Foster Care Aware

For more information, visit FosterCareAware.org

Meet former foster youth, Key, who shares the moving story of her time in foster care and her perspective on the impact good foster parents can make. Key's perspective is incredibly moving- you don't want to miss this. For more information, visit FosterCareAware.org

If you've ever wondered about adopting through Foster Care, this segment is for you! Join us and Cassandra Calender-Ray of Virginia One Church One Child as we discuss the different things to think about when considering foster to adopt and what next steps you can take if that's the path you'd like to take. For more information, visit FosterCareAware.org

There are SO many ways to make a difference in the world of foster care even if you don't want to be a foster parent. In this segment we'll talk through the different ways you can get involved and how to start making a difference today! For more information, visit FosterCareAware.org

First Star partners with universities and child welfare agencies throughout the country to make a long-term investment in foster youth and change the course of their lives, from abuse and neglect to academic achievement and self-sufficiency. In this segment, meet Lyndsey Wilson the CEO of First Star for an incredible conversation about First Star Academy and amazing news for Hampton Roads! For more information, visit FosterCareAware.org

The opportunity to go to summer camp is about more than just childcare. It's about forming connections with other people and the earth, forming bonds, and enjoying the time and space to be yourself and not just "do work." In this episode, you'll hear about Tidewater Friends of Foster Care's Summer Camp partnerships and how their volunteers make a huge difference and Monique Turner joins us to share about the incredible new camp The Barry Robinson Center is launching this summer. For more information, go to FosterCareAware.org

Connection, attachment, and community are essential parts of helping children in Foster Care create joyful lives. In this segment, Joy Rios of Connect With a Wish and Mary McGowan of Attach, who both run organizations AND have been foster and adoptive parents, join us for a beautiful conversation about the big and little things we can do as parents, volunteers, and neighbors to help create more connected moments. For more information, visit FosterCareAware.org

When a child enters Foster Care, more often than not, they're behind in school due to the pressures of their home life. Tidewater Friends of Foster Care created their tutoring program to meet kids where they are and provide them with the support they need to make academic progress. In this episode, meet two of TFFC's tutors, Angelina and Becky, and learn about the importance of tutoring and its incredible effects in and out of the classroom. For more information, visit Tidewaterffc.org

Entering Foster Care is a traumatic experience for children which can affect how the brain functions. In this episode, John Murray of Families First of Virginia joins us to share insight into what actually happens to the brain during traumatic events and how foster families can actually help the brain heal. For more information, visit FosterCareAware.org

Becoming a foster parent requires in-depth training provided by the licensing agency you choose to work with. In this conversation we're joined by Jessica Schwabe from Intercept Health, Amy Barbour of enCircle, Ronnie Gehring of Embrace Therapeutic Foster Care, and Tonya Flowers-Johnson of First Home Care Therapeutic Foster Care for a dynamic conversation about the different trainings available and what makes each option unique. For more information, go to fostercareaware.org

For more than 25 years, The Barry Robinson Center's Foster Care Program has provided quality foster care and foster parent training in Hampton Roads. Join us for this eye-opening conversation with BRC's CEO, Rob McCartney to learn more about the Barry Robinson Center and the incredible work they're doing to end childhood poverty in our community. For more information, visit fostercareaware.org

Taking quality care of kids in foster care requires much more than an empty bed and an open heart. Join us for a conversation with Sabrina Carr from The UpCenter and LaCora Harris from Spotsylvania Department of Human Services to learn how organizations work to take care of the child physically, mentally, and emotionally. For more information, visit fostercareaware.org

It's 2021 and we're back with an incredible month-long series to share with you the current state of foster care and how you can get involved as a volunteer, advocate, foster parent, or donor. Taking care of our community's most vulnerable children takes a village and we'd love for you to be an active part of ours. Join us to learn more! To learn more information, go to fostercareaware.org

Hosted by Audra Bullock, members of the foster care community discuss the current state of foster care and the future potential for everyone involved in the community.

What an incredible month it's been!! Join Erin and Audra for one final segment! For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

John Murray from Families First of Virginia joins us for a second time! John is an incredible teacher and in this segment, he'll be explaining trauma and the brain in a way that will help you better understand everyone in your life! If you're ready to hear about how you can help foster youth by utilizing trust-based intervention techniques—this is for you!! For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Nichola Diaz, Membership Director of the Hampton Family YMCA and a former foster youth. She shares about her personal experience within foster care and why it's important to serve foster youth. Nichola also elaborates on the role that the YMCA plays in the foster community and their partnership with TFFC. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

On Thursday we welcome Felicia LaGarde, Resource Home Coordinator and Lakeitha Rusan, Family Services Specialist with Chesapeake Department of Human Services. We will discuss the need for foster parents in Chesapeake, the licensing process, and Chesapeake Champions! For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Joy Rios, Founder and Director of Connect With A Wish, adoptive and foster mom, and TFFC board member. In this beautiful conversation we talk about: • How Connect With A Wish serves as a bridge between our local community and kids in Foster Care • Connect With A Wish's incredible programming including The Clothes Closet, Birthday Brigade, Youth Groups for kids in care, and the Prom Project. • How you can get involved Joy's tip for people thinking about becoming a foster parent For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Toni Freeman and Charlene Gholson of Lutheran Family Services. We have the pleasure of chatting with Amy Barbour, Regional Manager and Maurice Gallimore, Resource Family Specialist. They share about LFS's family-oriented, personal approach to serving the foster care community. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet John Murray, Founder and CEO of Families First of Virginia. In this conversation, John will share about who the ideal foster parents for Families First are, how Families First's training uniquely supports families, and what their current need for foster parents is. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet BeBe Tran of Catholic Commonwealth Charities for an incredible conversation about: • The basics of international foster care and caring for refugee children • What Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) does • How CCC works with foster parents of all religious backgrounds and looks for open-minded families • The basics of the legal process in which youth from other countries enter the US foster system • The different ways you can get involved with CCC as a foster parent, tutor, volunteer, respite carer, and more. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Cary Love, the Volunteer Coordinator with Norfolk CASA this afternoon. In this conversation, you'll learn about becoming a CASA, the services CASA provides to help foster youth, and why more volunteers are needed now. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Spend your Monday morning getting to know Erin Lindstrom, co-host of Foster Care Aware! Erin is a coach, strategist and advocate and in this segment, she'll share about: • Mindful parenting strategies • Making choices confidently • TFFC's Prospective Parent Program For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Melvin Roy is a former foster youth and founder of Foster-U at ODU. He also serves as President of an advocacy group called SpeakOut which is helping to change the foster system. Join us for a conversation where Melvin shares his experience in Foster Care and his incredible work in the world. For more information about Foster-U visit: https://www.fosteruniv.org For more information about Foster Care Aware, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

This morning we have the pleasure of sitting down with Melissa Corkum, with The Adoption Connection and Lauren Tremper, of Entrusted. In this conversation Melissa shares practical advice to encourage parents and offers hope with a new definition of success. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Shannon McFadden, Resource Families Coordinator with Portsmouth DHS. In this conversation, we'll discuss the licensing process in Portsmouth and the need for foster parents to help teenagers who need to be placed in loving homes. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Karen Opie, Resource Supervisor at NDHS, she shares her extensive knowledge about: • The uniques differences between public and private licensing agencies • The process of licensing to foster with NDHS • Need for foster parents in Norfolk For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

In this segment Mary share tips and tools to build trust, heal, and bond with children. You don't wanna miss this!! Mary McGowan has served as Executive Director of the Association for Training on Trauma and Attachment in Children (ATTACh) since 2011. She has implemented comprehensive trainings for parents and professionals who support kids with attachment difficulties to create harmony and healing in the home. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Lauren and Kevin Tremper, Founders of the Entrusted Network. In this beautiful conversation, we cover: • Lauren and Kevin's road to foster care and adoption • The pull on their heart to foster and the fire that kept them away • How the Entrusted Network got started • The different ways Lauren and Kevin support people who are interested in becoming foster parents • The Entrusted Conference and the self-care for foster parents • How to learn more about Entrusted For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Rob McCartney, CEO of The Barry Robinson Center and member of the TFFC Board of Directors! In this conversation we cover: • Rob's journey into the world of foster care and adoption • More information about the Barry Robinson Center and it's programs • How The Barry Robinson Center is working to change the landscape of poverty and family vulnerability in Hampton Roads • What to do next if you're interested in becoming a volunteer or foster parent For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Heather Watkins, Recruitment Manager for Embrace Treatment Foster Care. In this conversation, Heather shares with us: • What Treatment Foster Care is • How children come into foster care • What they look for in a potential foster parent For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

We are joined by Tiffany Holland-Tran, a teacher and tutor for Tidewater Friends of Foster Care's tutoring program. In this conversation you'll hear about: • Why tutoring is so important (hint: it's about more than just school work) • The typical academic performance of kids in foster care versus kids in care with a tutor • Why Tiffany decided to tutor with TFFC and her experience with her students • What to do if you'd like to become a tutor • How we've extended tutoring support during Covid-19 • How we fund our tutoring programs (so there's no cost to social services or foster parents) For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

We're so excited for the dynamic panel discussion we have planned! The guests include Audra Bullock, foster/adoptive parent (and founder of TFFC), Sarah, biological parent, Heather Barrington, foster alum, Melvin Roy, former foster youth (and founder of Foster-U at ODU), and LaCora Harris, social worker. This discussion will help us see foster care through various perspectives and see how all the pieces fit together! For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Corey Best and Gloria Torma. Both are part of The Birth and Foster Parent Partnership (BFPP) which is a component of the Children's Trust Fund Alliance. They will share their thoughts on: • The importance of strong relationships between birth parents, foster parents and kinship caregivers for children • Strategies that help birth parents, foster parents and kinship caregivers work together to keep youth safe at home and to facilitate reunification and prevent re-entry when foster care is necessary • How it really does take a village and require thinking outside the box thinking about ‘family' to give the kids in care the most support possible For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Courtnay Phillips, Bio, Foster, & Adoptive Mama and Social Media Influencer! In this conversation, we talk all about: • Courtnay's journey to foster care and adoption (she and her husband have fostered 19 kids in 6 years and adopted 2!) • How Courtnay builds connections with bio parent's of the kids she cares for • What she has to say to people who want to foster but are afraid of the heartbreak. • How she's responsibly used social media to inspire others along the fostering journey You can check out Courtnay on Instagram: @phillourhome For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet the amazing Kimberly Neals, with Newport News Department of Human Services. In our conversation we cover: • The current need for foster parents in Newport News • How the licensing process in Newport News works • Kimberly's opinion on what makes a great foster parent For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Ryan Jones and Rayshawn Satchell, with Virginia Beach Department of Human Services. In our conversation, we discuss: • Foster Parenting Model used in VB • What makes a successful foster parent • How people can get licensed to foster through Virginia Beach DHS For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Cassandra Calender-Ray, the Executive Director of Virginia One Church, One Child. This organization partners with the Virginia Department of Social Service and is integral in its efforts to recruit families for African American children, older children, sibling groups, and children with emotional and behavioral challenges. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

We are joined by Charlene Gholson, Family Systems Coordinator & Toni Freeman, Resource Family Recruiter with United Methodist Family Services. In our conversation we'll talk about: • Treatment Foster Care vs. Foster Care • Common myths about becoming a foster parent • The unique support that UMFS offers • Connecting with UMFS For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Bianca Bennett, Former Foster Youth and a Foster Club Young Leader and Brittney Carey, Foster Club's Young Leader Program Manager for an incredible conversation! Foster Club's approach is to engage and empower those who have the most at stake in transforming the foster care system: young people themselves. Foster Club creates and connects young people from foster care with unique tools and programs, and engages young people to transform life for themselves, their peers, and to ultimately improve the child welfare system. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Jessica Schwabe a Foster Family Trainer with Intercept Health, a statewide agency that provides foster care services. Jessica is passionate about working one-on-one with families to get them approved as foster parents to serve our children and youth! In this session, she'll share: • What makes Intercept Health unique • The requirements to become a foster parent through Intercept Health • The unique flexibility with training scheduling Intercept offers • The difference between foster care and adoption • How Intercept goes above and beyond to support foster families For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Sarah, a mother whose child was placed in foster care when she was 16 months old. In our conversation Sarah shares: • Her journey through the foster care system • The mindset that helped her through the process and transforming her life • How she built trust with her child's foster mother • Her advice to foster and biological parents For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Peter Samuelson, a serial pro-social entrepreneur who has produced two dozen award-winning films and founded five impactful charities who is joining us for a conversation all about Foster Care. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet LaCora Harris, a passionate social worker and TFFC advisory board member. LaCora has spent many years working with youth and families (both bio and foster) to identify how to better the experience for all, lessen the impact of trauma, and establish permanency for youth in the foster care system. In this conversation, we'll talk about the Heart Work and Hard Work that the whole foster care team puts in. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Tracy Keller, CEO of Girl Scouts of Coastal Virginia, TFFC Board member, and foster and adoptive parent. In this conversation, we'll chat about: • Tracy's journey to fostering • What it was like to work full time and foster • The importance of having the support of other foster parents • Building relationships with the children's biological families • How training helps you support kids with trauma • Saying goodbye to children you've grown to love For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Margie Hunt of Casey Family Programs. In this conversation, we'll talk all about how the relationship between foster parent and biological parents can transform the foster care experience for a child and the simple steps you can take to start building the bridge. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

We're so excited to introduce you to Ashley Jackson and Kabria Hughes from The Barry Robinson Center. In this conversation we will discuss: • Therapeutic foster care • The history of the Barry Robinson Center and the services they offer • The age range for foster parents at BRC • What makes BRC different • Why foster with BRC? For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Mary McGowan, Executive Director of ATTACh, an organization that equips communities with the tools to create healthy attachments and support healing trauma. During this conversation we'll chat about attachment focused parenting and how it works to calm our children and youth AND build trust as well as how important it is for Foster Parents to be supported. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Meet Kathy Dial, Founder and Director of Kids, Kin 'N Caregivers! In this conversation we'll chat all about kinship care, the unique challenges kinship parent's face, and the amazing support available to them through Kids, Kin 'N Caregivers. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

TFFC chats with Tenisha Jones of Optima Health about daily things we can do to improve longterm health outcomes for foster youth. We dig into how to reduce the impact of trauma, improving stability, creating emotional connections, and building trust. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom