Podcasts about adoptive families

Maureen McCauley is the adoptive mom of four now-adult children, two sons born in the U.S. and twin daughters born in Ethiopia; she has lived experience with infant adoption, international adoption, older child adoption, U.S. adoption, and transracial adoption. She also has three granddaughters. Her professional background is in social and educational welfare advocacy, including as former executive director of three nonprofits focused on adoption and foster care.With Adoption Mosaic, Maureen co-facilitates Conscious Adoption: Seasoned Parents and Navigating Estrangement, adoptive parent courses for which she also co-developed the curriculum. She is a writer and editor, including co-editor with two Ethiopian adoptees of “Lions Roaring, Far From Home: An Anthology by Ethiopian Adoptees.” Her writing has been published in Slate, Catapult, Focus on Adoption, Adoption Today, Adoptive Families of British Columbia, and others. She blogs at Light of Day Stories.She has a B.S. degree from Georgetown University and an M.A. from the University of Maryland. She is a Certified Sage-ing Leader via Sage-ing International, an organization focused on aging consciously and intentionally with joy and discernment. She also has a certificate as an End-of-Life Doula for Companion Pets, partnering with their humans.Websites: https://adopteesunited.org/ https://www.adopteesforjustice.org/Music by Corey Quinn

“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” -Colossians 1:17   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with Meredith Shuman. Meredith is the founder of James Trail, an organization supporting the unique needs of families and organizations impacted by trauma. Meredith has over 28 years of experience serving as a therapist, trauma-informed trainer, and as a mom. She holds a MSW from the University of Texas at Arlington, and is a TBRI Practitioner. Meredith and her husband Dan, a global health physician, have been married over 30 years and have 5 children—4 of whom are adopted. Meredith loves a passport with lots of stamps, a water bottle with lots of stickers, a table with lots of people, and a mountain with lots of trail.   Listen in as Meredith shares her family's adoption journey and how she now walks the trail with other families by providing trauma-informed consulting, training and resources.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com JamesTrail.org

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian and Courtney engage in a heartfelt conversation with Danielle Coates, who shares her unique experiences growing up in a foster and adoptive family. Danielle discusses the challenges and joys of being a biological sibling to foster children, the feelings of invisibility and replacement she faced, and the importance of supporting biological kids in foster families. The conversation also delves into practical strategies for parents to engage their biological children in discussions about fostering and adoption, emphasizing the need for open communication and validation of their feelings.Daniela Coats shares valuable insights on the experiences of biological children in foster care, emphasizing the importance of connection and visibility. She discusses the emotional challenges faced by these children, including feelings of invisibility and grief due to the transient nature of foster care. Daniela also introduces her children's book, 'The Day Lily Turned Uninvisible,' which addresses these themes and aims to foster understanding and empathy. The discussion highlights the need for community support and the significance of acknowledging the feelings of all family members involved in foster care.Other Resources: Checkout Daniela's org "With Siblings"- which exists to support the birth children in foster and adoptive families by equipping parents and professionals through training and resources.Courtney's ebook: Navigating Foster Care with Your Children: A Support Guide to Help You and Your Family Through the Journey  Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!In this heartfelt episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by Graham Barber and Mark Merrill to explore the transformative journey of fostering and adoption. Drawing from their personal experiences, the trio dives into the challenges, rewards, and emotional complexities of welcoming children in need into their homes.Ted, Graham, and Mark share compelling stories, valuable insights, and practical advice for dads considering fostering or adoption. They highlight the importance of creating stable, loving environments for children, addressing challenges like trust issues, behavioral struggles, and the impact on family dynamics. This episode offers inspiration and guidance for parents navigating the foster and adoption process or supporting those who do. Important Episode Timestamps:(00:00) Welcome to the All Pro Dad Podcast(00:39) Introducing the Topic: Fostering and Adoption(01:26) Graham's Fostering Journey(02:47) Mark's Adoption Story(07:35) Ted's Adoption Experience(08:54) Challenges in Fostering and Adoption(15:44) Overcoming Trust Issues(17:49) Language and Identity in Foster Care(19:54) Unexpected Joys of Foster Care(21:41) Lessons Learned from Adoption(23:53) Parenting Challenges and Creative Solutions(27:12) Balancing Marriage and Parenting(29:50) Rapid Fire: Pause or Move Forward?(32:48) Supporting Foster and Adoptive Families(34:03) The Hope of Adoption and FosteringAPD Pro Move:“ Pro Move of the Week, which we give you every week is to ask yourself, what is one thing you'd be willing to give up to change a life forever?.”Sponsor:The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. You can learn more at FamilyFirst.net.Connect with Us:Connect with Graham BarberConnect with Mark MerrillConnect with Ted LoweLearn more on our Fostering & Adoption ArchivesQuestions to ConnectThe No More FoundationDon't forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcast app!EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

MID-SEGMENT GUEST: Bruce Bruinsma  Organization: Retirement Reformation  Part 1 of the 3-Part Series Everyone Can Do Something  Leading up to Christmas and the end of the year, hosts Jim Brangenberg and Bruce Bruinsma inspire retirees to embrace the season with purpose and love. Reflecting on the Christmas spirit, they ask: What can you uniquely do to make a difference this year?  We're reminded that even small, neighborly gestures can bring immense joy as the duo discusses practical ways to bless others, from making a thoughtful phone call to helping foster children gain a sense of belonging. Find a need and fill it—whether through time, resources, or simply a listening ear. Bruce is a big advocate of Wraparound Grandparenting, where retirees support foster and adoptive families with love and stability. The message is clear: while we all have different abilities, everyone can bring hope to someone else's life, which is what the Church is called to do!  Above all, the episode emphasizes loving your neighbor, not just at Christmas but all year long. Whether you're retired, working, or somewhere in between, there's a unique way for you to spread joy. After all, the heart of the season is living out Christ's love.  www.RetirementReformation.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges the holiday season brings for foster and adoptive families. For children from hard places, the holidays can be an especially sensitive time, filled with triggers and memories that may bring up grief or trauma. We discuss practical tips for navigating this season with empathy and care, including strategies for managing routines that often go awry and the added emotional toll that holiday gatherings can bring. Join us as we explore ways to support our kids—and ourselves—during this special yet complex time of year.Episode Highlights: What's Your Favorite Christmas Carol?Navigating Relationships with Bio Parents During the Holidays Setting Boundaries During the Holidays Trauma & Triggers Navigating Tough Conversations Find More on Hope Bridge:Visit Our Website Follow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook Foster Our Community Instagram This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Over and over in the Scriptures, God makes it clear that He loves the orphan, and that He expects His people to do the same. Dennis and Barbara Rainey outline five ways we can care for what the Bible calls "the fatherless."

Take a listen to Kari Woerz who shares about Positive Parenting strategies to support youth who joined our families through a foster, adoptive or kinship placement. Which tips may be helpful or what to avoid? Try these at home today! Trauma and attachment experts share the latest information specifically related to adoptive, foster and kinship parenting. Every month, you will find helpful insights and practical parenting tips in Help One Child's monthly podcast releases.

Feeling the weight of raising your grandchildren and navigating the complexities of unprocessed trauma? Do you struggle with a whirlwind of emotions, searching for resilience amidst adversity? Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: The Healing Power of Storytelling and Overcoming Trauma.' I'm Laura Brazan, your host. In 2022, my journey took an unexpected turn when I found myself raising my grandchildren overnight. Through heartache and hope, I've discovered the transformative power of storytelling. In this episode, join mental health professional and trauma survivor, Marcy Pusey, as we delve into the significance of documenting family history and empowering children to tell their stories.We'll explore how trauma impacts our narratives and share insights on building resilience through storytelling. Marcy discusses the need to recognize and challenge inner narratives for mental well-being and emphasizes sitting with difficult memories in a safe space for therapeutic healing. Together, we'll learn how personal stories can connect us, help us overcome self-criticism, and uncover strength for you and your grandchildren. For more info on Marcy please visit https://marcypusey.com/Tune in for expert perspectives, heartfelt stories, and practical advice to help you reshape your narrative and find healing in your journey. Join us as we embrace the power of storytelling to find hope and support, ensuring you're not alone in this journey.Send us a textThank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences. We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Facebook @GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website | Facebook

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap, Rebecca interviews Matt Joyner, an expert in financial planning for adoptive families. Matt shares his personal adoption journey and provides valuable insights on how to financially prepare for adoption. He discusses both the emotional and economic aspects, common financial challenges, and strategies for balancing immediate adoption costs with long-term goals. Matt explains the adoption tax credit, including eligibility, income limitations, and the application process, as well as employer and military benefits available to adoptive families. Rebecca and Matt's conversation concludes with insights on the importance of early financial planning and self-awareness in the adoption journey. Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode Matt's Adoption Finance Planning Guide  Matt's Financial Planning Firm Dave Thomas Foundation Planswell - Retirement Planning Software Man's Search for Meaning - Victor Frankl ⁠⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap⁠ Your Adoption Finance Coach  Chapters 4:20 Personal Experience with Adoption  9:35 Financial Challenges and Preparation for Adoption  20:07 Financial Pitfalls to Avoid: Dipping into Retirement Savings and Inadequate Emergency Funds 23:16 Alternative Funding Options 28:51 Balancing Adoption Costs and Long-Term Financial Goals 29:40 Understanding the Adoption Tax Credit and Employee Benefits 37:45 The Importance of Early Financial Planning 39:45 Employer and Military Benefits for Adoptive Families  40:41 Raising, Saving, and Borrowing Money for Adoption 42:08 The Importance of Remembering the Purpose of Adoption Episode Disclaimer This recording is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to adoption planning. Nothing presented within constitutes specific investment advice, tax or accounting advice, legal insurance or regulatory advice, or an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any security.  While reasonable efforts were used to obtain information from sources believed to be reliable, Fortis Capital Advisors LLC makes no representation that the information or opinions contained in these materials are accurate, reliable, or complete. All information and opinions contained in this presentation are subject to change without notice. Investment advice is offered through Fortis Capital Advisors LLC, 7301 Mission Road, Suite 326. Prairie Village, Kansas 66208. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC is an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. Additional information about Fortis Capital Advisors LLC is available on the SEC's website at www .advisorinfo .sec .gov. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC mainly provides investment advice, to individual investors and businesses.  Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review!  THANK YOU!

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap,Rebecca interviews Matt Joyner, an expert in financial planning for adoptive families. Matt shares his personal adoption journey and provides valuable insights on how to financially prepare for adoption. He discusses both the emotional and economic aspects, common financial challenges, and strategies for balancing immediate adoption costs with long-term goals. Matt explains the adoption tax credit, including eligibility, income limitations, and the application process, as well as employer and military benefits available to adoptive families. Rebecca and Matt's conversation concludes with insights on the importance of early financial planning and self-awareness in the adoption journey. Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode Matt's Adoption Finance Planning Guide  Matt's Financial Planning Firm Planswell - Retirement Planning Software  ⁠⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap⁠ Your Adoption Finance Coach  Chapters 4:20 Personal Experience with Adoption  9:35 Financial Challenges and Preparation for Adoption  20:07 Financial Pitfalls to Avoid: Dipping into Retirement Savings and Inadequate Emergency Funds 23:16 Alternative Funding Options 28:51 Balancing Adoption Costs and Long-Term Financial Goals 29:40 Understanding the Adoption Tax Credit and Employee Benefits 36:56 Employer and Military Benefits for Adoptive Families  46:03 The Importance of Early Financial Planning 47:13 Raising, Saving, and Borrowing Money for Adoption 49:09 The Importance of Remembering the Purpose of Adoption Episode Disclaimer This recording is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to adoption planning. Nothing presented within constitutes specific investment advice, tax or accounting advice, legal insurance or regulatory advice, or an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any security.  While reasonable efforts were used to obtain information from sources believed to be reliable, Fortis Capital Advisors LLC makes no representation that the information or opinions contained in these materials are accurate, reliable, or complete. All information and opinions contained in this presentation are subject to change without notice. Investment advice is offered through Fortis Capital Advisors LLC, 7301 Mission Road, Suite 326. Prairie Village, Kansas 66208. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC is an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. Additional information about Fortis Capital Advisors LLC is available on the SEC's website at www .advisorinfo .sec .gov. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC mainly provides investment advice, to individual investors and businesses.  Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review!  THANK YOU!

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap,Rebecca interviews Matt Joyner, an expert in financial planning for adoptive families. Matt shares his personal adoption journey and provides valuable insights on how to financially prepare for adoption. He discusses both the emotional and economic aspects, common financial challenges, and strategies for balancing immediate adoption costs with long-term goals. Matt explains the adoption tax credit, including eligibility, income limitations, and the application process, as well as employer and military benefits available to adoptive families. Rebecca and Matt's conversation concludes with insights on the importance of early financial planning and self-awareness in the adoption journey. Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode Matt's Adoption Finance Planning Guide  Matt's Financial Planning Firm Planswell - Retirement Planning Software  ⁠⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap⁠ Your Adoption Finance Coach  Chapters 4:20 Personal Experience with Adoption  9:35 Financial Challenges and Preparation for Adoption  20:07 Financial Pitfalls to Avoid: Dipping into Retirement Savings and Inadequate Emergency Funds 23:16 Alternative Funding Options 28:51 Balancing Adoption Costs and Long-Term Financial Goals 29:40 Understanding the Adoption Tax Credit and Employee Benefits 36:56 Employer and Military Benefits for Adoptive Families  46:03 The Importance of Early Financial Planning 47:13 Raising, Saving, and Borrowing Money for Adoption 49:09 The Importance of Remembering the Purpose of Adoption Episode Disclaimer This recording is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to adoption planning. Nothing presented within constitutes specific investment advice, tax or accounting advice, legal insurance or regulatory advice, or an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any security.  While reasonable efforts were used to obtain information from sources believed to be reliable, Fortis Capital Advisors LLC makes no representation that the information or opinions contained in these materials are accurate, reliable, or complete. All information and opinions contained in this presentation are subject to change without notice. Investment advice is offered through Fortis Capital Advisors LLC, 7301 Mission Road, Suite 326. Prairie Village, Kansas 66208. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC is an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. Additional information about Fortis Capital Advisors LLC is available on the SEC's website at www .advisorinfo .sec .gov. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC mainly provides investment advice, to individual investors and businesses.  Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review!  THANK YOU!

In the spring of 2001, 2-year-old Wesley Morgan lived in Clinton, Louisiana with his 19-year-old mother, Ruby Harvard, and her boyfriend, 37-year-old Burnell Hilton Jr. He was a happy toddler, who loved to play and learn. Still, on the morning of May 15th, a mother's worst nightmare becomes a reality when Wesley vanishes from the family home without a trace. 23 years later, Wesley's case is cold, and authorities are adamant that Ruby is not telling the truth about what happened on that fateful day. If you have any information regarding Wesley's case, you are urged to call the FBI at 1 (800) CALL-FBI (225-5324) or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111. There is a $10,000 reward offered by authorities for information in the case.You can also call the east feliciana parish sheriff's office at 225-683-5459.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.com Promo for Scottish Murders:Scottish Murders is an award shortlisted victim focused podcast, dedicated to solved and unsolved murders carried out on people from or living in Scotland, and is hosted by Dawn, and occasionally Dawn's sister, Cole.Listen to the Podcast here4538DMLA - Wesley Dale Morgan. (n.d.). https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/4538dmla.htmlAmerican Press Staff. (2015, December 14). La. two-year-old still missing after disappearing in 2001 - American Press. American Press. https://www.americanpress.com/2015/12/14/la-two-year-old-still-missing-after-disappearing-in-2001/Arledge, H. (2023, May 26). What happened to Little Wesley Morgan? HL Arledge's Bayou Justice. https://bayoujustice.com/2023/05/what-happened-to-little-wesley-morgan/Associated Press. (2001a, May 17). Search continues into night for missing two-year-old boy. The Daily Advertiser, 8.Associated Press. (2001b, May 18). Search for toddler enters third day. The Town Talk, 5.Associated Press. (2001c, May 19). FBI questions missing boy's mother. The Daily Advertiser, 10.Associated Press. (2001d, May 20). Boy's disappearance brings unrelated arrest. The Town Talk, 24.Associated Press. (2001e, May 21). Couple may have lied about missing boy. The Daily World, 2.Associated Press. (2001f, May 25). Investigators appeal to relatives of missing boy. The Daily Advertiser, 14.Associated Press. (2001g, June 6). Consultation with Psychic brings on new search. The Daily Advertiser, 10.Assosciated Press. (2001, May 24). Missing boy's mother faces more questions. The Daily Advertiser, 12.Baker, K. (2020, October 22). Police Still Search for Boy, 2, Who Vanished from La. Porch in 2001: 'It's Something You Never Forget' Peoplemag. https://people.com/crime/police-still-search-boy-missing-porch-louisiana-wesley-dale-morgan/Editorial Team. (2011, January 3). Cost of adoption Update: 2009-2010 | Adoptive Families. https://www.adoptivefamilies.com/resources/adoption-news/cost-of-adoption-2010/FBI investigating disappearance of Louisiana boy 15 years later. (2016, August 16). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/cold-case-spotlight/fbi-investigating-disappearance-louisiana-boy-wesley-morgan-15-years-later-n626511FBI's Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) Team Reinvestigating a 15-Year-Old Cold Case in Louisiana. (2016, April 27). Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/neworleans/news/press-releases/fbi2019s-child-abduction-rapid-deployment-card-team-reinvestigating-a-15-year-old-cold-case-in-louisianaHave you seen this child? Wesley Dale Morgan. (n.d.). https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/912370/1Jennifer. (2024, June 18). Toddler Vanishes in Broad Daylight: Where is Wesley Morgan? Medium. https://medium.com/@wherearetheypodcast/toddler-vanishes-in-broad-daylight-where-is-wesley-morgan-d5e4342230e6Louisiana Amber Alert. (n.d.). Louisiana State Police. https://www.lsp.org/community-outreach/alerts/amber-alerts/Missing: Wesley Morgan | Clinton, LA | Uncovered. (n.d.). https://uncovered.com/cases/wesley-morganMother accused of selling her missing child. (n.d.). Criminal. https://vocal.media/criminal/mother-accused-of-selling-her-missing-childUlkins, G. (2018, May 16). Where's Wesley? Butterfly release marks 17 years since boy's disappearance. https://www.wafb.com. https://www.wafb.com/story/38199279/butterfly-release-held-to-mark-17th-anniversary-of-little-boys-disappearance/Wafb. (2005a, February 11). Boy's Vanishing still a mystery. https://www.wafb.com. https://www.wafb.com/story/2931845/boys-vanishing-still-a-mystery/Wafb. (2005b, March 16). Boy's sixth birthday goes uncelebrated. https://www.wafb.com. https://www.wafb.com/story/3075805/boys-sixth-birthday-goes-uncelebrated/Wafb. (2008a, January 17). Woman arrested for allegedly trying to sell her child. https://www.wafb.com. https://www.wafb.com/story/7599800/woman-arrested-for-allegedly-trying-to-sell-her-child/Wafb. (2008b, March 17). East Feliciana Parish mother pleads not guilty to trying to sell child. https://www.wafb.com. https://www.wafb.com/story/7999109/east-feliciana-parish-mother-pleads-not-guilty-to-trying-to-sell-child/Wafb. (2008c, June 16). Charges dropped against woman accused of trying to sell her baby. https://www.wafb.com. https://www.wafb.com/story/8458191/charges-dropped-against-woman-accused-of-trying-to-sell-her-baby/Wbrz. (2024, June 21). 21 billboards in BR with Wesley Dale Morgan case information. WBRZ. https://www.wbrz.com/news/21-billboards-in-br-with-wesley-dale-morgan-case-informationWesley Dale Morgan - LA Repository for Unidentified & Missing People. (n.d.). http://identifyla.lsu.edu/profile.php?id=239Wesley Dale Morgan – The Charley Project. (n.d.). https://charleyproject.org/case/wesley-dale-morgan

Summary In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan offers a deep dive into the adoption industry. She discusses the recent decline in placements, the emotional challenges for expectant mothers, and the importance of authenticity for prospective adoptive families. Rebecca shares a cautionary tale of a single mom scammed during the adoption process, underlining the unpredictability involved. She also touches on adoption statistics and the financial side of the process. Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode The Adoption Roadmap Academy - email "Academy" to ⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠ RG Adoption Consulting - ⁠https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/⁠ ⁠"The Adoption Roadmap: The Four-Step Process to Adopting Your Baby in Less Than a Year" By, Rebecca Gruenspan⁠ Chapters Rebecca Gruenspan's Updates (00:00:00) Rebecca shares insights and trends in the adoption industry, including decreased placements and adopting families. Challenges Faced by Expectant Mothers (00:01:21) Rebecca discusses a single mom's experience with a scam and the struggles of expectant mothers in choosing a family. Expectant Mothers' Struggle in Choosing Families (00:02:50) Rebecca talks about expectant mothers' anxiety in choosing the right family and the challenges they face in decision-making. Adoption Roadmap Academy (00:07:18) Rebecca introduces the Adoption Roadmap Academy, offering guidance for hopeful adoptive parents in the domestic adoption process. Trends in Placements and Adoptive Families (00:09:54) Rebecca discusses the decrease in adoptions and the demographics of adoptive families, including same-sex couples and single women. Adoption Costs and Openness with Birth Moms (00:17:10) Rebecca shares insights on the rising adoption costs and the level of openness adoptive families have with birth moms. Conclusion and Call to Action (00:19:48) Rebecca concludes the episode, encouraging listeners to subscribe, leave a review, and provide feedback for future episodes. Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star review! THANK YOU! For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theadoptionroadmap/message

Adoptive Families with Alan Cutting and Steve & Rosanne OliverSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't forget to go to my website and leave me YOUR story of belonging to feature on a future episode!Buy Me a Coffee!In this episode of 'Art Heals All Wounds', my guests Sarah Reinhardt and Louise Browne explore the impact of stories in addressing the complex issues of adoption. As an adoptee myself, listening to their podcast, ‘Adoption: The Making of Me' has been a healing experience. Sarah and Louise, adoptees and former business partners, have created a community through sharing their experiences and those of other adoptees. We delve into the emotional complexities of being adopted, challenging traditional narratives and discussing the systemic issues within adoption processes. This episode emphasizes the power of storytelling and community in understanding and healing from the trauma of adoption, making a compelling case for the need to reform how adoptions are handled and viewed societally. 00:00 Welcome to Art Heals All Wounds: The Power of Art and Storytelling01:07 Discovering a Podcast That Resonates: Adoption: The Making of Me01:28 The Complexities of Adoption: Personal Journeys and Insights04:40 Introducing Sarah and Louise: Voices Behind 'Adoption, The Making of Me'06:07 The Genesis of a Podcast: Connecting Through Shared Experiences09:55 Exploring Adoption Narratives: The Impact of Sharing and Listening21:00 The Role of Oral Histories in Challenging the Adoption Narrative26:56 Reflecting on Adoption and Personal Growth27:26 The Complex Journey of Adoption and Identity28:48 Adoptee Perspectives: From Media Representation to Personal Realizations30:27 Navigating Relationships and Self-Perception as an Adoptee30:57 The Evolution of Understanding Through Storytelling31:52 Adoption Narratives: The Impact of Literature and Community39:18 Embracing Self-Acceptance and Connection48:18 Adoption: The Making of Me Podcast and Community EngagementFollow 'Adoption: The Making of Me'Follow Me!●      My Instagram ●      My LinkedIn●      Art Heals All Wounds Website●      Art Heals All Wounds Instagram●      Art Heals All Wounds Facebook

In this episode, Angie Grandt, known as the Adoption Coach, sheds light on the often overlooked challenges adoptive families face post-adoption. Angie dives into her unique role in assisting families not with the adoption process, but with the complex emotional and behavioral adjustments that follow. Drawing from her own experiences as an adoptive parent and her extensive training in trauma and attachment, Angie discusses how mindset coaching can revolutionize the way adoptive parents connect with their children. Tune in to explore the misconceptions about adoption, learn about the impacts of trauma, and discover practical tools and mindset shifts that can help strengthen the bonds within adoptive families. Whether you're an adoptive parent, considering adoption, or simply interested in the psychology of parenting, this episode offers invaluable insights into nurturing relationships and fostering resilience in families. Angie Grandt is the Adoption Coach. She is also an early intervention speech therapist with extensive training and experience in trauma, attachment, and autism. Angie is on a mission to help parents who are overwhelmed, frustrated, and questioning their ability to parent their most challenging child to connect, enjoy, and even like their child again. Connect with Angie: Book a free session: https://calendly.com/angiegrandt/free_session Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/connectedparentswithangie/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectedparentswithangie/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/connectedparentswithangie https://www.igniteherbrand.com/designed-for-prosperity-masterclass www.momsupportcorner.com Connect with me: linktr.ee/momsupportcorner --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/momsupportcoach/support

Join us this week as we talk with Jeff Borton about his journey through fostering and adopting! Join the conversation by texting "Parent" to 98173! Find parent resources and more at longhollow.com/parent Speaker:

In James 1:27  we read:"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. "But the reality is that adoption usually doesn't involve “Annie” style storylines. All kids will struggle at points during their development, but children who have been through the foster care system often have nuanced challenges.In light of this, how can the church better come alongside and care for adoptive families? Most of us as moms are already pretty overwhelmed and sometimes the suggestions for how to assist adoptive families sounds even more overwhelming.Adoptive mom Christine Gordon  encourages us to "think smaller." Christine shares encouragement and practical suggestions for little ways we can come alongside one another regardless of our parenting situation. Christine is a wife to Michael and mother of three, co-founder of At His Feet Studies and a visiting instructor at Covenant Theological Seminary.  This is a longer podcast, but absolutely worth your time.

Adoptive families often navigate a complex landscape of skepticism, fueled by misperceptions and misunderstandings that can threaten the very foundation of family life. The uniqueness of your adoptive family may highlight these challenges further, drawing skepticism from external observers and creating internal pressures. Adoptive parents are encouraged to remember their identity and faith, recognizing they are not alone and that their battles are not merely physical but spiritual. Dawn's mission is to stand in the gap for second moms. In addition to this podcast Dawn hosts a free Facebook group and offers private post-adoption coaching. Learn more at dawnbaggett.com

Family and social media can be loving and bring us together, but they can get complicated and messy fast.  In this episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Laurie Frankel, whose novel "Family Family" unravels the layers of family, specifically an adoptive family, as seen through the eyes of her protagonist, India Allwood, her adoptive daughter Fig and the daughter she gave up for adoption Rebecca.  Laurie's journey as an adoptive mother lends authenticity to the narrative, highlighting the complexities and the rich tapestry of relationships within a family, all wrapped up with her signature humor and depth.We also peel back the layers of the online world, and Laurie and I acknowledge its power to both unite and isolate us.   Plus, our protagonist, India's narrative in "Family Family" is a powerful allegory for our times, where the digital age is a double-edged sword, and the definition of family extends beyond traditional blood ties.BOOK:Family Family by Laurie Frankel on Amazon or Bookshop.   SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.MORE RESOURCES:Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.JOIN THE COMMUNITY:Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.JOIN THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE COMMUNITYInside the community, we are reading and living better together! We host a monthly BYOB club, reading and lifestyle challenges, crafting, vision board and journaling workshops, and lots more. Visit bibliolifestyle.com/community for more information, and I'll see you inside!

In this episode, Jenn Hook, author and founder/executive director of Replanted, joins us to discuss how churches can support and care well for foster and adoptive families in their community. We talk about where churches need to begin on the road to becoming trauma-informed and what it takes for church leadership to be "all in." Jenn and her husband Josh wrote Thriving Families, a guidebook to help families as they care for vulnerable children. Drawing on the latest science and research on trauma, attachment, sensory processing difficulties, cultural competence, and grief and loss, the book provides a trauma-informed approach to help adoptive and foster families. Like the episode? Leave us a 5-star review, comment, and share so more people can find us. Subscribe to our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Monthly Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get our monthly newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ delivered right to your inbox.

What helps you heal? Other people's perspectives continues to be a huge catalyst on my healing journey. Whether it's validating our feelings or showing us something new, we heal. Their truths can shift our truth. Insights from others in the adoption constellation can be particularly potent. This episode brings you not one, but three perspectives so listen in and let their healing insights and highlights from their new book, heal you.Adoption Unfiltered is presented by adoptee Sara Easterly, birth parent Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard, and adoptive parent Lori Holden. Collectively, we bring 75 years of lived experience relating to adoption, and we span the Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer generations. We understand the history, challenges, and trends experienced by people living in adoption and the broader adoption constellation, and we are recognized throughout the adoption community as thought leaders, influencers, and bridge-builders.Sara Easterly is an award-winning author of books and essays. Her memoir, Searching for Mom, won a gold medal in the Illumination Book Awards, among several other honors. Her adoption-focused articles, essays, and book reviews have been published by Psychology Today, Dear Adoption, Severance Magazine, Feminine Collective, Godspace, Her View from Home, and Englewood Review of Books, to name a few.Sara is founder of Adoptee Voices and previously led one of the largest chapters of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, where she was recognized as SCBWI Member of the Year. She is on staff with the Neufeld Institute, where she supports the Adoption & Foster Care cohort of the Reaching Troubled Kids course, spearheads the Kid-Lit Book Club, and oversees the Neufeld Institute Children's Book List. Additionally, Sara brings 20+ years of experience as a publicist and event planner orchestrating book tours, launch campaigns, and large-scale events.Link Instagram Facebook TwitterKelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard spent several years working in the adoption field, most notably working on public policy issues impacting all adoption-triad members. Kelsey has played a part in the success of state legislation and has tirelessly advocated for current federal legislation. She's a birth mother who is passionate about raising the standards in adoption to better serve the children, mothers, and families affected by family separation.Adoption has been a monumental part of her entire life: Kelsey is the daughter and granddaughter of adoptees. She can often be found fervently and frequently demanding, “How do we fix this?” She is also a co-host of the first-ever birth-mom podcast,Twisted Sisterhood.Link Instagram SpotifyLori Holden, a veteran parent of two newly-minted young adults, writes at LavenderLuz.com and hosts the podcast Adoption: The Long View. She's the author of the acclaimed book The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption: Helping Your Child Grow Up Whole (recommended by People magazine in 2021), written with her daughter's birth mom. Her book is featured on adoption-agency required-reading lists across the country. She has keynoted and presented at adoption conferences around the US, and her work has appeared in magazines such as Parenting and Adoptive Families. In 2018, she was honored as an Angel in Adoption® by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), nominated by Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado.Link Instagram Facebook Twitter Spotifyhttps://adoptionunfiltered.com/

As foster and adoptive mamas, navigating the complex landscape of trauma is an integral part of our parenting journey. The term “trauma” carries weight, often evoking a sense of fear and concern for the well-being of our children. In this episode of the Fearless Fostering podast, we're going to delve into the clinical definition of trauma, emphasizing its nature as a nervous system response rather than a fixed event. Understanding this crucial distinction allows us to approach parenting from a place of knowledge, compassion, and resilience. Click here to see the daily deals in my shop all month long: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering Click here to read more about trauma on my blog: https://selfcarebestie.com/blog/#about Register for the Good Grief LIVE training here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

Navigating the holidays can be overwhelming for foster and adoptive families. As parents we can feel pressure to curate magical experiences for our kids but those may not always be best. Depending on your child, many common expectations and events may be difficult for your family to take part in due to overstimulation and social anxiety. In today's episode I discuss how to navigate the holidays as foster and adoptive families, how to safeguard from unnecessary frustrations, how to prepare extended family and friends if your family needs to pivot the plan and the reality of "trauma-versaries."Thank you so much for listening!I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

Author and memoirist, Nefertiti Austin writes about the erasure of diverse voices in motherhood in the #1 Amazon bestseller Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender and Parenting in America. Nefertiti's work around this topic has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, The Nation, Romper, Adoptive Families magazine, Parents Magazine, SheMedia and countless others. She has appeared on numerous podcasts and radio programs including “The Today Show”, and multiple NPR outlets. Lately, she's writing about raising her neurologically diverse daughter and jokes that adolescence is no match for menopause. Most importantly, Nefertiti is the proud adoptive Shameless Mom of two children and two Shipoos - Monsieur Lafayette and Siddhartha. Nef and I connected through a mutual friend and two time SMA guest, Debbie Reber. Debbie was kind enough to introduce us and Nef was generous enough to say yes to my invitation to come on the show. Listen in to hear Nefertiti share: What Black adoption looks like compared to typical white adoption Her intentional journey of building her family as a single adoptive mom How race and gender factor into parenting neurologically diverse children How having a neurologically diverse child changed her life in ways she didn't see coming How she has had to explore her own triggers when it comes to her daughter's behaviors How the murder of Trayvon Martin became a wake-up call for her responsibility of raising a Black son What she wants white parents to know about how Black parents or parents of Black children parent from a place of fear What visible allyship feels for Black parents and children and how white parents can be more assertive, if note aggressive, in their allyship Links mentioned: Connect with Nefertiti: Nefertitiaustin.com Get Nef's Book: Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender and Parenting in America Nefertiti on IG Nefertiti on FB Nefertiti on X We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://shamelessmom.com/sponsor Interested in becoming a sponsor of the Shameless Mom Academy? Email our sales team at sales@adalystmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Called to Love!Closing out our highlight of Adoption Awareness for the month of November - let's talk about 5 practical ways you can support those who are called to love in the areas of foster care and adoption.Whether you are waiting for your child or first foster placement or in over your head and have no idea how to answer when someone offers help - today's episode is for you! FAVORITE TAKEAWAYS:I have such a passion to see the big C church step in to this area of service beyond calling people to adopt - there are many practical ways they can do thisOftentimes foster and adoption placements happen with little warning but always with much disruption to their normal rhythms of lifeCheck out my latest article on Christian Parenting and share this podcast with a friend!Thanks for listening!

Welcome back to "Parenting the Intensity!"November is adoption month and this week on the podcast we are welcoming Angie Grandt. Angie is not only a dedicated bio and adoptive mom but also an adoption coach, speech therapist, and former foster mom who has worked in the autism field. Together, they dive deep into the emotional journey of parenting intense children, particularly those who have experienced trauma and disrupted attachment. Angie shares her own personal experiences and offers valuable insights and strategies for creating a safe and supportive environment for these unique children. Join us as we delve into the complexities, fears, and joys of parenting intense kids and gain tools to build strong attachments and navigate the emotional rollercoaster.Although almost all we are taking about today can apply to any emotionally intense kids so I encourage you to listen anyway!Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:1️⃣ Respond vs. React: Angie emphasized the importance of responding to our children's needs, rather than reacting to their behaviors. By maintaining a calm and focused mindset, we can create a safe and supportive environment for our kids, regardless of their background or challenges. This approach fosters strong attachments and helps children feel loved and secure.2️⃣ Shifting Perspectives: As parents, it's natural to have doubts and fears, especially in the case of adoptive or foster parents. Angie shared her own struggles with feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty. However, by working on our mindset and believing in our ability to create the family we envision, we can overcome these challenges and provide the love and support our children need.3️⃣ Seek Support: Parenting emotionally intense children can be overwhelming, but we don't have to face it alone. Angie encourages parents to seek support from coaches, therapists, and communities like her Facebook group, Connected Parents with Angie. By connecting with others who understand their unique journey, parents can gain valuable insights, tools, and resources to thrive in their role.If you're a parent facing the challenges of parenting emotionally intense children, I highly recommend tuning into this episode. Angie's wisdom and personal experience will inspire and empower you on your parenting journey. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review!"Respond to your child as if the goal of your ideal relationship is already achieved instead of responding to the behavior.""I can be happy no matter what"Where to find AngieWebsite Connected Parents with AngieFacebook GroupInstagramShow notes and transcript of the episode over hereMake sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.caJoin the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburstTake a deep breath, keep going, we're all in this together!Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

In this week's conversation, we navigate the complex terrain of foster care and adoption with our esteemed guests, Jenn Ranter Hook, founder and executive director of Replanted, and her husband, Josh Hook, a psychology professor. Jenn opens up about her personal experiences working with children in the foster care system and her realization about the Church's lack of support for families on that journey. Josh shares his research interests and how they intersect with adoption and foster care, highlighting the need for trauma-informed resources. We also discuss the critical work of Replanted, a platform for supporting families who have experienced foster care and adoption. Jenn passionately divulges how the organization fills a gap many families face, providing much-needed resources and community connections.  Listen as we uncover families' realities, challenges, and triumphs in foster care and adoption. Bios:  Joshua N. Hook (Ph.D.) is a Professor of Psychology at the University of North Texas. He is also a Licensed Clinical Psychologist whose research interests include humility, religion/spirituality, and multicultural counseling. He has written or co-written several books, including Replanted: Faith-Based Support for Adoptive and Foster Families and Thriving Families: A Trauma-Informed Guidebook for the Foster and Adoptive Journey. He lives in Texas with his family..  Jenn Ranter Hook (MA) is the founder and executive director of Replanted. She previously worked as a trauma therapist for children and adolescents in foster care and speaks frequently on topics related to adoption and foster care support, mental health, and trauma. She is the author of two books: Replanted: Faith-Based Support for Foster and Adoptive Families and Thriving Families: A Trauma-Informed Guidebook for the Foster and Adoptive Journey. She lives in Texas with her family. Resources: Replanted website Josh's website/blog Previous episode: From Heartache to Hope: The Church's Mission in Foster Care and Trauma Healing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How To Be an Anti-Racist in Adoptive Families with Lanise Antoine Shelley "It's vital to feel a sense of connectivity to your name, to your environment, and to the people that you choose to love." - Lanise Antoine Shelley If you're an adoptee who's feeling a constant sense of disconnection and confusion as you try to fit into a world that doesn't fully understand or appreciate your unique transracial adoptee experience, then you are not alone! Many adoptees may find themselves struggling to navigate their identity, grasping at societal norms and expectations that do not align with their true selves. Despite their efforts to assimilate, they may still face rejection, ignorance, and a persistent feeling of being othered. This painful reality often leads to a deep yearning for acceptance and a strong desire to reclaim their authentic identity, free from the confines of societal expectations. And if you're an adoptive parent in an interracial or intercultural adoption, open your heart up to some possibly uncomfortable but extremely important truths about race in this episode. ===============  

Trauma-informed Dental Care: How Dental Hygienists Can Help Foster and Adoptive Families By Sharon Boyd, MA, RDH Original article published on Today's RDH: https://www.todaysrdh.com/trauma-informed-dental-care-how-dental-hygienists-can-help-foster-and-adoptive-families/ This audio article is sponsored by LISTERINE®. Although LISTERINE® Antiseptic is the most extensively tested over-the-counter mouthrinse in the world, with over 30 long-term clinical trials examining its safety and efficacy, there is still some misinformation out there over the uses of mouthrinses containing alcohol. To help understand the safety of alcohol-containing mouthrinses, in case any patients ask you about it, head on over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rdh.tv/ListerineSafety⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Need CE? Start earning CE credits today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rdh.tv/ce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Get daily dental hygiene articles at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.todaysrdh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Today's RDH on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TodaysRDH/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Kara RDH on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/DentalHygieneKaraRDH/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Kara RDH on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kara_rdh/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Although a sponsor of this audio article, LISTERINE® and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. had no input into or control over the content being presented in this podcast.

On this MADM, Sonji Patterson of Songee'z Station Hair Salon is sharing about her work with foster & adoptive families by helping them with haircare & skincare. I hope you will listen and share. Sponsor: Green's Dependable Hardware Russellville, AL

Vacations are fun until they're not. The anticipation anxiety, change in routine, and potential overstimulation can make enjoyable vacations feel impossible. In this episode, you'll learn: things to consider when planning how to set realistic expectations tried and true tips for keeping the fun in vacation Rachel Bell is an adoptive mom and founder Bell Travel Co. (@belltravelco), that specializes in travel for families and also individuals with food allergies and special needs. Kristen Perso is an adoptive mom and founder of Cherry Blossom Vacations (@cherry_blossom_vacations) which renews families through the gift of vacation Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Join Reclaim Compassion for access to the Q&A portion and future workshops Connect with Rachel and Bell Travel Co. on Instagram Bell Travel Co Website Connect with Kristen and Cherry Blossom Vacations on Instagram Cherry Blossom Vacations Website

What does it take to bounce back from a traumatic event? How do you thrive and survive the toxic stress and trauma?As educators, we often see certain behaviors that can be barriers to success for some students. And the ultimate goal is to help them get past these conflicts and challenges by encouraging them to focus on their future and success. But most of the time, what our students need is a safe space and adults who will listen and try to understand what they're going through. Welcome to episode 31 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode, I'm speaking with Renee Hettich. She is an author, licensed master social worker, and trainer on topics such as resiliency and therapeutic parenting.Renee opens the conversation about adverse childhood experiences and how they can affect the child's mindset and behavior long term.  Understanding your student's behavior is essential to their success. The truth is, we don't know what each student is going through, but the best we can do is to learn more about how we can help them. Tune in and find out how you can help your student understand their feelings better! Stay empowered,Jen  Let's keep the conversation going! Find me at: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator FacultyRoomAbout Renee:Renee has been parenting children from adverse histories for over twenty-six years as a foster, adoptive, and kinship parent. She is currently parenting four children who joined her family through inter-country adoption. She cares for children with special medical, learning, developmental, and mental health needs. Renee has worked in the field of adoption and foster care since 2004 as an adoption social worker and program director supporting families adopting domestically and internationally. In 2017, she joined the Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition as program director. She is dedicated to the well-being of adoptive, foster, and kinships families. She is proud to lead a team of experts who support adoptive and guardianship families in eight counties. Renee has published articles in Adoption Today and Adoptive Families (national adoption magazines). She is the author of the book My Kids Know More Than Me! 15 Life Lessons from Foster and Adopted Children. Renee is also a trainer on the topics of adverse childhood experiences, the adaptation of the brain from toxic stress and trauma, resiliency, and therapeutic parenting. She has also been featured on radio and podcast broadcasts in regard to parenting children with traumatic histories and with mental health challenges. Renee earned a Master of Social Work degree from Marywood University and has been a Licensed Master Social Worker since 2005. She also holds a Master's Degree in Audiology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor's Degree in Speech/Language Pathology from Ithaca College. www.Affcny.org

What's the difference between sabotaging ourselves and protecting ourselves? How do we stop sabotaging ourselves? Adoptee, adoptive parent and psychologist Chaitra dives deep into this area so we understand what's going on and get out of our own way.Here's a bit about Chaitra from her website:Since taking my first psychology class in high school, I knew that this was the field in which I was meant to work. When the Columbine High School tragedy occurred so close to home, I became dedicated to working with youth and families who had experienced trauma, and this connected strongly with my other areas of passion: adoption and bullying. I was adopted from India as an infant, and understand firsthand what is like to struggle with issues of race, identity, societal expectations, and family relationships – and after adopting my own child, my awareness of the multi-faceted and complex world of adoption grew.I have worked in the mental health field since 2002, and I am currently a licensed psychologist in Colorado, with the ability to practice in multiple other states through PSYPACT approval. I believe that every individual who visits my office has a unique story to share, and deserves to have their story heard in a safe, compassionate, and supportive space. I strongly believe in the importance of valuing each client's lived experiences, especially those who identify with marginalized identities and are seeking professional support from a provider with a passion for social justice. I carefully and thoughtfully chose the name of my practice, “Beyond Words,” because I believe that our therapeutic relationship is built on a foundation of trust and collaboration that goes beyond language to a place of genuine understanding.I am the author of the “Adoptees Like Me” illustrated children's book series for elementary readers, which debuted with Marie Discovers Her Superpowers in 2022. I am a current contributor to I AM ADOPTEE and serve on their subsidized mental health program review board. I have also served on the Adoptee Advisory Board for Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families and the Society of Adoption Professionals of Color in Adoption.https://growbeyondwords.com/https://www.facebook.com/BeyondWordsPsychologicalServices

Today, Daniela Coats, LMSW joins us to share her journey growing up as a bio kid in a foster & adoptive family. Daniela is sharing how she now advocates for bio kids today, why it's important and how you can help your own bio kids as a foster or adoptive family. Follow Daniela on Instagram: www.instagram.com/with_siblings

"Pam and her husband Dan are the adoptive parents of two children, a daughter who was born in Korea in 1986 and a son who was born in India in 1989. Her children catapulted Pam into life and career interests she never imagined. Pam's position as Executive Director has evolved over the past 20 years as she was a volunteer Executive Director for the first 7 years, then the only part-​time paid staff person, then a full-​time paid position, and finally to overseeing with the Board of Directors the addition of two more part-​time paid staff. Pam and Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families have been the recipient of the Minoru Yasui Volunteer Service Award, Asian Education Advisory Council Community Service Award, Channel 7 Everyday Hero, Asian Pacific Bar Association Minoru Yasui Community Award, the Korean American Coalition of the U.S., Bridge Builder Award, and the National Angel in Adoption Award. Pam has been appointed to the Denver Asian Pacific American Commission, and was on the capital campaign committee of the Asian Pacific Development Center. This “labor of love” at Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families has truly become a life's work for Pam, one that never would have happened without her own wonderful children."

Today, we're chatting with Dr. Jana Hunsley about how to create connected foster and adoptive families. Dr. Hunsley is an Assistant Professor of instruction at University of Texas Dallas and studies family trauma, adoptive sibling support, and adoption therapeutic interventions. She is also the Executive Director of Project 1025, which offers effective resources to create connected foster and adoptive families. Dr. Hunsley has a unique perspective—she studies family systems and experienced the effects of adoption first hand when her parents adopted her 7 youngest siblings. 

Before Dirk Doebler, there was no such thing as paid parental leave insurance. Now, Dirk is changing the lives of millions by offering a unique program that is changing the way Americans live and work. Dirk Doebler is the founder and CEO of Parento. Parento is employers' all-in-one solution for working families. With its insurance-based parental leave & support program, Parento enables companies to retain and elevate working parents, particularly working mothers.  This unprecedented brand is transforming the landscape for employers and making increased retention and engagement of parents a reality. Parento is proving that investing in working parents is good for business.  Headquartered in New York, Parento recently completed the Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator and its policies are backed by A-rated reinsurers. Dirk is committed to helping businesses capture the missing $12 trillion in global growth (McKinsey) by reducing the 43% of highly-skilled women who leave the workforce after becoming a mother. Prior to founding Parento, Dirk held roles in the finance and the consumer wellness industries, serving as CFO at the women-founded Dame Products. During his time at Dame, he played a key role in strategy development and execution to grow annual revenue 10x and achieve profitability with minimal outside equity. Prior to Dame Products, Dirk worked at Barclays and in Analytics at Sikorsky. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with degrees in Economics and Finance. Build the world you want to live in Dirk Doebler was working at Dame Products when he noticed a disturbing trend: Their ads were constantly being rejected because their products are marketed towards women. In stark contrast, male-focused brands such as Trojan, Viagra and Roman were flying past ad censorship.  Dirk realized that there was an undiscussed societal bias against companies created for and by women. He began digging into inequalities in the world of finance and marketing and investigated a major gap in the industry: Paid Family Leave. Realizing that a lack of paid family leave is keeping women out of the workforce or permanently stalling their careers, he identified a need for an unprecedented new company. Look to the future, not the present When founding Parento, Dirk did not use other insurance companies as an example. After all, they didn't provide the type of insurance he was working to create - and constantly disappointed their consumers.  Instead, Dirk focused on reforming the entire experience of paid parental leave. He interviewed finance experts, collected data to prove that paid parental leave helps both families and companies, and discussed issues with both human resources and company finance departments. He even evaluated luxury brands and the type of customer experiences they offer their clients.  An unprecedented brand requires visionary leadership While approaching the issue of paid parental leave, Dirk encountered cultural challenges, archaic ideas and technical obstacles. But none of that slowed him down.  Currently, most companies do not offer paid parental leave at all - much less a plan that entices top talent. Employees were feeling unappreciated and even disrespected by the companies they were working for, which often expected them to act like nothing had changed after their leave had passed. He also found that paid parental leave is usually only offered to women who are giving birth - leaving out fathers, adoptive parents and foster families. This leaves ample room for inequity in households. Women therefore become significantly more likely to leave the workforce or experience career plateaus. Dirk sought to build a plan that offered more than just basic insurance - it provided ongoing support and coaching on work-life integration. By caring for employees and eliminating sources of inequity and stress, Parento helps parents return to work feeling inspired and motivated. Quotes “Ignore the negative things people say about starting a company. Sure, you have to work hard and it takes a lot of time. But don't let that sway you. Only really listen to what your users and customers are saying.” “This is a program that did not exist. No one had paid parental leave insurance. We had to create it from the ground up.” “I was trying to offer paid parental leave to my employees. Being in finance, I understood the challenges of trying to budget for that - How to mitigate the risk, and how to make sure employees are coming back after you pay them not to work for three or four months because that's a concern for a lot of organizations. That led me to talk to dozens of finance leaders and I discovered that they don't know how to budget for parental leave. They don't know what the ROI is, if there's going to be one.” “The most important thing is, it's gender-neutral. It's going to cover parents whether they're giving birth, adopting or fostering. We actually don't really care about the parent's gender or how that child gains a home, we just want to know that the employee is bonding with a new child.” “We provide a support system. Employees have access to unlimited emotional support, and even parenting advice before, during, and after leave. Most employees use 12-14 hours of support with our coaches during their leave. There's someone helping them manage their anxiety, stress, how to get their baby to sleep, and then work-life integration. We help them manage their calendar, and make sure that they are adjusting back to work.” “We can build analysis for companies. We can determine how many women they have likely lost over the years due to parenthood. We can put a price tag on that for organizations. We make it transparent to companies, not just intended to sell. The ability to bridge the divide between HR and finance is huge.” Links mentioned in this episode: Learn all about Parento, the world's only paid parental leave insurance company at    https://www.parentoleave.com/  Follow Parento on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ParentoLeave  Connect with Dirk Doebler on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddoebler/  Read Medium's article interviewing Dirk Doebler on their website at https://medium.com/authority-magazine/working-well-dirk-doebler-of-parento-on-how-companies-are-creating-cultures-that-support-sustain-75f78d6ee56a  

Yoselin is an adult adoptee from Honduras, and first attended Latin American Heritage Camp as a camper back in the 90s. Over the course of 17 years, she has served as a Counselor, Coordinator, Presenter, and Director at LAHC, and has also assisted with coordinating Adult Adoptee Meet-Up Events. Yoselin comes to HCAF after studying Psychology in her undergrad, and working predominantly in workforce development, services for those experiencing homeless, and residential and community mental health for the last nine years. Despite the change in industry, Yoselin is passionate about advocacy, and educating communities on expanding cultural empathy and awareness, increasing efforts towards equity and inclusion, and identifying outlets for others' growth and empowerment. In her free time, Yoselin can be found hiking, checking out a concert, gallery, or museum, spending time with friends, volunteering in the community, or finding outlets for her human rights activism. Tough Love Instagram @tough.love.podcast Email @tough.love.stories@gmail.com

It's week 3 of our end-of-2022 podcast series, The Insight Archives, where we're sharing some of our favorite sessions from both the 2021 and 2022 Insight Virtual Conference replays. This week, our good friend Ligia Cushman joins us to talk about how transracial adoptive families can thrive.  Ligia's wisdom, insight, and gentle spirit will inspire you and move you. If you are a transracial family you will want to lean in because Ligia share stories that are powerful and moving.  A Little More About Ligia... Ligia Noemi Cushman M.A. is the daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, one of eight children, and the mother of one son through adoption. In her award-winning book, Heard: How Loss Led Us to Love, Ligia captures the night her son was born and the many hard experiences she and her family encountered as a multiracial family in the deep South. Ligia graduated with her first master's degree in 2004 with a concentration in Human Services. In 2016, Ligia obtained her second master's degree in professional counseling from Liberty University. Also On The Show... Get BOTH Insight 2021 and 2022 Replay Libraries now! During this special series, we are giving our listening audience the chance to take home both Insight Virtual Conference Replay Libraries for just $29.95 ($59.95 for Lifetime Access). Click Here to lock in your spot! Thanks for stopping by this week ;-) 

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Kristen McBee, Executive Director and Birth Mom Advocate with Destiny Adoption Services and Consulting, along with Courtnie Mizer, Assistant Director and Adoptive Parent Advocate, who both highlight how the private adoption agency supports both birth mothers and adoptive parents.During the interview, Kristen and Courtnie share some of the history for the organization that serves in both Tennessee and Florida, and talk about how they love, support and walk with their Birth Mothers for life. They talk about advocacy, open adoption and managing emotions and awkwardness at the start, things to consider and their new initiative, Destiny Community Care where they are becoming well-known for their Babies N' Buns diaper giveaway events.Visit www.destinyadoption.com to learn more.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Kristen McBee, Executive Director and Birth Mom Advocate with Destiny Adoption Services and Consulting, along with Courtnie Mizer, Assistant Director and Adoptive Parent Advocate, who both highlight how the private adoption agency supports both birth mothers and adoptive parents.During the interview, Kristen and Courtnie share some of the history for the organization that serves in both Tennessee and Florida, and talk about how they love, support and walk with their Birth Mothers for life. They talk about advocacy, open adoption and managing emotions and awkwardness at the start, things to consider and their new initiative, Destiny Community Care where they are becoming well-known for their Babies N' Buns diaper giveaway events.Visit www.destinyadoption.com to learn more.

Join The Travelmation Podcast in their very first travel community spotlight, where they showcase different non-profit organizations doing good in the world of travel!Funding Love creates post-adoption experiences that strengthen bonds, build community, and restore people.  You can connect with Funding Love at fundinglove.com, on Instagram @FundingLove or on Facebook - Funding LoveFollow the hosts @TravelmationPodcast 

Single parent, same-sex, older couples, and other non-traditional adoptive families are the focus of this adoption podcast. Today's podcast discusses recent trends such as the growing number of same-sex parents and single women who are adopting. As these...

Adoption is beautiful. It's also really, really hard. For many families, the first year home is particularly challenging. Our very own Marisa Butterworth welcomed her third child home through adoption just over 10 years ago. In today's episode, Marisa shares her tips for surviving the first year home. If you're IN IT right now, take a deep breath—the first step to surviving a trying time is to give yourself some grace!

540 – Why Should Organizations Include Adoptive Families in Employee Benefit Programs? Hosts: Steve Boese, Trish McFarlane Guest: Rita Soronen, President & CEO, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption This episode of At Work in America is sponsored by Paychex, one of the leading providers of HR, payroll, retirement, and insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes. The current business and hiring environment has redefined what it takes to succeed as an HR professional, requiring HR leaders to adapt and innovate at lightning speed to help their organizations remain competitive. Download the 2022 Paychex Pulse of HR report to discover the tools and tactics your peers are using to deliver on both HR and business objectives - faster and at scale - while still meeting the evolving needs of their employees. Visit payx.me/PHR2022 to download your copy, today. This week, we met with Rita Soronen from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to learn more about how organizations can support adoptive families. - Why is it important for an organization to offer adoption benefits? - Data around adoption rates and companies that offer adoption benefits - Types of benefits that can help employees going through the adoption process - Steps to take when implementing adoption benefits into your existing parental leave program For more information, click here Thank you, Rita, for joining the show today!  Remember to subscribe to At Work in America wherever you get your podcasts.

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn darkness into light before them; and make rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”   Answering God's call to foster or adopt children is huge—but sometimes He doesn't stop there. Often, God will invite us to serve other families in this community. That's exactly what He did through adoptive mom Kelly Raudenbush.   After adopting her daughter from China, Kelly went on to establish the Sparrow Fund, a nonprofit passionate about supporting adoptive families. Listen in as host Sandra Flach talks with Kelly about her family's adoption story and about the services offered through the Sparrow Fund.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode:   sandraflach.com justicefororphansny.org Sparrow Fund Together Called Retreat

Greg recently facilitated a conversation in our dads-only group about how to support our kids through the holidays. They talked about favorite traditions, navigating visitation with birth family, and more and gave us permission to share their conversation with you. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links The Village #13: Survive the Holidays While Keeping the Joy #65: Heartwarming Holiday Stories for Adoptive Families

As adoptive parents ourselves, we're always looking for tools and therapies that may help our children heal. This week Lisa sat down with therapist and author, Brooke Randolph, to talk about Brainspotting. This gentle, therapeutic technique can help children process and heal from trauma even if they are unable to speak about it. It can also help parents process the stress of parenting children with high needs. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links Brooke's website Connect with Brooke on Facebook Connect with Brooke on Instagram Connect with Brooke on Twitter Brainspotting with Children and Adolescents* by Monika Baumann Video: Self-spotting with Brain Spotting Vide: “Vergence” Brainspotting technique *This is an affiliate link