Podcast appearances and mentions of foster adoption

Welcome to our Community Outreach podcast series on Foster Care and Adoption!  Woodridge does a lot in this space and we wanted to give you insight into some of the people and organizations that work to serve this vulnerable area in our community.  Today, we will focus on highlighting one of our own– the Ingham family – who have been foster parents for several years -and have such wisdom to share.  Listen to our other foster/adopt podcasts to hear about  another Woodridge family – the Bathursts – and to learn about some organizations that we partner with, and the work being done in our community through The Riverside Project, J's House, our NE Houston Foster Closet Collaborative, and Arrow Child and Family Ministries.  Find out more information about how you can serve and other mission/outreach opportunities at www.woodridge.org/missions or email Heather at hwolf@woodridge.org.

Welcome to our podcast series on foster care and adoption!  Woodridge does a lot in this space and we wanted to give you insight into some of the people and organizations that work to serve this vulnerable area in our community.  Today, we will hear from Marla Wortman, Executive Director, and Nanette Lynch, Board Member, of J's House.  J's House is a Residential Treatment Center for boys in Foster Care that is in the process of opening up in our community.  Learn more about J's House at https://jshouse.org.  Tune in for past and future episodes to hear about two Woodridge families and learn about organizations that we partner with and the work being done in our community through those partners.  Find out more information about how you can serve and other mission/outreach opportunities at www.woodridge.org/missions or email Heather at hwolf@woodridge.org.

Welcome to our podcast series on foster care and adoption!  Woodridge does a lot in this space and we wanted to give you insight into some of the people and organizations that work to serve this vulnerable area in our community.  Today, we will hear from Mireya Scholes (Atascocita Community Church) and Ruth Foster (West Lake Church).   Mireya and Ruth both have different backgrounds within the foster care space and now collaborate with each other and churches with their Resource Closet for vulnerable families.  We collaborate to help families with our own N.E. Houston Foster Closet here at Woodridge and work with these amazing ladies to help families affected by foster care.  For more information about our own N.E. Houston Foster Closet on its Facebook page, click here.  Its a great place to find our Amazon Wish List, current needs, and volunteer opportunities.  Tune in for past and future episodes to hear about two Woodridge families and learn about some organizations that we partner with and the work being done in our community through those partners.  Find out more information about how you can serve and other mission/outreach opportunities at www.woodridge.org/missions or email Heather at hwolf@woodridge.org.

Welcome to our podcast series on foster care and adoption!  Woodridge does a lot in this space and we wanted to give you insight into some of the people and organizations that work to serve this vulnerable area in our community.    Today, we will hear from Chandler James, Director of Church Mobilization, with The Riverside Project (TRP).  TRP is a collaborative network of agencies, churches, nonprofits, school districts and passionate individuals working together to transform the foster care system in Houston.  For more information about TRP, visit their website at www.riversideproject.org or email Chandler James at chandler@riversideproject.org.    You can also view TRP video explaining the concept of the River by clicking here.   Tune in for past and future episodes to hear about two Woodridge families and learn about some organizations that we partner with and the work being done in our community through those partners.    Find out more information about how you can serve and other mission/outreach opportunities at www.woodridge.org/missions or email Heather at hwolf@woodridge.org.

In this deeply inspiring episode of The Parenting 411, we're honored to have Lane Igoudin share his heartwarming journey. Lane, alongside his husband, navigated the complexities of the US adoption system in the early 2000s as a gay couple, leading them to the joyous adoption of their two daughters. This episode delves into their challenges, triumphs, and the profound impact of their journey on their family life and the broader LGBTQ+ community. In This Episode, You Will Learn:The unique obstacles Lane and his husband faced in the adoption process.The evolution of LGBTQ+ rights and its impact on adoption since the early 2000s.The role of love and resilience in building a family against the odds.How Lane's Jewish faith influenced his parenting and family dynamics.Lane's insights for prospective adoptive parents from diverse backgrounds.Resources and Links:A Family, Maybe: A Journey from Foster Adoptions to Fatherhood - Lane's forthcoming memoir.Lane Igoudin's Blog - Insights on adoptive parenting and LGBTQ family life.Adoption.com Guide by Lane Igoudin - A resource for prospective foster/adoptive parents. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Let's stay connected:Website: theparenting411.com IG: @the_parenting_411Facebook: The Parenting 411 YouTube: The Parenting 411

Welcome to our Community Outreach podcast series on Foster Care and Adoption!  Woodridge does a lot in this space and we wanted to give you insight into some of the people and organizations that work to serve this vulnerable area in our community.    Today, we will focus on highlighting one of our own– the Bathurst family – who have adopted five kids throughout the last few years.  Chris serves as a board member for AIM Adoptions and Jennifer leads our Foster/Adopt Support group here at the church.  Take a listen and hear their story.   Tune in for future episodes to hear about another Woodridge family – the Ingham family – and to learn about some organizations that we partner with, and the work being done in our community through The Riverside Project, J's House, our NE Houston Foster Closet Collaborative, and Arrow Child and Family Ministries.    Find out more information about how you can serve and other mission/outreach opportunities at www.woodridge.org/missions or email Heather at hwolf@woodridge.org.

Have you ever wondered about fostering or adopting? Stacey and Lois talk with Ashley, who has traveled this road, and today she shares her story with us!We'd love to hear from you! Please send your feedback and comments or questions to whosegirlareyou@gmail.com.

The Queer Family Podcast | S13 EP12 | Ed Center is a husband and father who humorously quips that, as two Filipino men, he and his husband defied convention in their journey to parenthood by adopting two wonderful white children. After their eldest child faced a profound mental health challenge during the pandemic, Ed embraced a more inclusive and mindful approach to parenting and learned better ways to support his children. Inspired by his learnings, Ed founded Village Well Parenting, whose mission is to empower and enlighten parents like himself, providing them with the tools and support they need to build strong and resilient families. "Doing the inner work and addressing one's own wounds and triggers is crucial for effective parenting." Ed Center "Queer parents often have a unique perspective and approach to parenting that can be valuable in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for their children." Ed Center If you like the episode, make sure to leave us a review and support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for as low as $2/month! Follow and find Ed Center https://www.villagewellparenting.com IG: @villagewellparenting TikTok: @queerbrowndad Thanks to Our Shelves (code QUEERFAM)  and our Patreon supporters!  Watch Video Episodes right now on YouTube! thequeerfamilypodcast.com / thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com IG/Twitter/FB/TikTok/YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast Order the #ITOCT book based on this podcast on Amazon, IndieBound, Audible. Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: Tiffany Topol Logo art: Daneen Stevenato. We want to hear from you! Email us at thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com Buy our merch here. Interested in advertising? Check out our packages here.

We love a love story. This one comes from Melissa Staricka, who was fostered and adopted as a baby. We often hear about sad and tragic stories about a failed foster system, about how it's incredibly hard for parents to adopt, or how many children never get placed in a safe home. Yes, these do happen, unfortunately. But you can find trust in the good — there are positive foster and adoption stories. Melissa shares her experience being fostered then adopted, how she found out she was adopted, and what it was like to learn more about her birth parents as she grew older and became a mother.  Melissa is a ray of light and Steph and Vanessa are honored to hear her beautiful childhood and how it has shaped who she's become as a mother, a sister, a wife, and a business owner. Melissa Staricka is the owner of Avo Aesthetics and Med Spa. She is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Loma Linda University, followed by her Master's degree from the University of Washington. Her medical knowledge and experience include emergency room, urgent care, family practice, dermatology, and aesthetics.  FOLLOW MELISSA getpokedbymel Avo Aesthetics and Med Spa SUPPORT Operation Group Home was started 15 years ago and they deliver Christmas to 2 privately owned group homes of 12 abandoned girls. She invites listeners who feel called to support this organization to reach out to Lindazirkus@gmail.com FOLLOW US Realmotherfuckerspodcast Vanessa Anderson Stephanie Jucar Cooley DISCLAIMER: This podcast has mature language and content. Moms ears only — don't have this one on with your kids in the room. These are our opinions and experiences as moms, take what you like, or leave it. Don't be thinking we're telling you what to do. Seek professionals, do your research, and call the experts for help. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/realmotherfuckers/support

Summary – Exploring Foster Adoption with Dox Dixon There are many avenues of adoption and are mostly associated with adopting unwanted unborn babies. But what about foster adoption of already born children? What is the process of foster adoption like, what considerations should prospective adoptive parents consider? And what are some myths about it? Join me, Kerry Baldwin with Doc Dixon, as we Dare to Think about what it will take for women to choose life. Featured Guest Bio | Doc Dixon Doc Dixon. I'm a magician, comedian & speaker. From corporate events, trade shows, to resorts in Cancun & private events — even 2 shows at The White House,  appearing on The Late Late Show with James Corden and FOOLING magic legends Penn & Teller on Penn & Teller:Fool Us — I bring a special mix of amazement and hilarity that makes events successful. I'm humbled to say, that's not just my opinion, but the opinion of my clients for the past 30 years from here in my home near Atlanta, Georgia to across the country. Main Points of Discussion 00:00    Introduction 01:24    About Doc Dixon and how he became a Reformed libertarian 07:09    The experience and process of being an adoptive family 16:58    The struggles of foster adoption 24:42    Why adoptive parents shouldn't be viewed as heroes 32:55    Closing thoughts Resources Mentioned https://docdixon.com/ Doc Dixon on Mike Huckabee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv_uhEI1V8I  Doc Dixon on Penn and Teller: Fool Us https://youtu.be/YaDnY5q_mxg Mere Liberty Monthly Membership https://mereliberty.com/membership/monthly/ Kerry Baldwin's work on abortion https://mereliberty.com/abortion 

Teaching NotesHINENI Fellowship of the Unashamed“I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power, The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.“My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.“I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first , tops, recognized, praised, regard, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.“I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me – my banner will be clear!”Setlist WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereReady- Mitch LangleyWorthy Of It All- CeCe WinansGoodness of God- Bethel MusicHoly Spirit Come- Patrick MayberryWFC SpeedwayGod So Loved- We The KingdomWhat a Beautiful Name- HillsongGratitude- Brandon LakeBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!

Teaching NotesHINENI Fellowship of the Unashamed“I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power, The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.“My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.“I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first , tops, recognized, praised, regard, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.“I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me – my banner will be clear!” WFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereReady- Mitch LangleyWorthy Of It All- CeCe WinansGoodness of God- Bethel MusicHoly Spirit Come- Patrick MayberryWFC SpeedwayGod So Loved- We The KingdomWhat a Beautiful Name- HillsongGratitude- Brandon LakeBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!

Rex Wolf - November 13, 2022 Scripture References: James 1:27 From Series: "Guest Speakers"

The Millers and Whittons share some experiences, trials and joys from their time as Foster/Adoption parents.

Jason & Jen have a heart for the vulnerable. That's led them to explore both foster care/adoption and embryo adoption. In fact, they're doing both at the same time! Here's their journey, which gives real hope to those of you who may feel called to both, but wonder if you have the capacity to handle it all. Below are some helpful timestamps::36 Jason & Jen on the six children they've fostered (three of whom they've adopted) 2:10 How their faith informs their heart for orphan care & adoption 5:15 Learning to handle the difficult emotional aspects of fostering children 8:14 How embryo adoption came onto their radar and why they wanted to do it11:11 How Jen's pregnancy is going 13:57 Were they ever worried they couldn't handle foster care & embryo adoption? What would they say to others with that concern? 16:22 Similarities in the ways foster care & embryo adoption spoke to their hearts 19:54 What does the future look like for them in terms of adoption?

Episode 77 and Wendi and Dfernando' s return guest interview is with GLAAD Award-winning actor, comedian and writer Alec Mapa. Ellen Degeneres has called him “smart, hilarious and funny.”  VARIETY has said, “Alec Mapa is a freak. No one should be this talented. ” With uproarious live performances and groundbreaking television roles, Alec Mapa has entertained audiences worldwide in every imaginable medium.Audiences first discovered Alec on Broadway in the original 1988 Tony Award-winning Broadway production of M. BUTTERFLY (opposite the legendary Tony Randall), and he has guest starred on over 40 classic television series, including ALIAS, FRIENDS, ROSEANNE, SEINFELD and NYPD BLUE, among others.  Alec played network television's very first gay Asian series regular role on the CBS sitcom SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS.  He then starred on 4 Seasons of the UPN sitcom HALF & HALF, and went on to appear in the ABC hit UGLY BETTY and was a frequent guest star on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and had recurring roles on ABC Family's SWITCHED AT BIRTH  and Lifetime's DEVIOUS MAIDS.  You can see Alec in his recurring roles as Animal Vegetable Mineral Man on the hit series DOOM PATROL (now streaming on HBO Max and DC Universe), and as Tip on the fourth season of the BET+ Original Series THE RICH AND RUTHLESS.  On film, Alec played “N'Cream” in the wildly popular drag queen musical CONNIE AND CARLA. Other films include PLAYING BY HEART, MARLEY & ME, YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN, the action-comedy CHICK FIGHT, opposite Alec Baldwin, Bella Thorne and Malin Akerman, the comedy QUEEN BEES opposite Ellen Burstyn, Ann-Margret, Jane Curtin and Loretta Devine, and the Peacock Original holiday film THE HOUSEWIVES OF THE NORTH POLE.  An accomplished stand-up comedian, Alec's WISECRACK comedy special premiered on LOGO in 2005 and has since become a cult favorite. His follow-up comedy specials AMERICA'S GAYSIAN SWEETHEART and NO FATS, FEMMES OR ASIANS aired on the HERE! and LOGO networks respectively.His Showtime comedy special Alec Mapa: BABY DADDY, is based on his award-winning solo show, which hilariously, irreverently chronicles Alec's journey to fatherhood via foster adoption. Alec was awarded the prestigious Davidson Valentini GLAAD Award for promoting equal rights for the LGBTQ community. A tireless fundraiser, Alec has toured the country on behalf of The Human Rights Campaign and The Matthew Shepard Foundation earning him the unofficial title of “America's Gaysian Sweetheart.”Alec lives in Los Angeles with his husband Jamie and his son Zion.Also on Episode 77, Wendi and Dfernando welcome new listeners of GENERATION RIPE and Wendi mentions the Super Bowl LVI Half-Time Show which featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar.  They also discuss Wendi's recent trip to New York City to do press for the 200th episode of THE GOLDBERGS; she shares her encounter with iconic 90s supermodel Linda Evangelista on her flight back to Los Angeles; and plugs Season 8 of RENO 911! on the Roku Channel.     On THE RIPE REPORT, Wendi shares her love for the online home store WAYFAIR.com and shares a ROTTEN - the use of the elastic therapeutic athletic KT Tape on one's face to remove wrinkles.  And Dfernando reminds us of the groundbreaking 1970s classic CBS TV sitcom THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW (now streaming on HULU in the U.S.A.). Watch Wendi and Dfernando and their TEAM GENERATION RIPE: Greg Covey, Shelley McLendon and Ponciana Badia on Season 7 Episode 2 of CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD - now on ABC OnDemand and Hulu and on the GENERATION RIPE website.  Follow us on our Instagram:Wendi McLendon-CoveyDfernando ZarembaGENERATION RIPE... and our guest Alec Mapa as well as his Twitter, Facebook and YouTube Channel.  Remember to subscribe to GENERATION RIPEAnd rate & leave us a review by clicking HERE!Visit Dfernando Zaremba's website: dfernandozaremba.com

At any given time there are well over 400,000 kids in the US Foster System, and these young humans have ended up in this system at no fault of their own. There is often a history of trauma from abuse, neglect, and the inability of their caregivers to provide food, shelter, and safe place to grow physically and emotionally. When a kids' basic needs are not met, they are being set up for failure and a higher risk to become a statistic in the most undesirable ways. We need more families who have a passion for kids and are willing and desirous of creating a safe place to land for these youngsters. It's a challenging road and a lot of training and prep is needed for prospective adoptive families to understand how to navigate trauma and give their newest family member a true sense of stability. About the guest: Amber Kidd, BSW is the Foster- Adopt program coordinator at A New Beginning Adoption Agency. She has almost of decade of experience working in adoption. Her primary roll now is to help prepare families for permanent placement of their child. In addition, she is the key social worker in advocating on behalf of A New Beginning foster-adopt program families to nearly 4000 child caseworkers across the United States. Amber has been essential in building such a successful program, creating and facilitation post placement services, family support and education that increases child placement permanency (fewer disruptions). If she isn't working directly with families, she working directly with a child's caseworker advocating for placement with the right family. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/meganmccaleb/message

Creating fun and meaningful conversations for parents and kids. Join us in cultivating loving and lasting relationships through questions. We'd love to hear what you have been talking about, send us an email: hellofamilypodcast@gmail.com. For the Family Question of the Day and everything else: https://linktr.ee/hellofamily

Talking with your adopted or foster child about the hard parts of their story can feel like a daunting task. Should you tell your child that her birth father is in jail or that her birth mother is addicted to drugs, or that she was conceived by rape? If so, how in the world do you share this news. We talk with Lesli Johnson, an EMDR therapist who specializes in adoption and foster care and an adult adoptee; and Susan Myers, a licensed Master Social Worker with Adoptions from the Heart Adoption Agency with offices throughout the northeast.In this episode, we cover:Should you tell your child these difficult parts of their history? Talking about the hard parts of adoptionHow should you tell your child these hard parts of their background?How do you lay the groundwork with young children in order to fill in the details later?By what age should you have shared all of your child's story with him?Give specific examples of how a conversation might go with a preschooler, and how would you fill in the gaps for a 6 year old, 10, 13 year old, etc.Child abuse AddictionParent in jailCan you use a lifebook to talk about rape, imprisonment, drug and alcohol addiction?What is a lifebook and what should be included in a lifebook?How to use a lifebook when there is jail, rape, abuse, etc in the child's story?Specifically, how should parents tell their child that they were conceived during a rape?Oversharing can happen with both parents and with children.It's tempting when your child is an infant to tell people private information. Why should foster and adoptive parents avoid this?When might it be important to share some details of the child's background?How do you help your child understand how much of his story he should share with others outside the family?How can adoptive parents help their children understand that they are more than the hard parts of their history and that they are not doomed to repeat their birth parents' mistakes?Additional Resources:Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child: Making Sense of the Past, by Betsy Keefer  and Jayne E. SchoolerTalking with Children about Difficult History,  by Holly van Gulden Lifebooks: Creating a Treasure for the Adopted Child (2nd Edition September 21, 2011), by Beth O'Malley M.EdThis 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 buildingPlease leave us a rating or review Support the show (https://creatingafamily.org/donation/)

In this episode of Tell Me Everything, I talk with Nick and Ana Hernandez about their journey to becoming parents. They were told by their doctors that they had a ZERO percent chance of having any biological children...join me as I find out the crazy ups and downs of their story. It was so interesting and complex that we had to pause and they will be coming back to tell us MORE. Be on the lookout. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/liz-layne/support

In this bonus episode I was interviewed by the founder of the Master IEP Coach program Catherine Whitcher.We discussed the unique situation parents who are fostering/adopting a child with any disability, and how they can show up for them even when they may not hold their educational or medical rights.To book an IEP Consult click hereAnd a five star review would be greatly appreciated!

We talk about evaluating the risk factors for foster care with Dr. Kimara Gustafson, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota with appointments at both their Adoption Medicine Clinic and Pediatric Emergency Department.In this episode, we cover:The common risk factor that foster parents and those wanting to adopt from foster care need to be aware of include physical, emotional, developmental, educational, and behavioral problems rooted in childhood adversity and trauma.What types of trauma are foster kids exposed to? Neglect, abuse, prenatal exposure, multiple caregivers, not having a reliable caregiver, constant stress What percentage of children in foster care have been exposed to drugs or alcohol prenatally? Impact of trauma on physical health. Foster parents often have little information about prior health history. Overmedication of foster children and youth. Research has found that the average number of psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic medications prescribed were significantly greater for youth and children in foster care. o Children in foster care are likely to be kept on them longer than other Medicaid-enrolled children who are not in foster care. What are psychotropic drugs and why are so many foster children on them? Who has authority to make health care decisions for foster children and youth? Impact of trauma on mental health. hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. What types of behaviors are common as a result of trauma? Sleep issues common to children in foster care. Food issues common to children in foster care. Creating a Family course: Practical Solutions to Typical Food Issues Impact of trauma on a foster child’s education. Children in foster care need educational advocates. Risk factors to consider for children already in the home. Creating a Family course: The Impact of Fostering on Children Already in the Home Children can heal and foster parents can and do make a difference! 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 podcasts· Weekly articles/blog posts· Resource pages on all aspects of family buildingCreating a Family also has an active presence on many social media platforms. Please like or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram. Support the show (https://creatingafamily.org/donation/)

The parenthood journey is an experience full of emotions and new challenges. For some, becoming parents is an easy experience, but for others, it may seem like an impossible experience to achieve. For today's episode, we will have one of the sweetest stories, and today's guest, Matt Aporta, will be the one to share it with us. The journey of Matt and his wife towards parenthood was a difficult road, full of barriers, that step by step, they were overcoming. From not being able to have children of their own, to adoption, and the multiple trips to court with the daily fear that their little son "Angel" would be taken away from them. Listen to the whole story on today's episode. About Matt: Matt Aporta is a proud dad through Foster Adoption to his three year old son Angel and just as proud of a husband to wife @marybethlarue. He's the VP of Sales for @beekeepers_naturals . They recently located to the mountaintop of Colorado after fifteen years in Los Angeles. He loves being outside, spending time with my family, cooking, a good bourbon and road trips. CONNECT WITH MATT Matt Instagram | @matt_aporta Matt's Wife Instagram | @marybethlarue WHAT YOU'LL HEAR 2:43 The beginning of Matt's parenthood journey. 18:33 Meeting their baby boy, Angel. 25:34 "We were scared that someone would take away our child": Matt talks about the barriers they had to face to become Angel's legal parents. 33:00 The court process: After taking their baby home, the hardest challenge appeared; the biological father wanting his baby back. 40:00 The moment of celebration: Matt shared with us how he felt after finishing the adoption process. 41:10 Join the UNcivilized nation. 42:11 "It was the ultimate test": Matt talks about how they as a couple faced those challenges. 49:05 What people should know about being a foster parent. 51:08 Matt talk about what he loves about being a parent. 53:10 Matt advice for people considering adoption. 58:03 Where to find Matt and his wife. If you look at the civilized world and think, “no thank you,” then you should subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Also, join the uncivilized community, and connect with me on my website, Facebook, or Instagram so you can join in on our live recordings, ask questions to guests, and more. FOSTER CARE RESOURCES https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/foster-care/foster-care-and-adoptive-resource

Talking with your adopted or foster child about the hard parts of their story can feel like a daunting task. Should you tell your child that her birth father is in jail or that her birth mother is addicted to drugs, or that she was conceived by rape? If so, how in the world do you share this news. We talk with Lesli Johnson, an EMDR therapist who specializes in adoption and foster care and an adult adoptee; and Susan Myers, a licensed Master Social Worker with Adoptions from the Heart Adoption Agency with offices throughout the northeast.In this episode, we cover:1. Adopted and foster children often come to us with hard back stories: his birth parents are in jail, her birth mother used drugs or drank alcohol when she was pregnant, he was conceived via rape, siblings were kept by first family, it’s not known where siblings are, her first mother abused him, his birth father abused his mother, her first parents are addicted to drugs or alcohol, …2. Should you tell your child these difficult parts of their history?3. How should you tell your child these hard parts of their background?4. How do you lay the groundwork with young children in order to fill in the details later?5. By what age should you have shared all of your child’s story with him?6. Give specific examples of how a conversation might go with a preschooler, and how would you fill in the gaps for a 6 year old, 10, 13 year old, etc. a. Child abuse b. Addiction c. Parent in jail7. Can you use a lifebook to talk about rape, imprisonment, drug and alcohol addiction?8. What is a lifebook and what should be included in a lifebook? 9. How to use a lifebook when there is jail, rape, abuse, etc in the child’s story?10. Specifically, how should parents tell their child that they were conceived during a rape?11. Oversharing can happen with both parents and with children.12. It’s tempting when your child is an infant to tell people private information. Why should foster and adoptive parents avoid this?13. When might it be important to share some details of the child’s background?14. How do you help your child understand how much of his story he should share with others outside the family?15. How can adoptive parents help their children understand that they are more than the hard parts of their history and that they are not doomed to repeat their birth parents’ mistakes?Additional Resources:Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child: Making Sense of the Past by Betsy Keefer and Jayne E. SchoolerTalking with Children about Difficult History by Holly van Gulden Lifebooks: Creating a Treasure for the Adopted Child (2nd Edition September 21, 2011)by Beth O'Malley M.EdSupport the show (https://creatingafamily.org/donation/)

Juhan Kim teaches from various passages.

We thought of things we forgot to talk about on the last two episodes.  Hopefully we cover as much as we can.  We are always ready to take any questions you have.  

Today, Cristabelle is joined by guest Laura Hernandez to share about her family's journey from foster, to adoption, to parenting special needs kids. She also shares the grieving process with the new normal, the importance of having a good support system, her inspiration for starting "Mama Systems", and more. •CONNECT & MORE INFO• Hosted by Cristabelle Braden Instagram: @declarationlife Facebook: @declarationlife Website: http://cristabellebraden.com/declarationlife Connect with Cristabelle: @cristabellebraden Intro/Outro Music: "Not Giving Up" by Cristabelle Braden •ABOUT LAURA• Laura Hernandez is the owner of Mama Systems and the mother of ten children. In the last five years, she and her husband have added six children to their family - three biological and three adopted. Three of Laura's children attend public school, she home schools five children, and she manages 20+ appointments a week for her three special needs children. Laura is dedicated to helping women bring more peace to their homes. Designing customized systems that help a family run more smoothly and reduce a mother's daily workload is her specialty. Website: http://mamasystems.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamasystems.net/ Instagram: @mamasystems

Kathleen and guest Kristin Peters (adoptive parent) talk about the effects of trauma on brain development. High doses of early adverse childhood experiences affect brain development - social and emotional cognitive impairment, risks of addictions, chronic inflammation, impacted immune systems, autoimmune diseases, The greater the number of traumatic events, the greater the damage. There is hope. It will take dedication, education and understanding. Kids that come home to us through adoption/foster care have altered brain chemistry caused by stress. The attachment cycle has been broken. Breaks in attachment cause a fear response. We need to work on felt safety. Your past affects your present parenting. Those are just a few of the topics in this information rich episode. Grab a cup of coffee and join these lovely ladies!

Enter the world of fostering through Katherine's heart, and home. She shares with us their road to readiness, their very first call, and the highlights and bumps in their faith and fostering journey. Can u imagine what it would be like to have 29 kids over the years, stay in your home, for a time, as they each transition in and out of difficult situations? Her story will give u a taste of what that is like, including many 'extras' to work through along the way -courts, addictions, health care needs, social and case workers, sibling and parental involvement. worth it all! fosteringtogether.orglfhpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=32455563" data-patreon-widget-type="become-patron-button">Become a Patron!

How do you adopt from foster care? What is the process, what is required, and how to begin? We talk with Kim Phagan-Hansel, managing editor of "The Chronicle of Social Change" and the editor of "Fostering Families Today." Kim is also the editor of two books, The Foster Parenting Toolbox and The Kinship Parenting Toolbox.Support the show (https://creatingafamily.org/donation/)

Rocco La Manna ED.d asks how do African American foster/adopted kids raised by same sex parents identify when they get to college? How will they fit in? Can schools emotionally and socially support these kids? Find out more at this link for the dissertation. https://search.proquest.com/docview/2232953531/fulltextPDF/C42E2A731CED48A4PQ/1?accountid=147183

A huge part of the unseen world around us is the needs surrounding the foster & adoption community. Said differently, there's needs that children & families have in our community that they'll never share... but there are ways to help! If you have nothing other than a little 'want to' surrounding this element of life in our area, you'll want to listen!! Jean Rector with Promise 686 shares her story and some real practical ways anyone can be involved in supporting our local foster/adoption community even if just a one-time thing.

How can we help our foster or adopted children heal from past trauma or loss. Our guest is Carol Lozier, a licensed clinical social worker with over thirty years experience counseling children, teens and adults in the issues of trauma, and adoption and foster care. Ms. Lozier has published four books, including one of my very favorites, The Adoptive and Foster Parent Guide. Support the show (https://creatingafamily.org/donation/)

Instant Families – This episode has Nick and Steve discussing the foster care and adoption systems and what it's like as a parent of children who come out of those systems. Steve gets in-depth on his experiences as a foster dad, an adoptive parent, and a stepfather. Nick asks some questions many dads have about fostering and adoption, and the dads talk about everything from misconceptions about children in those situations to how those relationships are sometimes portrayed in media.

PiCast Episode 85 - Adoption 4: We got a placement   Merry Christmas PiCast Listeners! As you know, we have been working our way through the Foster system planning to adopt. We got a placement just in time for the holidays! It’s the best Christmas gift ever.   It’s been just over 2 years since we started the Foster/Adoption process and Scott and Brittany are so happy to have a positive update! We are sharing our happiness and would love to hear your stories too! If you have any Foster or adoption stories or advice, please let us know.   Contact us at PiDayCosplay@gmail.com Leave us a Voicemail on the Pi Line 626-66-PIDAY https://www.facebook.com/PiDayCosplay Follow us on Twitter & Instagram: @PiDayCosplay or Tumblr http://pidaycosplay.tumblr.com #PiCast #PiDayCosplay #PiDayWedding   On this episode: #Adoption #FosterFamily #FosterKids #FosterChildren #Family #ResourceFamily

Today I'm happy to host an essay from Nicole Opper. Nicole and her wife were feature in the recent PBS series called "The F Word: A foster-to-adopt story" which follows one couple's journey to adopt a child from foster care. We adopted our first child from foster care, and watching their story brought back so many memories! It was the first time in my 36 years of life that I’ve set my alarm for 5am and actually gotten up right when it went off. No snooze button. My parents were staying at a nearby hotel, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law were in the airbnb below our apartment. Everyone had driven from afar or flown in. No one was about to miss the day that this beautiful, perfect little person joined our family for good. Only one thing made this day look a little different: the camera crew following us every step of the way. We had been documenting this journey for nearly two years - from the moment my wife and I decided we were going to build our family through fost-adoption, to placement with the boy who we would forever call our son. The resulting series is The F Word: A Foster-to-Adopt Story. The social workers had taken off work to be here. That really stuck with me. The social workers who had worked overtime to make sure this baby had a forever family had to ask for time off to attend our finalization hearing. I mean, c’mon. These professionals are making the toughest decisions day in and day out, hedging their bets, living with the pain and confusion and discomfort of everyone involved. Social workers are warriors on the front lines of a war that shouldn’t have sides to begin with, that at its best doesn’t have any sides at all, yet they had to take off work to be here. And all we had to offer them were some mason jars filled with Hershey kisses because my wife wanted them to leave remembering the sweetness of the day. We got to the courthouse 45 minutes early. We were nervous about traffic. We were nervous about parking. We were nervous about life. We had serious adoption jitters. My wife said it felt just like our wedding day: when you’re trying to stay present and smell the flowers and take in the beauty of it all but you also just want it to happen already, dammit. We entered the same courthouse we had entered four months earlier to witness the termination of our son’s birth parents’ rights. There’s no way to describe the complexity wrapped up in the feelings of that day. I remember texting a good friend with the news. Reading her response I broke down because she reflected my internal angst so beautifully: “I don’t want to cheer… but I’m glad that you guys are on your way.” A TPR is nothing to cheer. It’s in fact on many levels something to grieve, for the sake of your adopted child. When everyone arrived and we moved inside, we were instructed to pass through the metal detectors. It is a courthouse after all. “Step right up, strip down, become a family,” I imagined the security guard joking, though he was actually beaming with smiles and making the whole routine as warm and love-filled as humanly possible. J’s guncles (and our closest friends) arrived fashionably late. They’re gay, that’s what they do. Then we all sat in the lobby and waited. The wait felt long. Like 20 days long, not 20 minutes long. When the judge was finally ready to see us, Kristan, J and I were ushered to a large wooden table at the front of the courtroom. The judge, noticing J’s need to chew on something, handed him a highlighter and he immediately went to town on it. Kristan looked straight ahead, trying to hold it together. She cries a couple times a day - at commercials, at J eating an apple, at her inner thoughts. I find it deeply charming, but today she didn’t want to cry. We held hands tightly, with J snuggled between both of our laps. The judge said words that are now a blur while J drooled all over the documents we were supposed to sign. When the judge congratulated us,

PiCast Episode 77 - Adoptions an option 3 Revenge of the adoption   It’s been almost exactly 2 years since we started the Foster/Adoption process and Scott and Brittany are here to give an update! We are finally in the home stretch. We could get a call any day now so wish us luck and join us on our journey to grow our family!   If you have any Foster or adoption stories or advice, please let us know.   We also discuss a few other podcasts we like. If you are thinking about children and the IVF route is for you, check out Matt and Doree’s Eggcellent Adventure. They are a funny power couple going through the process and sharing it with the Podcast world. Also, the Foster Parenting Podcast was one that Brittany enjoyed.   We want to hear from you!   Contact us at PiDayCosplay@gmail.com Leave us a Voicemail on the Pi Line 626-66-PIDAY https://www.facebook.com/PiDayCosplay Follow us on Twitter & Instagram: @PiDayCosplay or Tumblr http://pidaycosplay.tumblr.com #PiCast #PiDayCosplay #PiDayWedding   On this episode: #Adoption #FosterFamily #FosterKids #FosterChildren #Family #ResourceFamily

PiCast Episode 51 - Adoption’s an Option 2: Electric Boogaloo   Scott and Brittany give an update on the Foster/Adoption process. It has been a long road and although we are one step closer, there is still a lot yet to come. Join us on our journey to grow our family! If you have any Foster or adoption stories or advice, please let us know.   We want to hear from you!   Contact us at PiDayCosplay@gmail.com Leave us a Voicemail on the Pi Line 626-66-PIDAY https://www.facebook.com/PiDayCosplay Follow us on Twitter & Instagram: @PiDayCosplay or Tumblr http://pidaycosplay.tumblr.com #PiCast #PiDayCosplay #PiDayWedding   On this episode: #Adoption #FosterFamily #FosterKids #FosterChildren #Family  

The Mama Truth Show is especially for ambitious, soulful, women that are ready to STOP being so hard on themselves, release self-bullying and embrace their Inner Wisdom. Jen Todd had the dream of meeting the perfect man, getting married and having babies, but life and God had other plans for her. Join Amy as Jen tells the story of her journey to motherhood through the foster to adopt system. This show will have you in tears! You can discover more about Jen and receive her free meditation at www.JenTodd.com. Video: https://youtu.be/W7K4IvxLi1E

 I’m so grateful to my friend Jillian Mitchell for sharing her story of fostering to adopt her son, Fletcher.  Jillian and her husband Matty went through quite the journey to find the family they were always meant to have.     As a young couple, Jillian and Matty set out to foster a child before ever trying to have biological children, knowing there are so many kids out there who need and deserve an amazing family.     On December 28, 2011, they received the phone call that made them parents and within hours they were bringing their son home with them.    What followed was over 2 years of highs and lows and a lot of love.  They didn’t know how their foster story would end, but they were able to fully embrace Baby Fletcher as their son immediately, having agreed with each other early on that,   “Whatever child we bring home deserves all of our hearts no matter what happens.  When they are with us we will love them like they will be with us forever, no matter what happens.”   For 2 years, Jillian and Matty worked through a grueling court mandated visitation schedule where Fletcher had time with his biological mom (sometimes 4 days a week – where he cried through entire visits as Jillian listened in from outside).  They endured many court dates and changes of events & routines as Fletcher’s biological mom bounced in & out of sobriety and rehab.     On more than one occasion, they feared they may lose their son.     You will note how calm and graceful Jillian is as she shares their story.  Even in the darkest moments of her life, knew she was with the family she was meant to have.  She admits her gut told her, “I know it’s going to be okay because I know this is my son.”   I can’t thank Jillian and Matty enough for sharing their story.  I hope it inspires another couple to go out and find the family they are meant to have.   

Guest: Kim Felder As a birth mother and adoptive parent, Kim talks about her children and the foster care process in California. Kim shares tips for foster adoption, info about the process, and resources for foster parents. The post Funding & Foster Adoption appeared first on Let's Talk Adoption.