpful episode to understand grief and how it relates to adoption. This weeks episode is sponsored by: The Promise Summit! A Christian conference for those considering of in the process of adoption. www.thepromisesummit.comMusic: DrummerBoy by MisterWivesInstagram: @adoptionhacksEmail: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com

Kandace interviews Brittany Wermager about going through the adoption process after experiencing grief in your life. In part 1 of this 2 part episode, Brittany shares very openly her story of losing her precious son Isaac at birth. Brittany puts words to feelings of grief that many have experienced and gives the practical ways she processed her grief and PTSD. If you have experienced a loss, miscarriage or infertility and are considering adoption, this will be an empowering episode and help you determine if you are ready. Music: DrummerBoy by MisterWivesInstagram: @adoptionhacksEmail: adoptionhacksinfo@gmail.com

Hard to Place Director and Co-Producer MD Neely shares about an upcoming project that will help bring awareness about the foster system and resources to potential foster parents. MD's team has created many moving short films for social justice including issues like trafficking, violence, water crises that have had powerful impacts and now they are taking on foster care. Hear the story behind this film and what sort of resources they will be offering alongside it in this episode. Additional Social Justice Short Films from Christ in Youth Here: www.amazon.com/v/wrkrwww.wrkrfilms.comHard To Place Instagram: https://instagram.com/hard_to_place_film?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1a4bnv110xrcvThis weeks episode is sponsored by: The Promise Summit! A Christian conference for those considering or in the process or adoption. www.thepromisesummit.comMusic: Drummerboy by MisterwivesEmail: AdoptionHacksInfo@gmail.com