Let's Talk: A MN ADOPT Podcast

This is an important question as families consider caring for children and teens in foster care. While there are no certain answers, it's vital to consider all the ways a family could change and different experiences families may encounter. Charley Joyce and Rick Delaney have helped numerous families prepare for the uncertainties and changes that… The post If Our Family Provides Foster Care, Will Our Family Change? appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, we are joined by Scott Yeomans, who shares his story as a kinship caregiver, acknowledging the unanticipated commitment, emotions and decisions he and his family have faced. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook | Youtube The post Commitment Through Uncertainty appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Unfortunately, the life experiences of foster youth have often been impacted by abandonment, trauma and neglect. These experiences can result in youth being chronically scared and coping by wanting constant reassurance and protection from safe adults who are often foster parents. In this podcast, Dr. Rick Delaney and Charley Joyce will discuss backgrounds that create… The post The Exhaustion of Parenting a Child with Bottomless Needs appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, Britt Frank–therapist, author, speaker, and adjunct professor—shares tools and insights from her brand new book, Align Your Mind. Listen in as she brings us personal stories, practical tips, and new ways of navigating all the different parts of ourselves. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook | Youtube The post Align Your Mind appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, Rick Delaney and Charley Joyce focus on the behavioral and emotional challenges children in foster care and families experience within the school system.  Tune in to learn how school-related issues impact foster parents and their interactions with their children, and how parents can advocate for their child's educational needs and rights. FOSTER… The post School Issues for Children in Foster Care appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, we are joined by Holly Guyer, Mark Watkins and Sandi Falck. Holly, Mark and Sandi are siblings who were adopted at birth. They share their story–from what they were told by their parents in childhood, to the information they learned along the way, to connecting in adulthood. They also share how the… The post Let's Talk – The Missing Puzzle Pieces appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Ellie Krug is a former civil trial attorney, nonprofit leader, radio/podcast host, author and national speaker on human inclusivity. Most of all, she is the parent of two Korean-born adult daughters, one of whom Ellie lost when she came out as transgender in 2009. Our interview will touch upon the challenges of being an adoptive… The post Let's Talk – Open Hearts, Persistence, and Love appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Rick Delaney and Charley Joyce will define what is meant by anger and aggression directed at mother figures in foster care. We will learn how they determined this can be a dynamic in foster care, describe what the anger/aggression looks like, possible reasons for the anger and some considerations in how foster families might respond.… The post Let's Talk – Anger and Aggression Directed at Mother Figures in Foster Families appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, we are joined by award-winning science journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa. Donna is going to share with us the latest research on Positive Childhood Experiences, why they are so vital for us to understand and practical ways to incorporate them with the children in our lives and in our communities. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA… The post Let's Talk – Positive Childhood Experiences appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Visitation can be a very difficult process for youth in foster care, foster parents and birth parents as well. We will hear from Charley Joyce, MSW and Rick Delaney, Ph.D. as they share the important, yet difficult ways visitation fills a vital role in reunification and maintaining connectedness to birth parents. Considerations on how foster… The post Let's Talk – Pre and Post Visitation Challenges For Youth in Foster Care and Foster Parents appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, we are joined by author, clinician, and adoptee advocate Cam Lee Small. Cam will share an overview of what it means to be Adoption Literate, outlining how we can best support those impacted by adoption in our families, schools, and communities. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook | Youtube The post Let's Talk – Adoption Literacy appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

As we all know, the foster to adoption process doesn't magically happen.  We will hear from long-term social workers and colleagues from St. Louis County, Char Matheson and Katie Rodel about their day-to-day work.  Char and Katie have reputations for excellence in serving the adoption, foster care, and kinship communities, often going above and beyond… The post Let's Talk – Getting to Permanency with County Adoption/Kinship Social Workers appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, we are joined by Heather Simonich. Heather is the Director of the Center for Holistic Health at Concordia College in Moorhead. She has 8 years of experience as an operations director at PATH, a foster care and adoption agency in North Dakota. She will be sharing with us what it means to… The post Let's Talk – Practical Strategies to Support Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, we are joined by Beth Syverson, adoptive parent and founder of Unraveling Adoption, an organization that seeks to connect and support in growth and healing those who have been touched by adoption. The holidays can be a time of intense and often conflictual feelings, and Beth is going to offer some insights… The post Let's Talk – Happy Enough Holidays appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, we are joined by Jana Battagler, a licensed professional clinical counselor at Empower Counseling in Fargo, North Dakota. Jana is going to tell us all about overstimulation in parenting: what it is, how we got here, and ways to minimize our activation and empower us to take care of ourselves while caring… The post Let's Talk – Overstimulation in Caregiving appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Join Rosilynn Morris as she shares her reflections on working as a Therapist in an organization that primarily served Native American children, teens, and adults. Discover how she learned to integrate Indigenous knowledge with evidence-based treatment to create a holistic approach to healing FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook | Youtube The post Let's Talk – Connections, Compassion and Culture appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, we are joined by Ariana Krecklau, who is a therapist at Empower Counseling in Fargo, North Dakota, and who has experience working as a treatment foster care case manager. She will share with us what attachment is, why it is important, and how we can work to build strong attachments with the… The post Let's Talk – Safety and Empowerment Through Attachment appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, we will learn why self-harm, diagnoses, when they should stop, interventions and how understanding is the key.  Guest Bruce O'Leary shares how to be supportive without reinforcing the behavior.  Bruce is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an MA.  He has been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), CBT, Internal… The post Let's Talk – Self Harm, How Do We Help? appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

If you have been brave enough to be a foster or adoptive parent, then you will agree that it comes with a cost. Yet many of us continue to put ourselves back into the battle zones willingly because the children we love desperately need safety and compassion. This hurts and can extract parts of our… The post Let's Talk – From Wounds to Healing appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

For many, back-to-school means sitting in a classroom for a majority of the day.  Mya Zavaleta is checking in to see how the first few weeks of school are going!  We will dive into the importance of getting children moving and outside. In this episode, Mya will provide practical tips, expert advice about how to… The post Let's Talk – Back-to-School Reset with Mya Zavaleta, Nature OT! appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Daniela Coats, Licensed Masters Social Worker, joins us from Texas to talk about her personal experiences growing up in a home that fostered and adopted as well as her work as a therapist and trainer supporting the entire foster family. She will share about lessons offered in her new book, The Day Lily Turned (Un)Invisible,… The post Let's Talk – The Experiences of Biological Children in Foster Families appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Greg Luce is back to share valuable information about intercountry adoption. Hear from Greg how Congress could fix a loophole that denies US citizenship to thousands of intercountry adopted people, what help is available for intercountry adoptees who have no records of entry into the US, and The Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2024. This is… The post Let's Talk – Past, Present, Future: Understanding the Laws Surrounding Intercountry Adoption appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, Meg Flynn joins us to talk about ways to incorporate joy into our family lives. As a therapist and trainer for over twenty-five years, Meg has a vast array of knowledge and experience in working with children and families. We'll discuss ways parents and caregivers can create delight and find deeper connections… The post Let's Talk – Finding the Joy in Connecting with Children appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Thank you to our listeners for getting us to our 100th episode! Hear from FAM staff about how Let's Talk started and how we got to this point. Classic FAM presenters Deena McMahon, Rick Delaney, Charley Joyce, Krista Nelson and Brenda Benning will share how the Foster Care and Adoption world has changed throughout their… The post Let's Talk – Celebrate our 100th Episode with Well Over 100-years of Foster Care and Adoption Wisdom! appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Please join us as we talk about the frantic pace of today's families and the decision fatigue that can result.  We'll validate and normalize decision fatigue and identify ways we can keep ourselves and our families healthy and joyful. Our guest is Hillary Langfeld. Hillary is a licensed independent clinical social worker and a partner… The post Let's Talk – Decision Fatigue appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In this episode, we are joined by Sue Tate, who, along with her husband Randy, provided foster care for 20 years and cared for over 30 children. Sue shares what interested them in becoming foster parents, things they didn't expect and had to learn along the way, and advice to those who are considering or… The post Let's Talk – Lessons Learned Along the Way appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Transitioning to adulthood is a challenging time for any person. For children who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, or neglect, moving into independence can be even more complex. They may have some delays in social skills, emotional regulation, or development. Meeting children where they are at, honoring their desires to be independent, and helping… The post Let's Talk – Navigating Transitions to Adulthood in Adoption appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Minnesota legislature made significant changes to laws governing access to original birth record information for adult adopted persons. On July 1, 2024, Minnesota will become the fifteenth state in the United States to affirm or restore the right of all adopted people to request and obtain their own original birth certificates (OBC). Join us as… The post Let's Talk – Minnesota Law Change: Adoptee Access to Original Birth Records appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In Part 2 of Stories Connect, we are joined by Dan and Emily, who share about the importance of a network of support when becoming foster and adoptive parents. They also share valuable insights and answer commonly asked questions to help inform those considering becoming foster or adoptive parents. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook… The post Let's Talk – Stories Connect (Part 2) appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

May is National Foster Care Month. To show appreciation for the care foster parents provide and encourage others to consider fostering, we are hearing the foster care journey of Dan and Emily. In part 1 of this two-part series, Emily will join us and share their experience of providing foster care for over 15 years,… The post Let's Talk – Stories Connect (Part 1) appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

I'm too old, I'm too young, I live by myself, I don't own a home…. Googling your commonly asked questions about adoption and foster care in Minnesota can lead you down the rabbit hole of confusion. Join us to hear the correct answers from Foster Adopt Minnesota staff as they share frequently asked questions from… The post Let's Talk – FAQ's of Adoption and Foster Care in MN! appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In part two of this two-part series, we will focus on high school youth and how transition planning is crucial with this age group.  Just like part one, we'll help make sure special education surrogates and foster parent voices, ideas, concerns are heard at special education meetings. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook | Youtube The post Let's Talk – The Overlooked Child (Part 2) appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

In part one of this two-part series, we will focus on elementary – middle school age children.  Don't feel intimidated and disregarded!  Here's how to make sure special education surrogates and foster parent voices, ideas and concerns are heard at special education meetings. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook | Youtube The post Let's Talk – The Overlooked Child (Part 1) appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Join us to hear how Amy Wilkerson, LICSW, helps individuals find the courage to live their lives authentically while staying in connection with themselves and others.  Amy is a transracial and international adoptee as well as licensed clinical social worker.  Through her private practice specializing in complex trauma, adoption, attachment, reunion, race, and identity building,… The post Let's Talk – Lived Experiences and Complexities of Adoption appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Join us to learn how UMOJA MN inspires families to reflect on the beautiful ways African Americans have contributed to the development of humanity.  Our guest, Queen Jacobs, is the program director at UMOJA MN and will share how the only culture camp of this nature in Minnesota (one of only four nationwide) helps springboard… The post Let's Talk – UMOJA [OO-mo-jah] is Swahili for unity! appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities face barriers from racism, discrimination, cultural insensitivity, and cultural stigma. Hear from Tatiana Bergum and Tatianna Kirk how the work they do transforms the lives of BIPOC underserved youth and young adults to support and empower them to take intentional steps to reach their full potential and… The post Let's Talk – A Conversation to Authentically Support BIPOC Families appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Please join us for a thought-provoking conversation with two human trafficking experts committed to achieving social justice. Our webinars cover sensitive topics such as grief, trauma, abuse, neglect, and sexual behaviors. We acknowledge these topics may be triggering or uncomfortable for some individuals. Please be mindful of your own boundaries and needs. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA… The post Let's Talk – Human Trafficking in Minnesota and Beyond appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Please join us for a discussion on how we can support the regulatory systems of those supporting and regulating children. We have many offerings for children to learn regulation, but not many to support the school professionals or teachers in the trenches. Let's change that and walk alongside the caregivers of our youth today. FOSTER… The post Let's Talk – How to Regulate the Regulators – For School Professionals appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Martha Lippitt, Char Matheson, and Norma Graham (2023 Distinguished Service Award recipient) will share how they ensure quality and meaningful education for children under state guardianship through the services of Special Education surrogates. Learn how volunteers appointed by school districts or the courts serve and advocate for a free and appropriate education in place of… The post Let's Talk – What is a Special Education Surrogate? appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Please join us for a podcast conversation with TJ Hewett, a licensed independent clinical social worker. We will discuss how can we prepare our youth for the holidays and be mindful of transitions: love, connection, and tradition are gifts we can give. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter The post Let's Talk – The Gifts We Can Give Our Youth Over the Holidays appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Make your list and check it twice before the holiday season approaches!  Learn from two school based mental health providers how to keep silent nights where all is calm and bright during your holiday break. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook | Youtube The post Let's Talk – ‘Twas the Night Before Holiday Break appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Hear from a parent who adopted through foster care while working within Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) guidelines. Samantha and her family developed an incredibly close bond with her child's birth mother, and large extended family, while continuing to champion and support birth mom and their culture….sounds simple, right?! FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook… The post Let's Talk – Open Your Mind and Heart appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

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