Podcasts about child welfare

On this week's episode we review some interesting research on kinship diversion, emergency placements and the nexus between child welfare systems and immigration under Trump. Then we discuss some local headlines on state child welfare spending and the result of two recent legal challenges.Reading RoomHow Are Heightened Deportation Efforts Affecting Child Welfare Agencies?https://shorturl.at/AqJ4K State Tracking of Kinship Diversion Can Inform the Fieldhttps://media.childtrends.org/media/StateTrackingofKinshipDiversion_ChildTrends_July2026.pdf‘Dehumanizing' Placements in Hotels and Offices: First-Ever National Survey Finds Thousands of Foster Youth Are Sent to Substandard Emergency Placementshttps://imprintnews.org/top-stories/dehumanizing-placements-in-hotels-and-offices-first-ever-national-survey-finds-thousands-of-foster-youth-are-sent-to-substandard-emergency-placements/276268‘When I Had No One, I Had Them': Young Moms Lose FSU Foster Care Program Liifelinehttps://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article316580993.htmlCiting Siders Case, Ohio Lawmakers Urge Max Foster Care Rateshttps://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2026-08-19/citing-siders-case-ohio-lawmakers-urge-max-foster-care-ratesSome Lawmakers Frustrated by Morrisey's Hidden Details of Federal TANF Spendinghttps://westvirginiawatch.com/2026/08/21/some-lawmakers-frustrated-by-morriseys-hidden-details-of-federal-tanf-spending/State Lawmakers Gave Louisiana Foster Parents More Money — or So They Thoughthttps://lailluminator.com/2026/08/21/foster-care-money/High Court: Maine Wrongly Terminated a Mother's Parental Rights Because She Couldn't Find an Affordable Homehttps://themainemonitor.org/maine-wrongly-terminated-parental-rights-affordable-home/Once Again, NY Appeals Court Rules CPS Cannot ‘Unlawfully' Investigate Parents With Abusive Partnershttps://imprintnews.org/top-stories/once-again-ny-appeals-court-rules-cps-cannot-unlawfully-investigate-parents-with-abusive-partners/276699

While executing an unrelated search warrant, law enforcement discovered 16 children in an isolated Ohio home, ranging in age from 18-month-old twins to an 18-year-old. Parents Gary Siders Jr. and Elizabeth Siders face neglect allegations, while Gary Jr. has also been charged with misdemeanor counts of public indecency. All 16 children were taken to the hospital for evaluation after being removed from the home, with several requiring additional treatment. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with Law&Crime correspondent Angenette Levy about the case. Angenette describes the deplorable living conditions inside the home, what school and truancy records reveal about the children’s years away from the classroom, and the medical treatment some required after being removed from the home. She and Sheryl also look at how an entire family could seemingly disappear from public view and what is known about how the household was being supported financially. Angenette closes the episode with a remarkable story of the day she was assigned to cover an active Amber Alert and ended up finding the missing toddler at the center of it. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl introduces Angenette Levy and explains why she turned to her for the latest on the Ohio case (3:00) Authorities execute a sealed search warrant and unexpectedly find 16 children inside the Ohio home (5:30) What is known about the public indecency charges against Gary Siders Jr. and what remains unclear (8:30) School and truancy records raise questions about the children’s years away from the classroom (12:30) A neighbor recalls seeing children run toward the house and later came to believe the property was vacant (15:00) Reports about the conditions inside the home (17:15) Angenette looks at public benefits, a local diaper bank, and questions how the household was being supported (20:00) The role schools and mandated reporters can play in identifying children at risk (22:45) The children’s medical treatment after being removed from the home (26:00) Angenette shares how she found a missing toddler while covering an Amber Alert (33:00) Where the children are now and the additional support provided through therapeutic foster care Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. --- Angenette Levy is a correspondent and host with Law&Crime Network. She has covered major trials, including Steven Avery, Kyle Rittenhouse, and Derek Chauvin, and was Emmy-nominated in 2015 for a story in which she helped find a missing toddler during an active Amber Alert. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Children in foster care can experience far more than a change in placement. They may lose caregivers, siblings, schools, routines, communities, caseworkers, therapists, and other trusted relationships—sometimes again and again. What does that repeated instability mean for a child's behavior, sense of safety, and ability to trust?In this episode, we talk with Rita Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, about the impact of foster care instability and what caregivers and child welfare professionals can do to create greater stability and connection. We explore why challenging behavior can be a form of communication, how foster and adoptive parents can build safety through predictable routines and promises kept, why children's voices must be included in permanency decisions, and how child-focused recruitment can help children find lasting families. The conversation also explores the Wendy's Wonderful Kids model and why understanding a child's relationships, history, culture, and needs can lead to stronger permanency outcomes.Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, the team bids farewell to Courtney, who is stepping down from her role as cohost of the podcast and being on staff at America's Kids Belong. The conversation reflects on her contributions, the new chapter in her life, and the impact she has made on the podcast and the foster care community. Travis and Brian share their memories and surprise tributes (including from her husband Bobby), highlighting Courtney's leadership and dedication to fostering and parenting. The three also discuss the importance of community support for foster families, the challenges of navigating the foster care system, and the need for businesses to engage with and support these families. Courtney shares her personal journey, the significance of emotional vulnerability, and the lessons learned from her experiences in fostering and adopting children. The conversation culminates in a tribute from Courtney's husband, Bobby, highlighting her dedication and passion for the work she does.TakeawaysCourtney is stepping down from the podcast but will remain involved as a guest.She will continue her work in foster care and help her husband with their construction company.Courtney's experience has provided her with a well-rounded perspective on parenting and foster care.She has made a significant impact on the podcast and the community.Travis and Brian reflect on their experiences working with Courtney.Courtney's children are well-behaved and respectful, showcasing her parenting skills.The podcast has been a platform for Courtney to share her insights and experiences.Courtney's transition is bittersweet, filled with both excitement and sadness.The team expresses gratitude for Courtney's contributions and leadership.Courtney's journey is a testament to her dedication to foster care and family. Emotional vulnerability is a key aspect of human connection.Foster parents need to be resource finders.It's important to let go of expectations in foster care.Businesses can play a crucial role in supporting foster families.The foster care system must prioritize the needs of children.Adoption requires understanding the perspectives of adoptees.Being present in the messy middle is essential for foster parents.Community support can significantly impact foster care outcomes.Foster care is a way to influence future generations positively.Keep pressing on in the mission of supporting children. 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.

Africa Melane speaks to Nadene Grabham about Baby Savers and the legal battle over safe relinquishment of newborns in South Africa. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8/11/26, Co-Host Amilcar Shabazz Rep Pat Duffy: Freedom to Read law, the abortion bill, the Protect Act & Child Welfare legislation—all passed by the legislature and signed into law. Rev. Carlos Anderson of Hope Community Church in Amherst: from a Black Congregational Church with a white pastor to the present day—the strange journey of race and faith in the Valley. “Sweet Prince” with Hilary Dennis—her one-woman Hamlet, coming to the Center for the Arts. Talkin' Baseball with the Duke, Duke Goldman: How About those Red Sox? The owners are greedy and acting stupid—what else is new? How to enjoy this season with a lock-out pending.

8/11/26, Co-Host Amilcar Shabazz Rep Pat Duffy: Freedom to Read law, the abortion bill, the Protect Act & Child Welfare legislation—all passed by the legislature and signed into law. Rev. Carlos Anderson of Hope Community Church in Amherst: from a Black Congregational Church with a white pastor to the present day—the strange journey of race and faith in the Valley. “Sweet Prince” with Hilary Dennis—her one-woman Hamlet, coming to the Center for the Arts. Talkin' Baseball with the Duke, Duke Goldman: How About those Red Sox? The owners are greedy and acting stupid—what else is new? How to enjoy this season with a lock-out pending.

8/11/26, Co-Host Amilcar Shabazz Rep Pat Duffy: Freedom to Read law, the abortion bill, the Protect Act & Child Welfare legislation—all passed by the legislature and signed into law. Rev. Carlos Anderson of Hope Community Church in Amherst: from a Black Congregational Church with a white pastor to the present day—the strange journey of race and faith in the Valley. “Sweet Prince” with Hilary Dennis—her one-woman Hamlet, coming to the Center for the Arts. Talkin' Baseball with the Duke, Duke Goldman: How About those Red Sox? The owners are greedy and acting stupid—what else is new? How to enjoy this season with a lock-out pending.

8/11/26, Co-Host Amilcar Shabazz Rep Pat Duffy: Freedom to Read law, the abortion bill, the Protect Act & Child Welfare legislation—all passed by the legislature and signed into law. Rev. Carlos Anderson of Hope Community Church in Amherst: from a Black Congregational Church with a white pastor to the present day—the strange journey of race and faith in the Valley. “Sweet Prince” with Hilary Dennis—her one-woman Hamlet, coming to the Center for the Arts. Talkin' Baseball with the Duke, Duke Goldman: How About those Red Sox? The owners are greedy and acting stupid—what else is new? How to enjoy this season with a lock-out pending.

Community family support transforms lives when vulnerable households receive peer-led guidance during times of crisis. Executive Director Amy Jordan breaks down how Thriving

Our Best of Fostering Change series continues with an unforgettable conversation featuring Susan Chesnutt—a family law attorney, former child abuse investigator, and former foster youth whose life has come full circle through advocacy and service.Susan has experienced the child welfare system from nearly every perspective. Raised in foster care herself, she later investigated child abuse cases for Florida's Department of Children and Families before earning her law degree and dedicating her legal career to representing children and families. Today, through The Chesnutt Law Firm and her podcast, From Foster Care to Family Law, she works to make the child welfare system more compassionate, transparent, and effective.Conversation HighlightsHow Susan's own foster care experience shaped her career in child welfare lawWhat really happens during a child protective services investigation—and what families should knowWhy empathy and trauma-informed advocacy are essential in family lawThe importance of protecting both children's safety and families' rightsSusan's vision for a child welfare system rooted in compassion, accountability, and healingLooking AheadWe're enjoying revisiting these memorable conversations throughout the summer, but there's even more ahead.This fall, we'll return with all-new episodes featuring inspiring guests and important conversations—under a new podcast name we'll announce very soon. We can't wait to share what's next, so stay tuned!Connect with Susan ChesnuttWebsite: https://thechesnuttlawfirm.com

The abuse and neglect of a child in Charlotte prompted state lawmakers to pass stronger child welfare regulations as part of the newly enacted budget bill.The Dominique Moody Safety Act was passed in the state House and later added to the state budget bill. It addresses the death of six-year-old Dominique Moody, who was abused and neglected while living with a relative despite visits to the home by social workers and law enforcement. WUNC News sat down with the bill's sponsor, Rep. Allen Chesser, R-Nash, to learn more about how the legislation aims to prevent future tragedies and put more safeguards into the child welfare system. Chesser also spoke about new legislation on blockchain and digital currency issues and a proposed sales tax exemption for diapers.

In this episode of Crime Bit with Danielle Hallan, the case of 6-year-old Elisa Izquierdo becomes a devastating look at what happens when warnings are ignored again and again. What starts with a little girl thriving with her father, a Montessori school fighting for her, and repeated reports of abuse quickly becomes failed custody decisions, missed home visits, ignored school concerns, sealed child welfare records, public outrage, and the creation of Elisa's Law to force more transparency and accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're sharing Andrea's extended Season 7 conversation with professor and author Alan Dettlaff. Together they explore the history of the child welfare system, the tension between protecting children and preserving families, and the difficult questions that emerge when both goals are in conflict. It's a thoughtful conversation that embraces complexity without pretending there are easy answers. *** Try out Andrea's Podcaster Coaching App: https://studio.com/apps/andrea/podcaster Order Andrea's book The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/the-mother-next-door-9781250284273/ View our sponsors: https://www.nobodyshouldbelieveme.com/sponsors/ Remember that using our codes helps advertisers know you're listening and helps us keep making the show!   Subscribe on YouTube where we have bonus content: https://www.youtube.com/@NobodyShouldBelieveMePod Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreadunlop/ Buy Andrea's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andrea-Dunlop/author/B005VFWJPI For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit: https://www.munchausensupport.com/ The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children's MBP Practice Guidelines: https://apsac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Munchausen-by-Proxy-Clinical-and-Case-Management-Guidance-.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Shenandoah Chefalo, an author and advocate for trauma-informed systems change. Shenandoah shares her personal journey through foster care, emphasizing the complexities of grief and loss experienced by children in the system. The conversation explores the impact of systems on grief, the challenges of hyperindependence, and the importance of empowering children with choices. Shenandoah also discusses her memoir as a tool for healing and the significance of curiosity in understanding children's behaviors. This episode highlights the need for a nuanced approach to supporting children in foster care, recognizing that healing is an ongoing journey. Shenandoah and the hosts discuss the complexities of the foster care system, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, community support, and understanding the unique needs of foster youth. They explore how rules can sometimes hinder rather than help, and the necessity of fostering connections between biological and foster families. The discussion highlights the need for adults to recognize and honor the grief that children in foster care experience, advocating for a more compassionate and understanding approach to caregiving.Pickup a copy of her book: "The Best Bunny: The Adventures of Lil Shen (and her inspirational sidekick, Bunny Best)"https://a.co/d/0iA5k1TmTakeawaysShenandoah emphasizes the importance of moving from survival to stability and belonging.Grief in foster care is often overlooked and not addressed by systems.Hyperindependence can hinder the ability to accept help and support.Writing a memoir can help organize fragmented experiences and promote healing.Ambiguous loss affects children in care, as they miss their previous lives.Children in foster care often feel uncomfortable in new environments.Empowering children with choices can help them feel more secure.Curiosity about children's behaviors can lead to better understanding and solutions.The system often fails to address the grief of both children and workers.Healing is an ongoing journey, not a one-time event. Foster parents can push back on rigid rules for the benefit of the child.Community support is crucial for foster youth and their families.Flexibility in rules can lead to better outcomes for children.Children need to feel they are not disposable and that they belong.Behavior in children often stems from grief and loss.Foster care systems should encourage connections between biological and foster families.Adults need to be consistent and understanding in their approach to foster youth.Curiosity about a child's behavior can lead to better understanding and support.It is important to recognize that every child is unique and requires different approaches.Belonging should not be seen as a reward but a fundamental need. 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.

EPISODE 731 - Lance Hillsinger - Child Welfare Social Worker to Author - Navigating Legal Documents to AuthorshipIn this thoughtful episode, author and retired social worker Lance Hilzinger joins us from San Luis Obispo, California, to reflect on a lifetime of service in the child welfare system and his journey into writing. With three decades of experience advocating for children and families in Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo Counties, Lance offers a candid look behind the courtroom doors of juvenile and foster care cases. He shares how both frustration and hope became the foundation for his writing, leading to several books that examine social policy, history, and faith.Lance began his career with a master's degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University before realizing that academia wasn't his calling. A twist of fate led him to a social work position where he found his true purpose—helping families heal, understanding parents struggling with addiction, and advocating for vulnerable children. Over the years, he witnessed the evolution of the foster care system, including new programs supporting youth up to age twenty‑one, and the ongoing challenges of poverty, substance abuse, and a shortage of foster homes.Discussing his writing, Lance explains how technical report writing in court shaped his clear, factual, and concise storytelling style. His first book captured the evolution—both progress and pitfalls—of child welfare practices, inspiring readers to consider becoming foster parents or court advocates. Later works broadened his focus: “Build a Better Bridge: Social Policy for the Twenty‑First Century” revisits America's War on Poverty, calling for smarter, long‑lasting solutions to chronic social issues, while “Beyond Amelia: Lesser Known Women of Yesteryear” celebrates unsung female pioneers in science, leadership, and exploration. His newest book, “Matthew, Mark, Luke and John: A Court Investigator Examines the Gospels,” blends logical analysis and faith, exploring timeless biblical truths through a modern lens.Lance also shares his experiences with publishing—its rewards, challenges, and lessons learned about contracts, editing, and choosing the right partner. Throughout the conversation, he returns to one unshakable theme: the importance of compassion, honesty, and consistency, whether in social work, writing, or personal faith. He reminds listeners that real change happens slowly but meaningfully, through persistence and integrity.Key Takeaway:Lance Hilzinger's story is a testament to serving others with empathy and endurance. Whether guiding a family through hardship or crafting a book that bridges understanding, his work invites us to believe that steady, thoughtful effort can make systems—and lives—better.https://www.lancehillsinger.net/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Brian, Travis, and Courtney celebrate the podcast's two-year anniversary while reflecting on the impact of sharing real foster care stories and experiences. The conversation explores the realities of foster care from both the perspective of foster parents and those learning about the system from the outside.The hosts discuss the different types of foster care placements, including emergency, short-term, long-term, and youth in conflict placements, as well as the intake process and the difficult decisions foster families must make when accepting a child into their home. They highlight the importance of understanding family dynamics, communicating boundaries with caseworkers, and recognizing the emotional and logistical challenges that come with fostering.The conversation also dives into the first month after placement, the overwhelming nature of adjusting to a new child in the home, the responsibilities foster parents carry, and the importance of strong support systems. Topics include visitation with biological parents, navigating relationships within the child welfare system, and the misconceptions many people have about foster families.Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize that foster families are everyday people making an extraordinary commitment. By sharing personal stories and practical insights, the podcast aims to build empathy, educate the community, and encourage greater support for children and families involved in foster care.Learn more about becoming a foster parent with our "Fostering Front Door" resources:https://americaskidsbelong.org/lp/ffd-potential-foster-parent-journey/TakeawaysThe Foster Friendly Podcast celebrates two years of conversations focused on educating and supporting the foster care community.Sharing real foster care stories helps bridge the gap between those involved in foster care and those who may not understand the system.Foster care placements can include emergency, short-term, long-term, and youth in conflict situations.The intake process involves carefully evaluating a child's needs and circumstances.Foster parents often receive placement calls unexpectedly and must make difficult decisions quickly.Families should communicate their preferences, boundaries, and limitations with caseworkers.The decision to accept a placement should consider the needs of both the child and the foster family.Foster care impacts entire families and requires thoughtful consideration of family dynamics.The first month after placement can be one of the most challenging and overwhelming periods for foster families.Strong relationships with caseworkers and community members can make the foster care journey more manageable.Foster parents handle significant responsibilities, including appointments, paperwork, daily care, and emotional support.Visitation with biological parents is an important part of many foster care experiences.Foster families are not extraordinary people—they are ordinary people choosing to do something extraordinary.Community involvement and support systems are essential for helping foster families succeed.Greater understanding and empathy can come from learning about the realities of foster care.The needs of the child should remain the central focus in every foster care decision. 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.

Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Azim Rali, Assistant Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Communications at Amana Bank and Secretary at OrphanCare Trust, on Islamic social finance, child welfare initiatives, Waqf and sustainable social impact

Securing funding for non-profits is a persistent challenge that impacts both clients and talent: Non-profit workers serving people on welfare, often earn salaries that also qualify employees for public assistance. Kathleen Brady-Stepien is President and CEO of the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA), New York State’s leading association representing nonprofit child welfare and juvenile justice organizations. She talks about the landscape of child welfare services across the state and their challenges, including rising insurance, funding cuts and workforce shortages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!We talk a lot about the child's experience in foster care, but what is this experience like for the child's birth parents? You may be surprised! Join our conversation with Dr. Darcey Merritt, a professor at the University of Chicago School of Social Work who researches this topic.In this episode, we discuss:What is a typical scenario, if there is such a thing, of how a parent finds themselves connecting with the child welfare system?What rights do birth parents have within the system?What are some of the challenges families face before the child is taken into custody?What are some of the challenges that they face once the child is in foster care?How can you become an ally to the child's parents?How does poverty factor in?Who most commonly reports birth parents to child welfare?How does race factor in?Research in the area of working memory on parental decision-making.Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, co-hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Paula Yost, an attorney and licensed clinical medical health clinician, who shares her journey of advocacy for children in foster care and those with special needs. The conversation explores the impact of personal experiences, such as preeclampsia, on advocacy work, the complexities of navigating the foster care system, and the importance of education and support for both children and their advocates.Paula emphasizes the need for unconditional love and the power of hope in transforming the lives of kids in foster care, while also addressing the hidden traumas they face and the systemic failures that often hinder their progress. The episode concludes with a call to action for foster parents to see themselves as advocates and to provide the love and support that these children desperately need.Pickup a copy of her book: "Tumbleweeds: How to Be an Advocate for Your Children and Yourself in a Failing System"https://a.co/d/07naKZELTakeawaysPaula Yost blends legal advocacy with therapeutic support.Preeclampsia changed Paula's perspective on health and advocacy.Foster parents need to be informed about children's backgrounds.The foster care system often fails to support children's needs.Advocacy is essential for navigating educational systems.Unconditional love is crucial for foster children.Trauma impacts foster children's development and relationships.Education and support can change the trajectory of foster kids' lives.Building trust with foster children is vital for their healing.Hope is a powerful tool in advocating for foster children. 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.

The deadline for Mass. lawmakers to enact a law related to rent control, in order to remove the question from November's ballot, is swiftly approaching.

A rule change in South Dakota opened a door that allowed a sizable increase in the number of eligible foster parents. It is a boon for places like the Oglala Sioux Reservation that declared an emergency in foster child placement as recently as three years ago. The Minnesota Supreme Court turned back another challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) as the legal justifications for such claims dwindle. And we’ll learn about a Pascua Yaqui tribal secretary who has opened her home to more than two dozen foster children over the years. GUESTS Nancy Marie Spears (Cherokee), Indigenous Children and Families reporter for The Imprint Susan Schrader (Oglala Lakota), director of the Child Protection Services and ICWA program for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, kinship caregiver, and an elder Toni Giago (Oglala Lakota), family developer for Oglala Sioux Tribe Child Protection Services Anna Evans (Chickasaw and Cherokee), mother Break 1 Music: Children's Honoring Song (song) Red Hawk Medicine Drum (artist) New Beginnings (album) Break 2 Music: Trick Song (song) Battle River (artist) Hard Times (album)

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis speaks with Dr. John DiGarmo and Jen Lilley about their experiences in foster care and advocacy. They discuss their personal journeys, the challenges faced in the foster care system, and the importance of community support. The conversation also highlights their upcoming book, 'Called to Foster,' which aims to provide an honest guide for those considering fostering. The episode emphasizes the need for awareness and advocacy in the foster care system, as well as the emotional and practical realities of fostering children in crisis. The discussion also touches on the fears potential foster parents may have, the significance of community, and the transformative experiences that come from loving and caring for children in need.Pickup a copy of their book "Called to Foster?: An Honest Guide to Getting Started"https://a.co/d/0e6BFfwpDr. John DeGarmo's website: Foster Care Institutehttps://www.drjohndegarmofostercare.com/Jen Lilley's website:https://www.jenlilley.com/TakeawaysFoster care is a unique lifestyle full of sacrifices.Advocacy for foster children is crucial, especially during crises.Personal experiences shape the understanding of foster care.Community support is essential for foster parents.Awareness can lead to increased involvement in foster care.Not everyone is called to foster, but everyone can help.Fostering requires a different parenting approach due to trauma.The book 'Called to Foster' offers insights and guidance.Foster care can be more challenging than anticipated.Humor can be found in the toughest fostering moments. Fostering is both challenging and rewarding.Family support is crucial in the foster care journey.Taking an orientation class can provide valuable information.Foster parents need to love children unconditionally.Children in foster care need stability and structure.Foster care can lead to personal growth and empathy.Respite homes are essential for supporting foster families.Fostering can positively impact biological children.Every child deserves love and attention.Foster care can strengthen one's faith and sense of purpose. 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.

A bill is moving through the North Carolina General Assembly named after Dominique Moody. The 6-year-old died last year after being beaten and starved. Investigations found that the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services had received reports of abuse but failed to protect the child. We look at that failure, the role local reporting played in exposing it and what this bill would do to address it.

Hear from child welfare professionals, Brianna and Stephanie Coleman, about their years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with marginalized identities.  They  share the various types of safe care supports available in our communities and you will leave feeling encouraged to open your heart and home to LGBTQ+ youth. Next up is Mariah Rooney.  Mariah will share how to bring more compassion and connection into our relationships through understanding complex inner worlds of young people and ourselves.  We will also learn more about Mariah's inner world and revisit her earlier webinar, “Parts of You, Parts of Me…” Brianna Coleman, MSW, LICSW (she/her) received her MSW from the University of Minnesota in 2018 and currently holds a LICSW. Brianna works as a licensed psychotherapist and provides educational trainings to a variety of different agencies and organizations. Brianna is the founder of Curiosity Counseling & Consultation and provides therapy through Lyn Lake Psychotherapy & Wellness. Throughout her career and personal life, she has expanded on her knowledge and experience providing a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ clients, particularly those who hold gender expansive identities, to explore themselves and navigate the unique challenges they face due to their identity. Brianna has grown passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults who hold marginalized identities. Brianna operates through a trauma-informed lens with a particular focus on attachment, development and identity. Stephanie Coleman, MSW, LICSW, works as the Director of Social Work for Children's Home Society and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota where she oversees Foster Care Adoption, Domestic Infant Adoption, Pregnancy Services, and Education programs. She came to this role with experience directly working with youth in foster care seeking permanency, supporting adoptive families by providing attachment-focused and trauma-informed strategies, and providing education to adults considering adoption. Stephanie earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 2018 and is currently licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker. Stephanie completed the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate through the University of Minnesota's Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare in 2019. Mariah Rooney, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist who has practiced in outpatient, community, hospital and specialty care settings; an adjunct faculty member in the graduate School of Social Work at Winona State University; a past consultant for the NCTSN's Center for the Treatment of Developmental Trauma Disorders; and was previously a fellow at the Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute. She has extensive experience in clinical work with children and adults treating the complex challenges that arise as a result of traumatic stress, attachment trauma, intergenerational trauma, and dissociation. Additionally, her research, consultation, and writing has focused on areas such as gender-related violence, military trauma, trauma-informed embodiment practices, developmental trauma, and systems-level interventions to prevent and address the impacts of trauma. Additionally, Mariah is a consultant with the American Institutes for Research. Her primary responsibilities include supporting capacity-building to prevent and address the effects of violence and trauma within individual agencies and schools, national and state agencies, state-wide coalitions, and multi-agency collaboratives. Additionally, she is the Co-Founder of Trauma Informed Weight Lifting, a program of the Center for Trauma and Embodiment. (49 mins) March 1, 2023 The post Compassion, Support and Connecting Communities appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

On this week's Headlines edition of the podcast, we discuss the latest on the Trump administration's A Home for Every Child initiative and some child welfare bills moving in Congress. We also discuss The Imprint's recent reporting on parental relinquishments, a law in Oklahoma prompted by a child fentanyl death, foster youth and chronic absenteeism, and more. Thanks to iFoster for sponsoring this episode.Reading RoomA Home for Every Child Innovation Challengehttps://acf.gov/home-every-child-innovation-challengeThe Imprint's Who Cares ProjectFosterCareCapacity.comNew Focus on Psychotropic Medication Use in Foster Care Declared at RFK ‘Overmedicalization' Summithttps://imprintnews.org/youth-services-insider/top-federal-child-welfare-official-focused-on-psychotropics/274408Trump's Planned Spending on Child Welfare and Youth Justicehttps://imprintnews.org/youth-services-insider/trumps-budget-plan-on-child-welfare-and-youth-justice/274224Federal Bill Aims to Address Sibling Separation in Foster Carehttps://imprintnews.org/top-stories/federal-bill-aims-to-address-sibling-separation-in-foster-care/274283House Committee Moves Bills to Support Current, Former Foster Youthhttps://imprintnews.org/subscriber-content/house-committee-moves-bills-to-support-current-former-foster-youth/274257Lawmakers Seek to End Ban on Medicaid Covering Foster Youths' Residential Carehttps://imprintnews.org/youth-services-insider/bill-would-end-ban-on-medicaid-covering-foster-youths-residential-care/273791Foster Care for Mental Health Treatment: Parents Surrender Thousands of Kids Each Year In Search of Helphttps://imprintnews.org/top-stories/foster-care-for-mental-health-treatment-parents-surrender-thousands-of-kids-each-year-in-search-of-help/273355Adopted and Locked Away: Kids promised ‘forever homes' instead confined in for-profit institutionshttps://apnews.com/article/adopted-children-boarding-schools-treatment-investigation-e5d8dab2e4db1f2f4c5abbfaf0d97c52At CT DCF, staff turnover is high. The costs can be devastating.https://ctmirror.org/2026/05/10/ct-dcf-staff-turnover/‘This is where they came to die': Historical marker highlights horrors at segregated reform schoolhttps://marylandmatters.org/2026/05/07/this-is-where-they-came-to-die-historical-marker-highlights-horrors-at-segregated-reform-school/Leo's Law to protect children from fentanyl approved by the Oklahoma Senatehttps://okcfox.com/news/local/leos-law-to-protect-children-from-fentanyl-approved-by-the-oklahoma-senateWhen Life ‘Explodes': New Research Explores Why California Foster Youth Miss School https://imprintnews.org/top-stories/when-life-explodes-new-research-explores-why-california-foster-youth-miss-school/274367California Lawmakers Try to Avoid Foster Youth Going Hungry Following Federal Food Stamp Cutshttps://imprintnews.org/top-stories/california-lawmakers-looking-to-avoid-foster-youth-going-hungry/274537Indigenous People Honor and Raise Awareness for Relatives Who are Missing or Have Been Killedhttps://imprintnews.org/top-stories/indigenous-people-raise-awareness-for-missing-murdered-relatives/274252‘The Little Flowers Are Me, Unbloomed:' Georgia Foster Teens Find Their Voices Through Art Exhibithttps://imprintnews.org/top-stories/the-little-flowers-are-me-unbloomed-georgia-foster-teens-find-their-voices-through-art-exhibit/274098

What does it take to bring artificial intelligence into state child welfare systems? How do you modernize legacy systems…without losing the human judgment at the heart of child welfare? And what happens when you combine data, product thinking, and human-centered design to rethink how government delivers services? Join host Michael J. Keegan and his guest […]

What does it take to bring artificial intelligence into state child welfare systems? How do you modernize legacy systems…without losing the human judgment at the heart of child welfare? And what happens when you combine data, product thinking, and human-centered design to rethink how government delivers services? Join host Michael J. Keegan and his guest Steven Hintze, Chief Data and Product Officer at the Arizona Department of Child Safety. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today - A Cochise County judge is facing sharp criticism from the Arizona Court of Appeals after a ruling involving a young Native American boy, federal child welfare law, and comments the appellate court called racially charged. Tickets for Casino Night with Sierra Vista Kiwanis Just Kids, Inc.: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/casino-night-presented-by-just-kids-inc-at-docs-watering-holeSupport the show: https://www.myheraldreview.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Allison Green, Chief Legal Officer at the National Association of Counsel for Children, and Natalece Washington, Policy Counsel at NACC, join us to discuss the Counsel for Kids Campaign and the effort to guarantee legal representation for children in foster care. They explain the current gap in access to counsel across states and make the case for why children, like parents, should have representation in proceedings that deeply impact their lives and family relationships. They highlight how legal advocacy for children can improve outcomes, including faster reunification, fewer placement disruptions, and greater stability.Allison and Natalece also explore how children's attorneys function within the courtroom, the distinction between best interest and stated interest models of representation, and how these approaches affect both children and parents. The conversation touches on the challenges families face in navigating the child welfare system, the importance of accountability in service provision, and the growing momentum among states to expand access to counsel for children. They also discuss ongoing federal efforts and what the future may hold for ensuring every child's voice is heard in court.The EPPiC Broadcast is hosted by Michael Ramey, President of the Parental Rights Foundation. Stay informed on parental rights news by signing up for email alerts at https://parentalrightsfoundation.org/get-involved/. Resources Mentioned:NACC Model of Representation Chart Daily Caller Article by Allison Green: Victory For Kids And Fiscal Responsibility Hiding In Plain SightSupport the show

On this week's episode, we were joined by Sixto Cancel, founder and CEO of Think of Us, and Sharon McDaniel, founder and CEO of A Second Chance. We talked first about their relatively new joint venture between the two organizations called Fashion Forward Kinspire, which is entering its second year of helping expose youth in kinship or foster care to the world of fashion culminating with a trip to Fashion Week in New York City. They stuck around to discuss the recent efforts to update the federal Chafee program for transition-age foster youth, the future of kinship care, and more. Thanks to iFoster for sponsoring this episode. Reading RoomApplication for the Fashion Forward Kinspire Programhttps://asecondchance-kinship.com/fashion-forward-kinspire/InStylePhD: Fashioned to Leadhttps://www.youtube.com/@sharonmcdaniel6321Trump's Planned Spending on Child Welfare and Youth Justicehttps://imprintnews.org/youth-services-insider/trumps-budget-plan-on-child-welfare-and-youth-justice/274224A Model Standard for Approving Kinship Caregivershttps://imprintnews.org/youth-services-insider/model-standard-approving-kinship-caregivers/245279Biden Proposes Major Spending Shifts to Prioritize Kin, Foster Care Preventionhttps://imprintnews.org/youth-services-insider/biden-prioritize-kin-foster-care-prevention/63821

Going to court can be intimidating for everyone involved in the child welfare system: from foster parents to biological families, and of course, for children. Because of this, it's often the case that parties will neglect to show up for their court date. When this happens, judges have to base their decisions on an incomplete picture of the situation—and key testimony and desires are not taken into consideration.That's why we're so grateful to welcome Judge Charles Griffin on the podcast for an important conversation. He serves as the Associate Judge of the Gulf Coast Children's Court under the Office of Court Administration and is a board-certified attorney in child welfare law. Charles has spent over six years presiding over cases that directly impact children and families in the foster care system. He's here to give us some perspective on the factors that judges take into account as they strive to secure the best possible outcome for each case.In this conversation, Judge Griffin brings both extensive legal experience and a compassionate lens to one of the most complex areas of the child welfare system as he explains the role of a judge in a child welfare case, why everyone should respond to the call to “come to court,” some first steps you can take to get involved, and much more.Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/podcast/charles-griffin-49

Naomi Schaefer Riley and Rafael Mangual discuss the complexities of the child welfare system in the U.S. They explore controversial policies surrounding child protection, neglect, and foster care, emphasizing the need for transparency and reform.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Felicia Curcuru, CEO and co-founder of Binti, a technology platform designed to streamline the foster care licensing process. Felicia shares her personal connection to the foster care system, stemming from her sister's challenging experience in adopting two children. This motivated her to create a solution that simplifies the licensing process for families and social workers alike. Felicia discusses the transformative impact of Binti on the child welfare system, emphasizing how their software solutions streamline processes for agencies and improve outcomes for children. Binti currently serves over 550 agencies across 36 states, significantly improving the efficiency of family approvals and reducing the administrative burden on social workers.Binti functions like TurboTax for foster and adoptive families, allowing them to complete applications online, e-sign documents, and upload necessary paperwork. The platform also provides social workers with a user-friendly dashboard to track families' progress, manage background checks, and automate reminders. With measurable results showing a 30% increase in family approvals and an 18% reduction in processing time, Binti is making a significant impact in the child welfare sector. She emphasizes the importance of reducing the number of children in care and increasing family placements, aligning with federal initiatives. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the need for unconditional love and support for children in foster care, showcasing Binti's commitment to improving the foster care experience for both children and families.Learn more about Binti:https://binti.com/TakeawaysBinti serves over 550 agencies in 36 states.The platform improves family approval rates by 30% and reduces processing time by 18%.Felicia's motivation stemmed from her sister's difficult adoption experience.Binti automates administrative tasks for social workers, allowing them to focus on family engagement.AI is used to streamline processes without making decisions about families. Agencies using Binti are 18% faster on average.Binti allows for paper applications to accommodate non-tech-savvy families.The goal is to reduce the number of children in care while increasing family placements.Binti's software aims to streamline processes for social workers and improve outcomes for children.Unconditional love and support are essential for children in foster care.

Are you a grandparent or kinship caregiver navigating the maze of IEPs, 504 plans, and medical decisions while advocating for a child impacted by trauma and neglect? Do you feel overwhelmed by failing systems, mislabeled as a troublemaker simply for demanding the support your grandchild needs to heal? You're not alone.I'm Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this powerful episode, legal social worker Paula Yost joins us to break down the essential legal framework every kinship caregiver needs. Discover how to confidently advocate for your grandchild's educational and medical rights, overcome the isolation and guilt of fighting the system, and turn “troublemaker” into a badge of honor.Hear real stories, actionable advice on IEP and 504 meeting survival, and learn why your advocacy is the most vital document in your grandchild's life. For more information on Paula Yost please visit her website. Purchase a copy of Paula's new book "Tumbleweeds", which I believe everyone should have in their resource library! Also! For Paula Yost's- "Tools For Knowledge From A Seasoned Mother" visit our Resource Library.Join our supportive community—because you deserve more than just survival. You deserve to thrive while cSend us Fan MailJolene Thiessen has been with us since the beginning of our podcast. She wrote in to thank us for our 100th episode! She looked for help online and found us- the only podcast that came up when she searched for help. I live to help these children have better lives and to be sure that all our pain doesn't go to waste for you grandparents and kinship caregivers out there! I love hearing your stories and comments. Keep sharing! Your stories make a difference. In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank 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.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked 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, Layal Bou Harfouch, drug policy analyst at Reason Foundation and doctoral student at the University of Oxford, joins us to discuss her recent article examining the relationship between substance use and child welfare policy. Drawing on her background in addiction medicine and research, she explains how substance use is often treated as automatic evidence of risk, even though it is only one factor among many. It is often connected to broader challenges like poverty, housing instability, and limited access to care.Layal unpacks several common myths that shape current policy, including the assumptions that all parental drug use is inherently dangerous, that people who use drugs are unfit parents, and that increased reporting or stigma improves outcomes for children. The conversation also explores how automatic reporting and drug testing practices influence when families come into contact with the system. It raises important questions about how risk is defined and how decisions are made in child welfare cases.The EPPiC Broadcast is hosted by Michael Ramey, President of the Parental Rights Foundation. Stay informed on parental rights news by signing up for email alerts at https://parentalrightsfoundation.org/get-involved/. Support the show

In this episode of Empowered Through Compassion, I sit down with Sarah Cameron to explore the heart of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and how it comes alive not just as a technique, but as a way of being. Our conversation moves beyond skills and into something deeper, "the spirit", and how it parallels "Self-energy" in Internal Family Systems. We talk about Sarah's work at Amiga and her passion for helping clinicians embody the spirit of PACE in real-world conversations. This is a feeling of Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion and Empowerment, which is foundational for MI. We discuss how these words are not just "check boxes" we have to fill out and "do", but rather, that are qualities that we continue to access and live throughout our lives. MI can be added to IFS-informed EMDR, not as a competing model, but as a complementary path that adds more dimensions of what can be possible through therapy. I share my own journey with MI, and how it provided me with a language which opened up space for me to really listen and reflect change as it was happening in the therapy space. Sarah and I connected around what it means to build bridges across models, and disrupt feelings of being in a community without integration might feel siloed. This conversation is about presence, about hope, and about what becomes possible when we begin to embody the spirit of the work we are doing. Themes of episode The spirit of Motivational Interviewing as reflected in P.A.C.E. MI as a way of being, not just a set of techniques Parallels between MI spirit and Self energy in IFS “Lending hope” becoming a “hope merchant” two ways of communicating something extremely valuable Integration of MI, IFS, and EMDR in clinical practice Moving toward collaborative frameworks Suggesting there are some discussions and spaces where the focus on change talk might not fit.  About Sarah Sarah Cameron is a Motivational Interviewing trainer and leader within the MINT community. She is deeply involved in advancing MI as a developmental and relational practice, helping clinicians move beyond technique into embodiment of MI spirit. Through her work with Amiga, she focuses on cultivating real-world application of MI in a way that is sustainable, human, and transformative. Sarah's books Sarah has contributed to several important works in the field of Motivational Interviewing: Becoming MI introduces the MI Metamorphosis Map and reframes MI as a developmental journey, offering guidance for trainers, supervisors, and clinicians to meet people where they are and support growth over time. The Aspirational Spirit of Motivational Interviewing explores how the true depth of MI lies not just in mastering techniques, but in embodying its spirit as an ongoing, evolving process. Ask-Offer-Ask: Bringing Motivational Interviewing to Life in Child Welfare offers a practical framework for navigating difficult conversations, especially in high-pressure environments, using a simple and effective MI-informed structure. Resources  Amiga: https://amigallc.com/ Sarah website: https://www.ignitingchangeco.com/ Empowered Through Compassion is a podcast exploring the integration of Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing. Through these compassionate conversations, we aim to deepen our understanding of trauma and healing. We hope that information here can inspire connection and support to both clinicians and individuals.

Child Welfare is broken worldwide. Is there hope? We say yes, and it's found right in our communities in the form of the Church of the Lord Jesus ChristIn this inaugural episode of The Table, host Rick Morton (SVP of Engagement, Lifeline Children's Services) gathers three of the most respected voices in Christian child welfare for a conversation that's honest, warm, and theologically grounded.Guests:Emily Richards — Ambassador & Advisor for Show Hope (founded by Mary Beth & Steven Curtis Chapman); foster parent, adoptive sibling, and master's-level theologianChelsea Sobolik — Child welfare policy expert, Capitol Hill veteran, adult adoptee from Romania, and adoptive momHerbie Newell — President & CEO, Lifeline Children's Services (23 years); author and advocate for a whole-life pro-life ethicIn this episode:How the Church is uniquely called to care for vulnerable children and familiesWhy James 1:27 is more than a memory verse — it's a mandateThe intersection of adoption theology and public policyWhat a "whole-life pro-life" ethic looks like in practiceTrinitarian theology and what it means for how we engage orphan careWhy community and relationship are at the core of this work — and why isolation is the enemyWhether you're a pastor, adoptive parent, foster parent, social worker, policymaker, or anyone who cares about vulnerable children — pull up a chair.

Learn more about Debbie at:  https://www.ysoacademy.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/other-people's-children-llc https://www.pinterest.at/OtherPeoplesChildren/ Buy the book at: https://www.amazon.com/Protecting-Other-Peoples-Children-Strong/dp/1961293080 Show Notes 

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis discuss the I Belong Project, a program aimed at helping children in foster care find families. This is a unique episode because some of the stories shared on this episode come from our staff on the ground in various states across the country. The hosts listen and react and also share their own personal stories and insights from their experiences in foster care and adoption, highlighting the importance of storytelling and social media in raising awareness and engaging potential adoptive families. The conversation emphasizes the need for better matching of children with families and the challenges faced by kids in the foster care system.The hosts discuss the challenges faced by hard-to-place children in the foster care system, the importance of creative advocacy in finding families for these children, the significance of sibling bonds in the adoption process, and the complex emotions surrounding grief and loss in adoption. They emphasize the need for awareness and compassion in addressing the needs of these children and the families that support them. Learn more about about our I Belong Project and meet kids waiting for adoptive families:https://americaskidsbelong.org/meet-the-kids/TakeawaysCourtney has been a foster mom for 18 years.The I Belong Project helps children find families through storytelling.Social media plays a crucial role in raising awareness.Many families inquire about children they see in videos.The project has filmed over 4,258 kids without turning anyone down.Kids in foster care often wait years for adoption.The best advocates for children are the children themselves.Matching families to children is a critical process.The project has led to increased inquiries from first-time foster parents.There is a family for every child, and connections can be biological.  Kids who are hard to place often wait a long time for families.Reunification efforts may fail, leading to the need for adoption.Many hard-to-place kids have special needs or siblings they want to stay with.Creative advocacy can change perceptions and outcomes for children.Siblings being separated in adoption is a common but challenging issue.Keeping siblings together can provide emotional support during adoption.Adoption comes with grief for biological families and foster families.Understanding the grief involved in adoption is crucial for adoptive families.Adoptive parents often face their own grief while supporting their children.The journey to adoption can lead to unexpected family connections.

    Slam The Gavel welcomes back Debbie Carroll to the podcast. She is accompanied by Kathryn Hall, who is one the faces of the Angel Families, an organization that has brought their stories of the deaths of their children by ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS to the forefront of the American consciousness.  Her story has been told by Terri LaPoint in the book, Voices That Will Not be Silenced.  Kathryn and her family are more than survivors. Kathryn is a powerhouse spokesperson for Angel Families AND for exposure of corruption by the child welfare system.    With more than one loss after another in her life, Kathryn Hall's granddaughter was now removed from her own daughter Hailey while they both lived with Mom and Dad in Arkansas in 2015 when CPS entered the picture. Just at 17 years of age CPS expected Hailey to get a full-time job, complete high school, move into her own apartment and meet all demands of a Dependency and Neglect case to get her baby back.   Within the year, Hailey and her friend were riding home on a scooter which was hit by a man driving a speeding truck. Hailey was thrown onto the top of the hood. He swerved back and forth until he knocked her off the truck. He also continued driving until he finally noticed sparks under the truck, stopped to find that he had dragged the boy on the scooter the whole time. The man, here ILLEGALLY, ran from the scene.To Reach Kathryn Hall:  dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comTo Reach Debbie Carroll:  considerationnonprofit.orgSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri) Maryann Petri: dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comhttps://www.tiktok.com/@maryannpetriFacebook:  https://youtube.com/@slamthegavelpodcast?si=INW9XaTyprKsaDkl https://substack.com/@maryannpetri?r=kd7n6&utm_medium=iosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/guitarpeace/Pinterest: Slam The Gavel Podcast/@guitarpeaceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-petri-62a46b1ab/  Twitter https://x.com/PetriMaryannEzlegalsuit.com   https://ko-fi.com/maryannpetrihttps://www.zazzle.com/store/slam_the_gavel/aboout*DISCLAIMER* The use of this information is at the viewer/user's own risk. Content on this podcast does not constitute legal, financial, medical or any other professional advice. Viewer/user/guest should consult with the relevant professionals. IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Reproduction, distribution, performing, publicly displaying and making a derivative of the work is explicitly prohibited without permission from content creator. The content creator maintains the exclusive copyright and any unauthorized copyright usage is strictly prohibited.  Podcast is protected by owneSupport the showSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/

Only 5% of the population say they would consider fostering. How can tech solutions and community based engagement increase this number? That's the focus of this episode of Nonprofit Nation, where I talk with Ben Sand, TEDx speaker, nonprofit founder, and CEO of The Contingent. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, The Contingent partners with government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses to accelerate impact in foster care, education, and leadership development. Its mission is bold: empower leaders and mobilize communities to solve local problems using the same data-driven strategies that power the world's most successful companies.At the heart of The Contingent's work is the Air Game: A proprietary digital mobilization strategy designed to recruit volunteers and foster parents at scale. In a world where only 5% of people say they would consider fostering, identifying and engaging that audience is both an art and a science.Through its Every Child Initiative, The Contingent has:Engaged over 12,000 individuals exploring foster parentingPrepared 7,000+ families to begin the foster care processMobilized more than 31,000 volunteers to support children and familiesBen's TEDx talk, Harnessing Technology to Transform Foster Care, challenges the sector to ask: if the largest organizations in the world use data to reach the right audience, why aren't we doing the same for our most pressing social challenges?This episode is a powerful reminder that while ideas are everywhere, solutions that truly work for those experiencing the problem are priceless.

House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – 1:00 PM Location: Capitol Complex, 2008 RHOB, Washington, DC, 20515, USA • LIVESTREAM: youtu.be/UX1i9N0arHI Witnesses Panel one Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation Jonodev Chaudhuri Ambassador, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reggie Wassana [Note: Did not appear in person] Governor, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Panel two James Naranjo Governor, Pueblo of Santa Clara Charles Riley Governor, Pueblo of Acoma Panel three Verlon Jose Chairman, The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona Dr. Buu Nygren President, Navajo Nation Panel four Robyn Sunday-Allen [Note: Did not appear in person] President-Elect, National Council of Urban Indian Health Francys Crevier Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Urban Indian Health A.C. Locklear Chief Executive Officer, National Indian Health Board Abigail Echo-Hawk Director, Urban Indian Health Institute Conrad Jacket Board Member, Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, Inc. Panel five Teresa Sanchez Board President, Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc., Tribal Member of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians Esther Lucero President and Chief Executive Officer, Seattle Indian Health Board Aaron Hines Chair, Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board Leanndra Ross Vice President, Executive and Tribal Services, Southcentral Foundation of Alaska Panel six Angelique Albert Chief Executive Officer, Native Forward Scholar Fund Ahniwake Rose President & CEO, American Indian Higher Education Consortium Panel seven Cecilia Fire Thunder President, Oglala Lakota Nation Education Coalition (OLNEC) Aurene Martin Secretary, National Indian Child Welfare Association More on Indianz.Com: https://indianz.com/News/2026/03/16/video-american-indian-and-alaska-native-public-witness-hearing-day-1-afternoon-session-2/

In honor of Social Work Appreciation Month, we're resharing one of our earlier conversations with Blake Boyer.Blake is a Christian social worker whose passion is encouraging and equipping believers who are fostering, adopting, and supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system. She also mentors social workers as they navigate the challenges of this important work.In this episode, Blake shares honestly about the realities of the child welfare system and the unique pressures social workers often face. She offers practical encouragement for those serving on the front lines and reminds us that even when the work is hard and the outcomes aren't always visible, God is still at work.Whether you are a social worker, foster or adoptive parent, or someone who cares about children and families in crisis, this conversation is a powerful reminder that faith, perseverance, and community matter in this work.Episode Highlights: Blake's BackgroundChallenges for Social Workers Setting Boundaries as a Social Worker Blake's Passion for Change Encouragement for Foster Families and Social Workers Find more on Guest:Blake's InstagramBlake's Blog Find More on Hope Bridge:Visit Our Website Follow us on InstagramJoin us for our Annual Benefit Dinner!

Hosts Mary and Barbie dissect a Psychology Today article on working with Amish families, calling out misinformation and harmful recommendations related to child abuse, reporting, and cultural assumptions. The episode highlights cultural misunderstandings—about affection, assertiveness, gender roles, and community authority—while urging better cultural competence, survivor-centered practices, and respect for Amish people as individuals.

Ben Ray's big dumb idea. Did you know: NM has money to burn? Deb Haaland touts left wing policies but makes an admission on the minimum wage. In the wake of the 2026 legislative session House speaker Javier Martinez says he wants to push for a Universal single-payer healthcare system. Medical malpractice bill was a major victory, but more is needed. An audit found New Mexico's child welfare agency did not properly spend $4.2 million from an appropriation intended for behavioral health services.  ICE could sign a contract with Hobbs detention facility circumventing a recently passed New Mexico law.

This episode of Fostering Change was originally scheduled to air in March — but after recording, Rob Scheer felt the conversation was too important to wait. He personally requested that it be released early so listeners could hear it as soon as possible.Rob is joined by Rachel Bruno, a Nashville-based author, speaker, and advocate whose deeply personal experience with the child welfare system ignited a powerful call for accountability and reform.After her children were unlawfully removed by child protective services, Rachel found herself confronting a system where parental rights, due process, and family integrity are often overlooked. Instead of staying silent, she fought back — ultimately securing a seven-figure civil rights settlement and emerging as a leading national voice for families facing similar injustices.Rachel is the author of Fractured Hope: A Mother's Fight for Justice and founder of Giver of Light, an organization dedicated to supporting families navigating child welfare involvement. Together, Rob and Rachel discuss hope after trauma, the urgent need for accountability, and why lived experience must guide ethical, child-centered reform.Episode Highlights• How one mother's fight sparked national conversations about reform• What families experience when due process is ignored• Accountability and justice within child welfare• How Giver of Light supports families in crisis• Why lived experience belongs at the center of policy change

The Tusla Wellbeing Project was set up last September to review the welfare of children whose protection cases were closed during Covid. For the latest Independent chair of the Tusla Wellbeing project and Chief Executive of the Children's Rights Alliance Tanya Ward.

The documentary "Take Care of Maya" outraged viewers, and a subsequent lawsuit resulted in a quarter of a billion-dollar judgment against the hospital that had treated her. But an appeals court has now reversed that judgment, and new questions have been raised. Was the hospital in the wrong? Or was Maya the victim of Munchausen Syndrome by proxy?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.