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In this episode of Fostering Conversations, guest host Liz Rivera guides a powerful dialogue with Native leaders and advocates about the importance of culture, tradition, and belonging for Native children in foster care. You'll hear from: James Toledo (Utah Division of Indian Affairs) on how culture provides a foundation for resilience. Stephanie Benally (Native American Specialist, Utah Foster Care) on supporting Native children's traditions in foster homes. Craig Sandoval (Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake) on creating culturally responsive models for Native youth and families in urban Utah. Together, they reflect on the sacred role of clans, ceremonies, and language, as well as the ongoing significance of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in preserving tribal sovereignty and protecting children's cultural identity. Listeners will learn why everyday practices—from observing ceremonies to speaking Native languages—help children thrive, and how foster parents can honor and support these connections, even outside of tribal communities. Transcript: Liz: [00:00:00] On today’s episode, you’ll hear how cultural traditions give Native children strength and belonging, and why the Indian Child Welfare Act or ICWA is so critical , in protecting those connections for children in foster care. Welcome to Fostering Conversations. I’m your host, Liz Rivera, filling in for Amy Smith. We have a special episode for you today. We’re weaving together conversations with several native leaders and advocates here in Utah. Liz: Let’s begin with introductions in Navajo culture, introductions are not just about your name, they’re about where you come from, your clans, your language, and [00:01:00] lineage. First, we’ll hear from James Toledo from the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, followed by Stephanie Benally, the Native American specialist from Utah Foster Care, and finally, from Craig Sandoval from the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake. James: [Navajo Introduction] James Toledo James: and, and again. Thank you. I, I’m a member of the Navajo Nation and we introduce ourselves, sharing our clans. So as we probably will talk about this later in the program, our clans are a way to identify our family relationships, connections with others within our community. Stephanie: Hello. Thank you. I am a citizen of Navajo Nation. My clans are Red Streak people born for Bitter Water. My maternal grandfather is Mexican People clan, and my paternal grandfather is Red House. Thank you very much for the opportunity to participate on the podcast. Craig: Hello everybody, and wanted [00:02:00] to introduce myself and my native language. First [Navajo introduction]. Craig: So I introduced myself in my native Navajo language. Just wanted to reintroduce myself in English for all the non Navajo speakers. Good day to everybody. My name is Craig Sandoval, and I’m originally from New Mexico in a small community named Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico. So it’s [00:03:00] just west of Albuquerque, made about two hours. Craig: And my clans are Near the Water People. I’m born for the Mexican clan. My maternal grandparents are the Red Paint People, and my paternal grandparents are the Towering House People. And so that’s who I am, and that’s where I come from. And then now I’m here in Salt Lake working to provide a culturally responsive clinical model for our community here to bring the reservation teachings and bring them here into the valley so that there’s still a connection. I came to Utah about two years ago working with the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake. Liz: As Craig shares, , staying connected to traditions and language is essential for native children. Even here in urban areas of Utah where families may live far from their tribal homelands. James adds that culture, gives children a foundation to thrive. While [00:04:00] Stephanie reminds us how important it is for foster parents to support native traditions, sometimes through simple everyday practices. Craig: The Urban Indian center, the goal is to connect our community members and our families to. Our tradition and our heritage back home. And that includes providing dancers, providing teachings, providing a class to where they can feel home, they can feel at home.For me, it’s the language, making sure that I can continually speak my language. So with the Navajo language classes, it does bridge that. When we think about Utah Foster Care and our Native kids that are in foster care here in Utah, how do we continue to bring them to connecting with their tradition and culture? And that’s also our goal. Several months ago, the Navajo Nation did a resource fair and one of the division directors, Mr.Thomas, [00:05:00] Cody. Who worked very well with Utah Foster Care really emphasized that there should always be a connection to our Navajo language, to our Navajo culture, to our Navajo environment, to our Navajo values, even though we live in the urban area. Craig: That is absolutely true., And that’s how we’ll stay strong. And so during Mr. Cody’s speech, he asked those that have our children and Navajo, our children in their custody to reconnect in any way they can . That’s where the strength is there. And so we want to, as the Urban Indian Center, while we provide a lot of these events, demonstration classes on Navajo history, Navajo language, Navajo culture, Navajo dances, we want them to connect with our traditional ways in that way. Craig: And so that’s the goal what providing all [00:06:00] the classes that we do at the Urban Indian Center. Craig: It is very important to keep the culture whether something small as a bracelet, a necklace, that means a lot to a native child. growing up in a native home, there’s so many milestones and so many traditions that are celebrated. I wanna give a little bit of background on myself too, as well. I am Navajo, however, I do have heritage and lineage into the Hopi and San Domingos communities, and each one is very different. And I’m gonna give you a great example on this side. Craig: As Navajo, we are born into our mother’s clan. I believe that’s number one. When it comes to really being, I guess it’s a. Coming to the earth is that you’re given your first clan, you’re you. You hear your first clan and as a baby they tell you that your first clan is this. Your second clan is [00:07:00] this. And that’s the introduction to the land. Craig: That’s the introduction to the air, the waters, the clouds, the beings that are on earth. Your introduction. When I look into our Hopi side, we have a child is born and kept in a dark room until a certain number of days have come. They prepare, and within this preparation they do a hair washing and they wash the hair and say, you’re able to come to this land in this world. Craig: And then they go out early in the morning and they introduce the child to the sun And when this happens, they tell the child that, here’s the sun The sun will be with you throughout from day one to the day of your death. They’ll watch over you. They’ll look over you, and there’s that introduction to the sun. Craig: And those are some of the main milestones. And you have Santo Domingo who also wash your hair and receive into the world the [00:08:00] child. So those are your milestones. And when you look into Navajo specific, you then can go into, for example, everybody knows the first laugh You know when a child laughs it means that there is laughter in the world. Craig: There’s happiness in the world, and you might think about it as a child has no worries in the world, but that one laugh has given the world what we call, or what we would call happiness. That child brings that, and they want that happiness to continue within the family, within the world. Craig: And so those are some of the important milestones. And then you get to puberty, the milestones of the women going through the puberty ceremony cannot the the men going through the Sweat Lodge ceremony on that side. Craig: Those are milestones that you have. And then overall you have the weddings, and then you have other things that happen [00:09:00] and they’re all different. When our children go through these rites of passages, there’s other small ones in between, for example, piercing the ears. Craig: When we pierce our ears, it’s that now that the gods can hear us through that, we can hear them too as well. And so that happens at a young age, washing of the hair with different herbs so that we prevent sickness and illness and so that our bodies are strong. Craig: Being a parent of a native child and a foster care parent, these are questions that you can ask like, how can I support? And I know on the reservations there are families willing to guide. There are connections that say we can help with that because they wanna keep the child aligned. They wanna keep the child connected to the traditional ways of life. James: Culture sets a foundation really for any individual. I think looking at a [00:10:00] broader picture, we all were raised in certain cultures, whether that’s within a religious environment, whether that’s with our traditional teachings as indigenous peoples, or whether that’s just your own family traditions that we have. James: So when a child is raised with that culture intact, it sets them up with a strong foundation. So as they. Get older and they start navigating and, and experiencing life. What helps to give them some guidance as they are learning about how to be an adult and to different situations that you encounter. And because when we encounter difficult situations, you immediately go back to Those core teachings. So I think that’s the importance of culture in the context that I was using it, is trying to broaden that perspective to help listeners try to understand why Indigenous families want to maintain that cultural connection. Stephanie: So a lot of our native kids are being placed in non-native homes, and [00:11:00] providing that education for all foster parents is important. So they are aware of some do’s and don’ts, like for example. We had an eclipse and I shared the protocol what Navajos do for our foster families to ensure that the Navajo children followed what needed to be done during the eclipse. Stephanie: It’s just also providing that information, so if they’re caring for a Navajo infant, that they’re able to do a first laugh ceremony or get more information to be able to do that. I’ve had a foster parent reach out before and wanted to know what needed to get done and. Directed her to a Native Elder in the community who was able to help her with that. Stephanie: And so it’s just making sure that even though the Native kids are not in Native homes, they’re still being provided that cultural connection, even though it’s very limited. my hope is that sharing the cultural information, the foster parents will then share that with the Native children that are in their [00:12:00] home. Because it’s not just taking a child to a powwow or reading a book, but it’s the everyday living. Stephanie: It’s a discussion around the table. It’s going to an event with the family and seeing other people. Stephanie: One family was taking care of siblings from the Hopi tribe, and I was able to connect the family with resources so they would be able to go over the information with the children in their home. So hoping that will bring some connection while they’re placed in that non-native home. Liz: I think even the foster parents recognizing the importance of it. Liz: I mean, cutting over to what James said, I think the culture’s that it’s just like in our bones, it’s just how we live, and it’s so hard to. Apply that if it’s not really a part of you, but a foster parent who isn’t native, if they’re at least reaching out and they’re at least trying, that really does show that they honor where these children come from. Liz: In 1978, the Indian Child Welfare Act, known as ICWA [00:13:00] became law after decades of Native children being removed from their families and tribes at alarming rates. Here’s Stephanie and James explaining the history and purpose of ICWA and why it continues to matter here in Utah. Stephanie: Prior to 1978 and ICWA there was a 25 to 35% removal of Native children from their homes, and 85 to 90% of those children were placed in Non-native and non-relative homes. And so over that 10 year span, Congress studied the removal of Native children. Found that there was a need for the federal law based on the study and the testimonies from the families. Stephanie: The Indian Child Welfare Act is a federal law. It is the core of ICWA to recognize tribal sovereignty. It also recognizes the important roles that the tribes play, protecting the wellbeing of Native children. It also protects the children and parents’ constitutional rights. Stephanie: ICWA applies to children under the age of [00:14:00] 18. The child can either be a member of a federally recognized tribe or eligible for enrollment. Eligible for enrollment means that one of the birth parents is an enrolled member with a federally recognized tribe. Stephanie: Federally recognized tribe is a Native American or an Alaska native tribe entity that recognizes as having a government to government relationship with the United States. If the child is a part of a state tribe, they would not fall under the ICWA law. James: Well, as you know, with history of Native Americans, with our government, hasn’t been the best ’cause. James: You can go back to the boarding school era where children were forced to attend federally managed boarding schools. And the intent at that time was to destroy the culture, destroy the connection to culture, and so as kids were going through these various boarding schools, they were taught a different way of life and removed from their family and and [00:15:00] cultural settings. James: I mean, that’s a really brief summary. This could be an entire podcast series if we really wanted to dive into that history. But to go back to your point when it comes to the foster care system or why ICWA was created, as Stephanie had mentioned, there was a history of state child welfare agencies where Natives children were being forcefully taken from their families. James: In some instances, it was minor infractions. For whatever reason, these children were removed and placed into foster care. Some of them were put in through the adoption system. Hence, this was an ongoing challenge that many Native communities were experiencing and it, it caught the attention of Congress and there was a series of public hearings that Congress put on, and so this was an opportunity for those families to share their experiences and the challenges and obstacles that they were experiencing. James: Those testimonies are what led to the creation of ICWA ICWA [00:16:00] Was created to try to help to preserve that and to ensure that those cultural teachings would be able to be shared with future generations and to ensure that we as Indigenous people are still here. Liz: Almost two years ago, they tried to codify ICWA into state law and tell us a little bit about why they thought that was necessary. James: So Representative Watkins at the time was the lead sponsor of the state bill, and the reason this was being pushed forward by the tribes in Utah was because at the time there was a case that was going before the US Supreme Court. James: That was on ICWA So there was a potential that if the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in this case, then they would have overturned the law. And those protections that are part of that statute would have gone away. And so there was an effort at the state level to codify the spirit of the [00:17:00] law, so to speak, and make sure that is preserved care at the state of Utah. James: There was a lot of support for the bill. We went through several revisions. The tribes were heavily involved throughout that process, but unfortunately it still ran into resistant in the legislature. James: It did not pass. I think the tribes are talking about reintroducing the law again, presently, the Supreme Court has ruled and they basically upheld. James: I think there’s a desire to learn. It’s a complex issue, and as you talk with people, you’re going to have to approach that in unique ways because it is a complex topic and it’s not a one size fits all, or my perspective isn’t the be all perspective out there. And so I think as, um, people are curious, I would encourage people to read up more about the history behind the law, why it became a law. James: Also, if they have further questions, if they [00:18:00] have indigenous friends or connections to that way, then I think it would be appropriate to have those conversations or try to educate themselves as as best as they can, and maybe contacting Stephanie at a public event or. There are ways to continue to learn and try to understand the purpose of the law and why many indigenous communities are fighting to preserve this legislation. Liz: Does the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, do they ever get involved in foster care cases? James: Good question. So my office, we are not involved in the child welfare process at all. We do get phone calls from community members inquiring, but we refer those inquiries to, uh, DCFS. So within DCFS, there is a, ICWA coordinator who works directly on these matters in these cases, and so. James: We would refer them to contact DCFS to speak with that ICWA administrator who can guide them through the process. [00:19:00] We do try to give them as much information as we can. We do share resources, Utah Foster Care and other legal services generally that provide legal assistance or can answer some of those legal questions. Liz: Of course, even with protections in place, the realities aren’t always easy. Many families, even in Salt Lake, may not have the resources to be near or return to their ancestral homes in traditions. And though ICWA cases can be complex, the goal is always to place Native children with family first or in Native homes whenever possible. Stephanie: Any time there is reason to believe that there is a native child when the investigation is happening and someone says, I believe my grandmother is a Native American, even with that reason to believe they need to treat the. Stephanie: Case as an ICWA case, so DCFS notifications will then go out to the tribe and then it will be the tribe who will then to determine if the child is a member [00:20:00] or eligible for enrollment. While that’s taking place, the state will then try to find a native home for the native children. So under ICWA there is a foster placement preference, and it would be family first, and then it would be with, um, foster parent of the same tribe. And then the third one would be from a different tribe. And then the last placement would be to any open foster home that’s available. Craig: there’s Craig: multiple reservations in the United States. And one that is particularly for the Navajo reservation. . So the Navajo people were put on this land, on our homeland, and it goes back to the history of how we have our ancestral homeland. Craig: Where we emerged, we came to our mother earth, and the deities at that time said, this will be where you will live. This will be your homeland. So our ancestral homeland became the boundaries, became the four sacred mountains. So we have to keep that in [00:21:00] mind. Craig: Before lines were made by the US government, there was our ancestral homeland, and the boundaries were created with four sacred mountains and with two mountains in the middle that serve as our central location. ? So that’s our ancestral homeland. However, during the 1860s, we were removed from our land and put onto a different reservation in New Mexico. , We were released due to whatever political reasons that was, and a treaty was formed. And with that treaty, what a struck of a pin, we were given four diagonal lines and said, this is your reservation. And throughout the next couple of years. With new presidents coming in and out of office with executive orders, our reservation grew, but it still stayed inside our ancestral homeland boundaries, and I think we’re grateful for that. Craig: Yeah, other tribe have different experiences. Some [00:22:00] did stay on their ancestral land, some did leave their ancestral land and put onto reservations. However, as the Navajo people we’re very fortunate to have returned and the government really accept that we return to our ancestral lands, we’re very thankful for that, that we return to our ancestral lands. Craig: So when I say reservations, and when I say on our ancestral lands, it’s where we call home. The land that we call home. The land that times the Navajo names. For example, our four sacred mountain. Craig: When we hear that, we hear home. A lot of our urban community members here in Salt Lake don’t have the resources at times, the needs or even the transportation to go home. Because you look at it, the Navajo nation as the almost from eight to 10 hours away, depending on where you live, and maybe even more. Craig: And our community members do want to keep that [00:23:00] connection. And the Urban Indian Center understands that. And I understand it because I was raised on the reservation and I, I moved to an urban area to where I don’t have the connection. Liz: The good news is there are resources right here in Utah for Native children. The Urban Indian Center in Salt Lake City offers language classes, cultural events, and outreach to help children and families stay connected. Utah Foster Care also provides similar opportunities from cultural education to community events like the Indigenous Foster Care Fashion Show and the Moccasin Run-in White Mesa. Stephanie: As I mentioned before, there is a shortage of native foster homes. Stephanie: Being very present in the community is important. Being at the table when it comes to policy making, meeting with the tribes and making those connections with the community is important. Stephanie: So they are aware that there is a need that. If they’re not able to foster, then there’s other ways to support our Native kids through the Cedar Project or provide [00:24:00] support to our foster families. And again, it’s just coming up with unique ideas of recruitment. We collaborated with James’ office in Ute Mountain Ute years ago and have an Annual Moccasin Run that we hold in White Mesa, Utah every year to bring awareness. Stephanie: And just coming up with different types of events who bring the community together to make sure that our Native kids have that cultural connection. And that’s why it’s important to be considered a, a kinship placement or a foster placement. Craig: With families that don’t have that tie. First of all, you have resources in your state, and some of these resources are at the state level. Craig: I know Utah. Does have the eight tribes in Utah. However, there are also the urban areas. For example, one can start from the State Department of Indian Affairs, and then Indian Affairs can guide you to other resources in the areas such as the Urban Indian Center. The Urban Indian [00:25:00] Center can provide many of those resources to as well. Craig: They can provide, this is what this tribe is, what this other tribe is, and how they’re unique from one another. What the Urban Indian Center and how it’s unique too, is also that they have employees that are employed from different tribes, so the navigation there also can span out even more. Sure. But. Craig: Another area is that each of the tribes have their own program. The social services programs, the tribal historic preservation offices, those are areas to where they like to connect the vital records departments. They will connect their, and we ensure that the Native children are connected to their native heritage and their native ways. Craig: At the beginning when a family is navigating these, it might seem like a very scary thing to do, but overall, the community the Urban Indian Center, they’re [00:26:00] open to it. They’re open. Which way do we go? How do we navigate it? Craig: And if we don’t know anybody there, you know, that will help you navigate. There’s always somebody that they will connect you. So I would really let the families. That have native children in their care to always reach out, Stephanie Benally is a great resource and she’ll connect you with any resources that you may have. And they’re always open to whether non-native, whether non Navajo. But they still have a Navajo child in their home. We encourage them to bring the Navajo child, their child, our child, to our home, their Indian center, and learn from us too as well, so they understand the importance of our Navajo culture. Craig: We have our main location, which is on 120 West, 1300 South in Salt Lake City, hours from eight to five. Our phone number is (801) 486-4877. And we do have a [00:27:00] team there. So if you have a question. Reach out and you can ask for me, Craig Sandoval. Craig: Or you can ask for our outreach department, Rhonda Duval heads that department. Everybody knows Rhonda. . We know her as Honey, but she’s a great resource too as well. Feel free to reach out to us so we can make some of those connections for you and support you as a parent, support you as one of our family members too. Liz: These are all ways foster families can support Native youth in care. As we close, our guests reflect on the great work of families that foster Native children, keeping Indigenous people and culture strong, and underscore the urgent need for more native foster homes in Utah. Craig: Thank you for the Utah foster care. Thank you to your team and also thank you to. Foster parents out there taking a new child, a Navajo child can have its challenges. It’s a beautiful thing too, as well. Craig: And we wanna thank you. I personally wanna thank you. We wanna thank you [00:28:00] and always remember that the Urban Indian Center is a resource. You can come see us at any time. James: I just appreciate having this conversation. I think it’s good to help your listeners understand this complex law, and hopefully this conversation today will give some insight and encourage listeners to learn a little bit more about this history and to try to better understand why ICWA was created and why many Indigenous communities around the country are working very hard to preserve this federal legislation. Liz: We hope today’s episode has shed some light on ICWA and the importance of culture and connection for Native children in foster care. To learn more about Native services at Utah foster care, visit Utah foster care.org. You can also connect with the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake, or the Utah Division of Indian Affairs for resources and support. Liz: Thank you for joining us for Fostering Conversations. Together we can ensure every [00:29:00] child in Utah grows up connected to the rich heritage of their roots.

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savana) joins Patrick to discuss the redistricting controversy, DCFS, and the struggles facing the Illinois GOPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) joins Patrick to discuss DCFS failures in the death of Mackenzi Felmlee and what should be done to reform the agency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capitol News Illinois reporter Beth Hundsdorfer joins Patrick to discuss her reporting on failures at DCFS and what lawmakers may do to reform the agency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you lead when everything feels uncertain? Carina Santa Maria, CEO of Shelter Youth and Family Services, shared a bold, forward-thinking approach to nonprofit leadership in challenging times. From weathering funding impasses and the pandemic to rethinking donor relationships and pioneering new models of care, Carina proves that crisis can be a catalyst for transformation.Shelter-Inc.org, based outside Chicago, has served vulnerable youth and families for 50 years. Yet Carina candidly shares that despite its legacy, the organization has had to reinvent itself multiple times. Whether navigating Illinois' state budget freeze or pivoting during COVID-19, the common thread has been resilience backed by strategy. “We had to pivot and find the resources to make sure those services were delivered,” Carina says.But this conversation is about more than survival—it's about rising. Carina reveals how she and her team moved away from event-based fundraising and focused on cultivating deep donor relationships. The result? A record-setting $1.8 million raised in one year—without galas or trivia nights. This change didn't come easy, but it paid off with greater mission alignment and long-term investment from supporters.Carina also discusses the organization's next bold chapter: building Illinois' first DCFS-approved group home for child victims of human trafficking. What began as a donor's $50,000 trust experiment has blossomed into a $5 million initiative. “He told me, ‘I don't care if it works. I just want to see you think outside the box,'” Carina shares. It's a stunning example of what's possible when leaders are trusted and supported to innovate.The episode touches on advocacy, trauma-informed storytelling, and building credibility through impact rather than sentiment. Carina makes a compelling case for nonprofit leaders to demand their place at decision-making tables and challenge outdated narratives that nonprofits are less strategic than their corporate counterparts.For nonprofit professionals, this conversation is both a challenge and a blueprint. Carina reminds us that strategy, communication, and vision can carry organizations through uncertainty—not just intact, but stronger. 00:00:00 Welcome 00:01:27 What Shelter Youth and Family Services does 00:02:37 Navigating 24/7 operations and community needs 00:03:50 Impact of state and federal policy on services 00:04:44 Surviving Illinois' budget impasse and COVID 00:06:38 Managing donor fatigue and funding volatility 00:07:53 The importance of donor communication 00:09:43 Leveraging board and stakeholders as advocates 00:11:26 Advocacy and public perception of trafficking 00:12:59 Systems change as financial strategy 00:13:53 Transitioning from events to major gifts 00:17:08 Donor trust leading to bold innovation 00:20:25 Trauma-informed storytelling vs. strategic impact 00:24:10 Educating partners and demanding a seat at the table 00:26:20 Saying no and owning nonprofit leadership Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner joins Patrick to discuss failures at DCFS, gun legislation, and if any serious Republicans are planning to jump into statewide races. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Reeder of the Illinois Times joins Patrick to discuss failures at DCFS, the future of downtown Springfield, and why the GOP is becoming irrelevant in Illinois. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beth Hundsdorfer of Capitol News Illinois joins Patrick to discuss repeated failures by DCFS and why politicians aren't doing anything to reform the troubled agency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) joins Patrick to discuss Governor Pritzker's redistricting comments and why politicians aren't serious about reforming DCFS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover Lafayette: Senator Brach Myers on Public Service, Family, and Revitalizing the Oil Center of Lafayette Louisiana State Senator Brach Myers, who began serving Senate District 23 in March 2025 after representing House District 45, joined Discover Lafayette to reflect on his deep-rooted commitment to public service, his childhood journey, and his ongoing mission to uplift Lafayette and the state of Louisiana. A Lafayette transplant by way of Palmetto and New Iberia, Brach shared, “Lafayette was always the big city to us. I joked and said that many days in the back of a hatchback car ride in the back to Lafayette.” He shared his love of Lafayette: “Lafayette has unmatched culture. You can see the most beautiful parts of the U.S., but there's nothing like coming home.” His upbringing was a blend of blue-collar life and entrepreneurial ambition, split between a trailer park in New Iberia and the early days of LHC Group, the home health care giant his father and stepmother, Ginger and Keith Myers, started in Palmetto, Louisiana. “My mom worked at the General Mill. She was a seamstress. My stepfather was a railroad engineer. She still is a hard worker. She owns a small embroidery business here in Lafayette.” Brach moved to Lafayette in 1999 to attend UL, where he met his wife Carly. They were married just six months into dating. “She's my absolute soul mate… We're residents of Bendel Gardens right here by the Oil Center.” Brach's day job is as Senior VP of Corporate Development at LHC Group, which provides care in over 40 states and employs more than 30,000 people. A humble public servant, he brings his business acumen, heart for his fellow man, and a drive to make things better in his position as State Senator. His son, Emile, shares the family's spirit of service. After seeing the mob of traffic each year at their neighbor's “Christmas Light House" (owned by Dr. Andy Blalock), Emile started selling hot chocolate to people stuck in line, to benefit local nonprofits. “He raised over $2,000 in one night the first year. Last year, he raised over $30,000.” It's now a full-scale community event with music, food trucks, and hundreds of visitors to Bendel Gardens. “He chooses a different charity every year. It's all on him.” Emile Myer's hot cocoa fundraiser has grown into quite a success over the years! Sen. Myers indicated that Emile will probably pass the baton soon to a younger entrepreneur who can carry on the fun event which benefits local charities. Brach brings a deeply thoughtful and humble approach to public service. “I never thought I'd be in the legislature… but I felt called to do it.” Inspired by conversations with his wife during long walks, he felt compelled to act: “I can sit on the sideline and complain about it, or I can roll up my sleeves and jump into the pit.” His campaign mantra has been to lead with transparency and openness. “I said, I'm going to contact everybody back. I'm going to give everybody a fair ear, even if we vehemently disagree.” His legislative office “looks more like a counseling office… People can come and sit down.” As a Senator, Brach now represents three times the constituents he did as a State Senator and works with six mayors instead of one. “It's a lot busier...but I don't take it lightly.” One of his legislative focuses has been health care, drawing from best practices across the nation. His H.E.R.O. (Healthcare Employment Reinvestment Opportunity) Healthcare Workforce bill, modeled after Kentucky and Florida legislation, aimed to reverse Louisiana's healthcare staffing crisis by broadening the program's scope and provide educational grants to reach as many people and institutions as possible. “We picked the things that worked and got rid of the things that didn't.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geae0oiLHMw He's also worked to streamline access to services through a “one door” policy for DCFS and Department of Health programs.

Are you unintentionally sabotaging your custody case by involving child welfare services the wrong way?Navigating divorce is already complex, but when DCFS or CPS enters the picture, things can quickly spiral. In this episode, Heather Quick and Robin Sax unpack the legal and emotional landmines parents face when reporting abuse or neglect, often without realizing the long-term consequences. Whether you're trying to protect your child or just survive a high-conflict co-parenting dynamic, understanding how to interact with these agencies is crucial.Discover the most common communication mistakes that escalate legal battles.Learn why threatening to report abuse can damage your credibility and your case.Understand when and how to seek legal guidance to protect your family the smart way.Press play to learn how to navigate child welfare involvement with strategy—not fear—and protect your parenting rights.Join us on our podcast as we navigate the complexities of marriage, divorce, separation, and all related legal and emotional aspects, including adultery, alimony, child support, spousal support, timesharing, custody battles, and the financial impact of dissolution of marriage.Interested in working with us? Fill out this form here to get started. Not quite ready? Interact with us on socials! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FloridaWomensLawGroup Florida Women's Law Group Website: https://www.floridawomenslawgroup.com/Robin Sax's Links:Official Website: https://www.robinsax.com/ Dear Co-Parent Website: https://www.dearcoparent.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinsax Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not an advertisement for legal services. The information provided on this podcast is not intended to be legal advice. You should not rely on what you hear on this podcast as legal advice. If you have a legal issue, please contact a lawyer. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely those of the individuals and do not represent the views or opinions of the firms or organizations with which they are affiliated or the views or opinions of this podcast's advertisers. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only. Any editing, reproduction, or redistribution of this podcast for commercial use or monetary gain without the expressed, written consent of the podcast's creator is prohibited.Thank you for listening, please leave us a review and share the podcast with your friends and colleagues. Send your questions, comments, and feedback to marketing@4womenlaw.com.

How do you pivot from a 2.8 first-year engineering GPA to winning a coveted Scotiabank investment-banking internship? Aditya Mishra breaks it all down—raising his GPA to 3.4, mastering Excel and DCFs with WSO Academy's courses, logging weekly coffee chats, and nailing super-day tech/behavioral rounds thanks to relentless mock interviews. Hear the strategies that turned a non-finance background into a Toronto IB success story. Perfect for STEM majors eyeing Wall Street (or Bay Street) without a traditional profile. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Susan McConnell, founder of Let It Be Us, joins Lisa Dent to discuss Let It Be Us and their effort to help get children-in-waiting adopted by families. McConnell shares some information about adoption in Illinois and how people who are looking to adopt can help connect a child with a family.

You'll never ever get a chicken in your whole entire life but you can have the only episode we have gotten time to record in 2 months! We hate that new boyfriend so bad and we simply can't stop hating you can't make us. Fiona is trying to be a business owner and Debbie is trying to get DCFS off her back while Lip steps up in his "not a relationship" Check out our website linked below to get yourself a tshirt! Don't Forget to Rate, Review and Subscribe! The Luck We Had - Instagram, Twitter & Tik Tok @luckwehadpod Lena - Instagram @cojackk Twitter @dersholmvik Evan- Instagram @unevantful TikTok @evanBlmao Twitter @evanBlmao Amanda - Instagram @abnormalamanda18 Twitter @abnormalamanda Tik Tok @abnormalamanda_18 Gmail - luckwehadpod@gmail.com Website - theluckwehad.carrd.co/# Cover Art by Zoe Instagram @burden.on.society

In this highly requested video, I'll show you how to easily tell if a stock is expensive or cheap using a Discounted Cash Flow, or DCF, analysis. You'll learn why knowing a stock's true value matters if you're aiming for better returns, and I'll clear up the difference between price and value. I'll walk you through when DCFs make sense—and when they don't—plus share key tips and common mistakes to watch out for. I'll also explain why waiting to buy a stock when it's cheap (or sell when it's overpriced) isn't the same thing as trying to time the market. Finally, I'll show my favorite online tool that can visually show you if a stock is expensive or cheap, saving you a lot of time that manual DCFs can take, though I still encourage you to learn how to do them. Join the world's largest free Dividend Discord ➜ https://discord.gg/kkSr5FY Join my channel membership as a GenEx Partner to access new perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuOS-UH_s4KGhArN6HdRB0Q/join Seeking Alpha Affiliate Referral Link ➜ https://www.sahg6dtr.com/2352ZCK/R74QP/ Click my FAST Graphs Link (Use coupon code AFFILIATE25 to get 25% off your 1st payment) ➜ https://fastgraphs.com/?ref=GenExDividendInvestor Please use my Amazon Affiliates Link ➜ https://amzn.to/2YLxsiW Thanks! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Support me & get Patreon perks ➜ https://www.patreon.com/join/genexdividendinvestor Use my Financial Modeling Prep affiliate link for awesome stock API data (up to a 25% discount) ➡️ https://site.financialmodelingprep.com/pricing-plans?couponCode=genex25

   Slam the Gavel welcomes Marineka Bowman to the podcast. Marineka was last on Season 3, Episodes 104, 131, 159, 160, 174 and 184, Season 4, Episodes 22, 48 and 61, Season 5, Episodes 149, 210 and 238.       Marineka came on to the podcast to update her case and explaining that there are false allegations made upon her friend that lives with her at her apartment by Attorney Laura Brooks and the court, who now wants proof that he no longer resides there. The father made false allegations of child abuse (when he hadn't been in the child's life for four years) against her friend with no investigation done by police and DCFS. Apparently, Laura Brooks is not fact checking her client? However, family court always has allowed lies.     Marineka wants others to know that God is using her case to shed light on what is going on in the family court system and the way He is using Marineka will not be in vain. Marineka advises to try to work things out with your ex, "because family court will make a mess of your life, and at the end of the day, your child will suffer the most."To Contact Marineka Bowman: dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com***** Supportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)Maryann Petri: dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comhttps://www.tiktok.com/@maryannpetriFacebook:  https://www.youtube.com/@slamthegavelpodcasthostmar5536Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guitarpeace/Pinterest: Slam The Gavel Podcast/@guitarpeaceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-petri-62a46b1ab/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@slamthegavelpodcasthostmar5536  Twitter https://x.com/PetriMaryannEzlegalsuit.comhttps://ko-fi.com/maryannpetri*DISCLAIMER* The use of this information is at the viewer/user's own risk. Not financial, medical nor legal advice as the content on this podcast does not constitute legal, financial, medical or any other professional advice. Viewer/user's should consult with the relevant professionals. Reproduction, distribution, performing, publicly displaying and making a derivative of the work is explicitly prohibited without permission from content creator. Podcast is protected by owner. The content creator maintains the exclusive right and any unauthorized copyright infringement is subject to legal prosecution. Support the showSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/

   Slam the Gavel welcomes Marineka Bowman to the podcast. Marineka was last on Season 3, Episodes 104, 131, 159, 160, 174 and 184, Season 4, Episodes 22, 48 and 61, Season 5, Episodes 149 and 210. Today we talked about constant Custodial Interference in keeping a mother from her daughter, favoritism with the father from staff and religious discrimination by staff at a Child Inc. Visitation Center in Philadelphia.     The father blew off the child's first four years of her life and was then given custody. Marineka has been battling it out in the courts since. Apparently the father has now missed 15 visits, not letting Marineka see her daughter while disregarding Judge Natalie Haskin's orders. However, the father is not the judge. DCFS (CPS) has come up with some wild narratives as well which was discussed in the podcast. Attorney Laura Brooks is still defending the father?To Reach Marineka Bowman: dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com****** Supportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)Maryann Petri: dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comhttps://www.tiktok.com/@maryannpetriFacebook:  https://www.youtube.com/@slamthegavelpodcasthostmar5536Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guitarpeace/Pinterest: Slam The Gavel Podcast/@guitarpeaceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-petri-62a46b1ab/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@slamthegavelpodcasthostmar5536  Twitter https://x.com/PetriMaryann*DISCLAIMER* The use of this information is at the viewer/user's own risk. Not financial, medical nor legal advice as the content on this podcast does not constitute legal, financial, medical or any other professional advice. Viewer/user's should consult with the relevant professionals. Reproduction, distribution, performing, publicly displaying and making a derivative of the work is explicitly prohibited without permission from content creator. Podcast is protected by owner. The content creator maintains the exclusive right and any unauthorized copyright infringement is subject to legal prosecution.Support the showSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/

A recent incident in St. Clair County has rekindled efforts to pass legislation aimed at protecting DCFS and Adult Protective Services workers. Last week, a Bellville resident disarmed and fired an officer's gun during an investigation, though no injuries were reported. This has prompted House Minority Leader Tony McCombie to push for her 2018 bill, inspired by the tragic deaths of DCFS workers Pam Knight and Deidre Silas, to become law. The proposed "Knight-Silas Act" would mandate a three-year minimum sentence for attacks on these workers, paralleling penalties for assaults on teachers and firefighters, despite previous opposition.

Mariska and I were overjoyed to have Team Maigler Hall of Famer DaMonique back on the show. She works for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in helping to connect children and families with resources. This was a really enlightening conversation about the help DCFS can provide as opposed to the negative cliches that people think of when they hear about Child Protective Services.

In this episode Mariska and I cover some of the ethical challenges a therapist faces when deciding whether or not to report a case to DCFS. I review a situation a young therapist I am supervising shared with me.

This week on The Message of Hope Podcast Kountry John comes on to share his story of growing up with parents who were addicts and later experiencing addiction himself. He goes on to share with us about coming into recovery because of a DCFS case and finding recovery in NA. He has since gotten custody of his twin nieces and has been given an opportunity to raise them. Please share this with anyone who needs to hear Kountry Johns story.

In NASW's latest episode of Social Work Talks, sponsored by Illinois Department of DCFS, we converse with the Maryland Office of Public Defenders about their Office of Reentry Services. With the help of social workers on staff, it focuses on helping incarcerated individuals re-enter society—and provides them with resources so they can get a fresh start in becoming productive members of their communities. This is thanks to the help of the Second Chance Act. Tune in, learn, and share.

#191: Securing the Public Cloud: How Seattle & LA County DCFS Are Transforming CybersecurityFrom Asset Management to AI: Building Modern Security for Vulnerable CommunitiesFeaturing:Greg Smith, Chief Information Security Officer and Director of Security & Infrastructure, City of Seattle ITAllen Ohanian, Chief Information Security Officer, Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family ServicesBrent Byrnes, Account Executive SLED, WizIn this episode, you'll learn:How Seattle's risk-based approach is transforming traditional government cybersecurityLA County DCFS's strategy for securing the nation's largest welfare agency's sensitive data in the cloudWhy emerging IoT devices and cloud assets are creating new visibility challenges for government infrastructureThe role of cloud visibility and democratized security in modern government environmentsReal-world lessons from Seattle's cross-agency incident response and recovery strategiesTimestamps(00:00) Introduction and Guest Backgrounds (03:14) Seattle's Evolution to Risk-Based Security (04:52) Securing LA County DCFS's Cloud Environment (07:38) Cloud Visibility in Government (09:22) Asset Management Challenges in Modern Infrastructure (12:45) Cross-Agency Incident Response: Seattle Library Case Study (16:33) Crisis Communication Strategies (22:18) AI Implementation and Security Threats (27:42) Managing Modern Security Vendors (31:15) Future of Government Cloud Security To hear more, visit www.techtables.com

Charlie takes questions from Charlie Kirk Exclusive subscribers, including: -Is it child abuse if you let your child become obese? -What should America have done after 9/11, rather than nation-building in Iraq and Afganistan? -Are state child protective services departments abusive and hostile to parents? Become an Exclusives subscriber and ask Charlie a question on-air by going to members.charliekirk.com.Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts: Adam Gardiner and Leah Murray  The Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) came under quite a bit of scrutiny in 2024, following several public incidents involving child abuse and death. In many cases, DCFS says its hands were tied due to legal restrictions. Now, the Utah Legislature may make some changes to the law that would give DCFS more flexibility and power. State House Representative Christine Watkins calls into Inside Sources to explain a few of her bills on the subject.  

Hosts: Adam Gardiner and Leah Murray  The impact and legacy of the late President Jimmy Carter  The country’s longest-living president has passed away at 100 years old. President Jimmy Carter only served one term roughly 50 years ago, but his impact and legacy have been long-lasting. Inside Sources hosts Leah Murray and Adam Gardiner share their thoughts on President Carter’s policies and post-presidency actions. They also discuss the overall roll of former presidents on humanitarian efforts and foreign policy.    On the Hill 2025: Previewing legislation on ballot propositions  When a citizen initiative reaches the ballot in Utah, who writes the proposition that voters will ultimately vote on? In the past, the Legislative General Counsel would write the prop, but that changed in recent years; the House Speaker and Senate President could write it instead. Now, there looks to be efforts to change the process back to how it used to be. State House Representative Angela Romero joins the program to talk about a bill she’s working on to address this.    Fighting between DOGE and Trump supporters over visas for workers  In the last week, a new rift has emerged between leaders of the Department of Government Efficiency – Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy – and loyal supporters of President-elect Donald Trump. It comes as Musk and Ramaswamy voice their support for H-1B visas for foreign tech workers. Inside Sources breaks down the situation and what the incoming president has to say about it.    Sen.-elect Curtis says he won’t be a ‘rubber stamp’ for Donald Trump  In an interview with ABC’s “This Week,” Utah Senator-elect John Curtis said he wouldn’t be a rubber stamp for President-elect Trump’s agenda. Instead, Curtis says he’ll be a stamp for the state of Utah and its people. Corey Norman, Chief of Staff for Senator-elect Curtis’ Office joins the show to explain the Senator-elect's stance and what it could mean for Utah’s relationship with the incoming administration.    On the Hill 2025: Previewing legislation on child welfare  The Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) came under quite a bit of scrutiny in 2024, following several public incidents involving child abuse and death. In many cases, DCFS says its hands were tied due to legal restrictions. Now, the Utah Legislature may make some changes to the law that would give DCFS more flexibility and power. State House Representative Christine Watkins calls into Inside Sources to explain a few of her bills on the subject.     What happens when a legislator leaves the state legislature?  As the Utah Legislature prepares to begin a new session in just a few weeks, several sitting legislators are wrapping things up, preparing to leave office. When a legislator leaves office, what happens to bills or initiatives they were working on? Is someone else forced to carry the bill, or could things simply end? Former legislator Adam Gardiner shares some insights as we discussed other legislators on their way out the door.    The Twelve Days of Christmas  You’ve all heard the song, but have you ever wondered what actually are the Twelve Days of Christmas? Along the same vein, how late do you keep your Christmas decorations up? The hosts finish Inside Sources discussing post-Christmas traditions.     

Charlie takes questions from Charlie Kirk Exclusive subscribers, including: -Is it child abuse if you let your child become obese? -What should America have done after 9/11, rather than nation-building in Iraq and Afganistan? -Are state child protective services departments abusive and hostile to parents? Become an Exclusives subscriber and ask Charlie a question on-air by going to members.charliekirk.com.Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's deep dive, we'll listen to a conversation with the head of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services about the department's progress and future changes. 

Ronald Miller and Lori Johnson of Rockford, IL had a daughter, G.M., in 2010. In 2015, several days after an argument between Johnson and Miller in which Miller threatened to sue Johnson for full custody, Johnson reported Miller to DCFS. Shortly after, she obtained an order of protection which ended all contact between Miller and his daughter. Johnson claimed G.M. had told her that Miller touched her inappropriately and proceeded to bring her daughter to Carrie Lynn Children's Center to record a video accusing her father of sexual abuse. Before the trial, G.M. took back her accusation, telling her mother, her therapist, and the trial prosecutors that the abuse never happened. The trial proceeded anyway, and this information was not shared with the jury.  The prosecutors presented the testimony of a pediatric nurse admitted as an “expert in the field of child abuse.” Trial counsel called no experts for the defense, and Miller testified in his own defense. He was convicted by the jury on all three counts and sentenced to twenty years.  To learn more and get involved, visit:https://www.lengoodmanlawoffice.com/ Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla and Daniel Brown delve into the tragic case of a child who died from a fentanyl overdose, exploring the systemic failures of the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and the legal ramifications for the mother involved.  Timestamps04:44 Systematic Failures in Child Protection10:28 The Role of DCFS and Legislative Hearings13:24 Chronological Breakdown of Events19:13 Investigation Insights and Family Dynamics24:05 The Impact of Fentanyl on Young Lives27:22 Understanding Fentanyl's Impact28:56 The Investigation Unfolds31:00 Failures of the System34:38 The Timeline of Tragedy38:31 Legal Consequences and AccountabilityLocal Sponsors:   Neighbors Federal Credit Union:  Neighbors FCU is a community chartered Baton Rouge credit union that has served the community for over 60 years.For more information visit them by Clicking Here     Another Chance Bail Bonds  Their goal at Another Chance Bail Bonds is to reunite families and reconnect friends.  They accomplish this goal by providing many services which aide in the bonding process.You can learn more by visiting them Here       Jingle Jeepin Parade and Market  Jingle Jeepin' Parade & Market will take place Saturday December 7, 2024.To register a booth or to register your jeep downloadable forms can be accessed HereVideo, Sound and Editing for this podcast by the podcast experts at Envision Podcast Studios in Denham Springs, LA.

    Slam the Gavel welcomes Michele Dalton to the podcast. Michele is a working mom who has had her children wrongfully removed from her by CPS in Utah.      Michele's children were left in the hands of a man who had stabbed her 29 times, left her for dead and then tried to kill her an additional 8 to 10 times. She had met this man at a Christian Singles evening at the church, also this man had served 23 years in prison prior.    This individual has emotionally, physically and SA'd her small children. Michele has now been repeatedly punished for trying to protect them from the abuser. CPS continues to say that she coached her children and has supported this man's abuse.    Due to an investigation into the allegations by an outside source, justice may finally prevail. After over two years of being left with the abuser, her children were finally removed from him.    Currently, the children are in foster care for the past month awaiting kinship approval. Michele has yet to be vindicated and her children continue to be abused by this corrupt system by being kept away from their mother. Now they expect her to pay child support.To Reach Michele Dalton: Facebook: Making a Change in Utah CPS, DCFS, DHHS and sweetheart4god@outlook.comMichele's Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/da0cbde1******** Supportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)Maryann Petri: dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comhttps://www.tiktok.com/@maryannpetriFacebook:  https://www.youtube.com/@slamthegavelpodcasthostmar5536Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guitarpeace/Pinterest: Slam The Gavel Podcast/@guitarpeaceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-petri-62a46b1ab/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@slamthegavelpodcasthostmar5536  Twitter https://x.com/PetriMaryann*DISCLAIMER* The use of this information is at the viewer/user's own risk. Not financial, medical nor legal advice as the content on this podcast does not constitute legal, financial, medical or any other professional advice. Viewer/user's should consult with the relevant professionals.Support the showSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/

Hosts: Adam Gardiner & Greg Skordas The Division of Child and Family Services has come under fire over the past few months following the death of 12-year-old Gavin Peterson. Yesterday, a panel of lawmakers heard testimony from DCFS leaders who walked legislators through the timeline before Peterson’s death. At the same time, Kevin Franke, the father of children previously abused by their mother, called for additional changes to the laws and processes around child welfare. KSL NewsRadio reporter Hugo Rikard-Bell has been following this story, and joins KSL at Night to share updates.

Hosts: Adam Gardiner & Greg Skordas Road rage incidents and laws in UtahSeveral recent road rage incidents have turned deadly here in the Beehive State, prompting a conversation about road rage laws. It’s also brought up questions about why road rage is so bad right now. KSL at Night discusses some of the recent incidents and walk listeners through the current laws regarding road rage. DCFS testifies on child homicide case; what are the child welfare laws in Utah?The Division of Child and Family Services has come under fire over the past few months following the death of 12-year-old Gavin Peterson. Yesterday, a panel of lawmakers heard testimony from DCFS leaders who walked legislators through the timeline before Peterson’s death. At the same time, Kevin Franke, the father of children previously abused by their mother, called for additional changes to the laws and processes around child welfare. KSL NewsRadio reporter Hugo Rikard-Bell has been following this story, and joins KSL at Night to share updates. Calls for societal changes for survivors of domestic violenceOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time set aside to highlight the programs created to decrease the prevalence of intimate partner violence. This year, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has announced a new partnership with West Valley City police and the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault to provide more support for survivors of domestic violence. We break down this partnership and its overall goal. Meet the candidate: Erin Rider for Salt Lake County MayorThis election cycle, Salt Lake County residents have the opportunity to pick their next mayor. On KSL at Night, we’re interviewing the candidates to get their takes on topics like housing, homelessness, budgets, and more. Erin Rider, Republican candidate for Salt Lake County Mayor joins the show to walk listeners through her campaign and where she stands on the important issues. New group aims to support rising conservative political candidatesA new group is launching in Utah with the goal of helping identify, develop, support, and train rising conservatives. Utah is a deeply red state with a majority of its residents being more conservative. In that kind of an environment, what does supporting conservatives look like? Jason Sanders, CEO of Utah Governing Conservatives joins the program to talk about the mission of this group. Discussing franked mail for federal vs. state and local politiciansFranked Mail, or Congressional Mail, is official mail that’s sent without postage prepayment and is funded through taxpayer dollars. This kind of mail comes with quite a few stipulations, including that it cannot be sent out 60 days before a general election. This federal law, however, doesn’t apply to local and state government officials. With that in mind, we discuss a recent situation in Salt Lake County that caught our attention. Congressional peacemakers and dividers ranked in new listPeacemaking and unifying or attacking and dividing – the United States Congress is full of people on both sides. This week, a new list launched called “Builders Power Ranking.” It ranks congressmen and women as builders or dividers based on their actions over the past week. KSL at Night hosts Greg Skordas and Adam Gardiner finish the week going through some of the folks on the list.

The phone is a lifeline in cases of domestic violence -- but what happens if you have a difficult time keeping your phone number and separating your line from an abuser? Courtney Johns, KSL Investigative Reporter, looked into a new law that supports survivors in this situation, and if phone providers are following it.   Domestic violence resources If you or someone you know is going through abuse, help is available. • The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). • Resources are also available online at the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition website. https://udvc.org/ Utah Domestic Violence Coalition End domestic violence in Utah through advocacy, education, collaboration, and leadership. We connect survivors to resources 24/7: 1-800-897-LINK (5465). udvc.org   • YWCA Women in Jeopardy program: 801-537-8600 • Utah’s statewide child abuse and neglect hotline: 1-855-323-DCFS (3237) National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Jon Hansen, host of Let's Get Legal, is joined by attorney Audrey Anderson to discuss what to do if The Department of Children and Family Services shows up to your house. Does it always mean that you have done something wrong? Listen to learn more. For more information, visit andersonaa.com or call 630-877-5800.

Hey Everyone, Angela Bowen here, the host of She's A Small Wonder: A Small Wonder Podcast. Today I covered, S3E19: I'll Drink To That, which aired on February 20, 1988. In this episode, due to Vicki's mishandling of terms, Child Services Officer Mrs. Fernwald thinks Ted is an alcoholic and threatens to take Vicki away unless he joins AA. I thought this episode was just ok, I wish it had more meat to the episode like an after school special type simular to what we got in Season 2's Chewed Out episode. I just feel so much more could have been done to make this a better episode, raise the stakes a little bit. Mrs. Fernwald, the woman who is too obsessed with this family, she's practically a stalker, going so far to barge into their home on an unannounced visit because she happened to just be in the neighborhood and pawing through the Lawson's trash looking for evidence to comdemn the Lawson's as unfit parents. Is she like this with every family who's case she's assigned? If I were them I'd have the DCFS do an investigation on her, if she even works there. Who really knows? and I also covered S3E20: Big J, the D.J., which aired on February 27, 1988. In this episode Vicki imitates Lyle Alzado to help auditioning Jamie. This was a kinda fun episode, granted we are introduced to a new character Ida Mae, Brandon's sister. She's just annoying, not Brindle level, but I guess they needed someone to replace Bonnie who is apparently away taking care of her mother for a week. Is this how they write her out of the show, and then they just extend her stay away indefinitely? I hope you enjoy the Podcast Episodes and I'll be back with two more soon. Have a great weekend!

DCFS, police investigating child abuse allegations of Montessori school; Pizza delivery driver killed on the job near Illinois-Indiana border; Bally's Chicago to host job fair and more.

DCFS, police investigating child abuse allegations of Montessori school; Pizza delivery driver killed on the job near Illinois-Indiana border; Bally's Chicago to host job fair and more.

Also in the news: Federal lawsuit alleged 7-month-old boy ripped from parents by DCFS; Hundreds gathered in Skokie to remember man killed by Hamas; Chicago gang leader seeking freedom from incarceration and more.

Tonight we are joined by Miranda, a mother whose son, Prince, has been missing since May of this year. The situation has been incredibly painful for her, as the child's father has denied her any contact with him. When she sought answers, he claimed that the Department of Children and Family Services had taken custody of Prince. However, upon reaching out to DCFS, Miranda discovered that they had no record of her son. This shocking revelation has left her heartbroken and filled with anxiety, as she desperately wonders about the fate of her beloved baby Prince --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/locatingthelost/support

Tonight we are joined by Miranda, a mother whose son, Prince, has been missing since May of this year. The situation has been incredibly painful for her, as the child's father has denied her any contact with him. When she sought answers, he claimed that the Department of Children and Family Services had taken custody of Prince. However, upon reaching out to DCFS, Miranda discovered that they had no record of her son. This shocking revelation has left her heartbroken and filled with anxiety, as she desperately wonders about the fate of her beloved baby Prince --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/locatingthelost/support

Jessica Grundie describes her young life as “typical to me”. It was however, anything but functional. Domestic violence, drugs and alcohol were all around her daily home life so much so that at 11, DCFS came knocking and she went to live with an Aunt and Uncle for a time. Rather than, as so many kids do, look to drugs and alcohol to hide her pain, she turned to anger. Fights and juvenile detention were a constant part of her young life until one day, at 15 years of age, while trying to escape from a detention facility, she stabs a worker. Sentenced to 5 years to life in the state prison, she sends her first 5 years in max; 23 hour lockdown. Her story is heartbreaking yet her outcome is glorious. Join me as she tells her story losing the anger and finding peace. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00:00 - Jessica Grundie 00:01:42 - The Other Side Academy (TOSA) 00:01:57 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 00:02:47 - Her Young Life 00:05:25 - DFS Intervention 00:13:25 - Grand Theft Auto @ 12 years old 00:16:15 - Learning to Prefer Incarceration 00:27:15 - That Escalated Quickly 00:35:30 - They Loved Me The Way They Knew How 00:38:25 - Prison Summary, from 15 to 27 00:47:40 - Graduating Odyssey House  00:52:15 - “Talk to Somebody”

This week, Drewby and Yergy head back over to Indiana to discuss the case of Dakota Levi Stevens, a little boy who was so loved by everyone that knew him. Dakota had a very supportive and loving extended family and foster family. However, like many children that we cover on this show, DCFS just couldn't be bothered with keeping this sweet boy in a home where he was safe and loved. No. Instead, he was placed in the home of Jennifer Wilson, and her husband, Robert. On April 25th, 2024 - 20 days after being placed in the Wilson's Valparaiso home, Dakota tried to escape and ask for help. Enraged, Jennifer pinned the 91 pound boy beneath her 340 pound frame, where he slowly suffocated to death over the course of 7 minutes. After realizing what she had done, emergency services were contacted and Dakota was rushed to the hospital. Two days later, on April 27th, Dakota was taken off life support and was pronounced dead shortly after.  Support Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themiserymachine PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/themiserymachine Join Our Facebook Group: https://t.co/DeSZIIMgXs?amp=1 Instagram: miserymachinepodcast Twitter: misery_podcast Discord: https://discord.gg/kCCzjZM #themiserymachine #podcast #truecrime Source Material: https://fox59.com/indiana-news/questions-arise-following-death-of-10-year-old-indiana-boy-in-foster-care/ https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/1449678 https://wgntv.com/northwest-indiana/he-was-always-loved-former-foster-parent-seeks-answers-following-death-of-10-year-old-indiana-boy/ https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/05/06/mourners-remember-dakota-levi-stevens-for-his-smile-creativity/ https://www.facebook.com/regionnewssource/photos/porter-county-foster-mother-charged-in-death-of-10-year-old-dakota-levi-stevens-/1289490855529748/ https://www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com/obituary/Dakota-Stevens https://wgntv.com/northwest-indiana/brought-a-lot-of-joy-10-year-old-northwest-indiana-boys-death-ruled-homicide-while-in-foster-care/ https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2024/07/12/dakota-levi-stevens-foster-system-dcs-jennifer-wilson-child-abuse-indiana-valparaiso-porter-county/74386145007/ https://www.chestertontribune.com/articles/community-mourns-for-dakota/ https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/dakota-levi-stephens-charges-filed-jennifer-wilson-northwest-indiana/3488021/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13637963/Foster-child-dead-neighbor-adopt-abusive-mom.html https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/05/06/mourners-remember-dakota-levi-stevens-for-his-smile-creativity/ https://abc7chicago.com/post/police-porter-county-issue-arrest-warrant-jennifer-wilson/15055414/ https://www.change.org/p/upgrade-jennifer-lee-wilson-s-charges-from-reckless-homicide-to-manslaughter-murder https://www.yahoo.com/news/liberty-township-subdivision-remembers-dakota-201500510.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAK799Yx8GRiANYVKzmEwnS1SfWhvtTc_g0ld-TtPJN-mmQNw6JyIco02jLNplAmmp5z4fNJkBZIYXOpHnt0TBMf8Lb1ZXL3gAlkxyJKV-8BHcGX5ow46glP-V6NXaRp81wfhgcPCcyKdQDIloYzKD6dVO7wQUg0ysXdTHanEuxp7 https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/heartbreaking-last-words-boy-10-602526 https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/340lb-michigan-mom-crushed-foster-600513 https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/justicefordakotalevi https://www.geisenfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Dakota-Levi-Stevens?obId=31397283 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122142886676252480&set=a.122118927242252480 https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/05/02/monday-candlelight-vigil-planned-to-remember-dakota-levi-stevens/ https://lawandcrime.com/crime/i-was-laying-on-him-and-he-was-acting-bad-foster-mom-killed-10-year-old-by-lying-on-him-for-several-minutes-police-say/ https://regionnewssource.org/porter-county-foster-mother-charged-in-death-of-10-year-old-dakota-levi-stevens/ https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/nw-indiana-woman-accused-of-reckless-homicide-in-10-year-old-sons-death-arrested-in-michigan/3489297/ https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1291808625297971&id=100034065376827&set=a.962393871572783 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=949318550329359&set=a.543528914241660 https://www.facebook.com/518276322/videos/1003467258237223/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/39537128749151121 https://www.facebook.com/groups/3953712874915112/user/518276322 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005218698316 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2455087624675170&set=pcb.2455090351341564 https://www.facebook.com/groups/3953712874915112/user/100071474108079/ https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10162740094246323&set=gm.3973971096222623&idorvanity=3953712874915112

A second cafeteria worker is speaking out about the death of Gavin Peterson... who died earlier this month after he was allegedly starved and abused by family members for years. She says she was desperate to get help for the 12-year-old... but DCFS fell short. Joining me live is KSL TV's Garna Mejia... who has been following this story closely.

Audriana Anderson of Anderson Attorneys & Advisors joins Jon Hansen on Let's Get Legal to discuss if leaving your child home alone is legal in the state. Plus, the mandate in which DCFS must report newborn babies' positive toxicology screens to the police might be removed. Audriana and Jon discuss what the bill hopes to achieve with […]

Bridget Dansie grew up in Lehi UT back when it was a rural farming community. In many ways she had a normal, healthy life. However behind her endearing personality and desire to please was a secret that was the catalyst that created a need, as she describes “I was always hustling for my worth”. She moves out of her house at 18 and set out to prove she had worth. For many years she lived as a functional addict until one day her 3 children were taken by DCFS and she along with her husband went into a tail spin. In and out of jail 22 times in a year, her last visit brought her in contact with three very influential people and the Captain Your Story model. Listen in as she describes that emotional experience and her description of how life has been on the upswing ever since. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00:00 Bridget Dansie 00:01:01 Sponsors 00:02:15 Bridget's Story 00:11:50 Early Abuse 00:14:50 Substance Abuse & Finding Independence 00:28:10 Injury -> Opium -> Nosedive 00:36:00 Losing the Kids 00:42:20 My Story Matters 00:54:40 Final Piece of Advice

Illinois' Department of Children and Family Services has faced challenges and reports of dysfunction for years – from failing to report cases of abuse in schools to reports of improper use of funds. But the department has just come under new leadership, and could see its focus—and efficacy—change. Reset checks in with the new leader of the embattled DCFS for how she plans to right the ship. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

After an eight-day pro-Palestinian protest at University of Chicago, police cleared the encampment on early Tuesday. Invisible Institute's Trina Reynolds-Tyler and City Bureau's Sarah Conway are here with the latest. Plus, we discuss the new director of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, celebrate Chicago's 2024 Pulitzer Prize winners, and send some Mother's Day love. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about our sponsors: Hubbard Street Dance Aligner Experts Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

In the heart-wrenching tale of Harmony Montgomery, a little girl lost to a system that failed to protect her, the trial of Adam Montgomery unfolds, spotlighting the profound flaws within our child welfare and legal systems. Adam Montgomery, facing second-degree murder charges for the death of his five-year-old daughter, has admitted to falsifying physical evidence and abusing Harmony's corpse, yet denies causing her death. This case, as discussed on the "Hidden Killers" podcast with host Tony Brueski and psychotherapist Shavaun Scott, raises unsettling questions about parental fitness, systemic failure, and the dire consequences of addiction. The defense's strategy to shift blame to Kayla Montgomery, Adam's former wife, adds a layer of complexity to an already convoluted case. Shavaun Scott, delving into the psychological profiles involved, suggests that Adam's history of violence and imprisonment paints a picture of a person far from an ideal parent. The evidence, including documented abuse of Kayla by Adam, strongly indicates a pattern of destructive behavior exacerbated by drug addiction. This tragic story begins with a choice made by the courts that placed Harmony in the care of Adam, deemed a more suitable guardian than her addicted mother or the foster care system. Scott passionately argues that this decision, and the subsequent lack of oversight by Child Protective Services (CPS), contributed to the harrowing outcome. The podcast discussion highlights the heartbreaking reality that Harmony, despite having been placed in a loving foster home where she was thriving, was ultimately returned to a dangerous environment. The conversation then shifts to the broader implications of Harmony's case, particularly the challenges faced by the child welfare system. Scott and Brueski contemplate the difficult balance between supporting biological family reunification and protecting children from harm. They criticize the legal bias towards biological parents, which often overlooks the best interests of the child in favor of parental rights. Scott shares a deeply personal account of a similar case she was involved in, where a child was returned to an unfit mother, resulting in the child's death. This experience, she reveals, led to her decision to cease working with young children due to the emotional toll of witnessing such preventable tragedies. Her story underscores the urgent need for systemic change to prioritize the safety and well-being of children over the presumption that biological parents are inherently the best caregivers. The Montgomery trial serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of addiction, not just on the individual but on innocent lives caught in the crossfire. The defense's acknowledgment of Adam's actions regarding Harmony's body, while denying his role in her death, presents a perplexing scenario for jurors and observers alike. How does one reconcile the admission of such heinous acts without assuming responsibility for the ultimate crime? As the trial progresses, the "Hidden Killers" podcast sheds light on the deeper societal issues at play, including the inadequacies of the child welfare system and the legal framework that governs it. Scott's insights into the psychological dynamics of the case, combined with her experience in dealing with similar tragedies, offer a compelling perspective on the need for a systemic overhaul. The case of Harmony Montgomery is a heartrending illustration of the failures of multiple systems meant to protect our most vulnerable. As listeners follow the developments of the trial, they are left to ponder the critical question: How many more children must suffer before significant reforms are made to ensure their safety and well-being? The story of Harmony Montgomery is a grim reminder of the work that remains to be done in safeguarding the rights and lives of children across the nation. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com