Podcasts about Foster care

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Raising kids while caring for aging parents is more common than ever—and often overwhelming. We talk with Robyn Wind, the GRAND Voices Support Coordinator for the National Center on Grandfamilies at Generations United, about the realities of sandwich generation caregiving and practical ways foster, adoptive, and kinship families can find support. In this episode, we discuss:Can we start with a working definition of the term “sandwich generation”?How have you seen that definition evolve in recent years? From your work with the National Center on Grandfamilies and Generations United, what are you seeing right now that suggests this is becoming a bigger issue? What are the most common pressures you hear caregivers talk about?Where do you see caregivers feeling the most “pulled apart” between generations for whom they are caring? What are the moments when they feel like they can't meet everyone's needs at once?Are there differences in how this shows up for: Parents of young children vs. teens? Kinship caregivers or grandparents raising grandchildren? Many of our listeners are already parenting children with trauma or complex needs. How does that layer onto sandwich caregiving? Do you see unique challenges for kinship caregivers who may already be caring for grandchildren and are now also caring for aging spouses or siblings? What are some ways systems unintentionally fail these families? Where do they tend to fall through the cracks? What would better support look like if systems were truly designed for multigenerational families? What are the early signs that a caregiver is stretched too thin and at risk?What does realistic self-care actually look like in this season of life? How do you advise the caregivers you support to balance guilt or feelings of inadequacy, given that there is SO much need on both sides of their sandwich?What supports should caregivers try to put in place early? How can families share this sandwich-caring experience more effectively, instead of having one person carry it all? What resources or programs from Generations United should caregivers know about? What strengths do you see in sandwich generation families that we don't talk about enough? Resources:'Sandwich generation' caregivers caught between two generations in needCaring for Those Who Are Caring for Everyone: The Sandwich Generation Generations UnitedGrandfamilies.orgGKSNetwork.orgGrandfamilies & Kinship University - Generations UnitedSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Foster parents experience unique circumstances that come with unique emotions, and sometimes it can feel as though no one can relate to their life. Strength and encouragement come from viewing foster care through the lens of the Gospel. This is the message that Jason Johnson, author of Reframing Foster Care, brings. In this interview, he will share stories from his own foster parenting journey, such as the hard decisions and processes that he and his wife have had to go through, including the very real issues that come with relating to the birth parents of the children they are fostering. He will offer support to foster parents, as well as encouragement to those who are considering fostering. Also, he will give practical ways that we can all help, whether we feel called to be involved in foster care or not. Receive Ted Cunningham's book Fun Loving You for your donation of any amount, and receive a free audio download of this program! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Kelli Ingram is living the ultimate modern rebellion: a southern-born Presbyterian recently-turned-Catholic, a homeschooling farmer, and a mother of nine. Kelli's journey is nothing short of wild. She went from birth control to agonizing infertility and foster care heartbreak to adoption and conception—even delivering her last baby in an inflatable pool…inside an RV park on the Florida coast…on purpose. If you've ever wondered how a self-proclaimed "Type-C" mom completely ditches rigid bedtime schedules and thrives in beautiful, countercultural chaos, you need to hear this.Kelli's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliingram/NEW: Check out our Merch store! https://shop.lilaroseshow.com/Join our new Patreon community! https://patreon.com/lilaroseshow - We'll have BTS footage, ad-free episodes, and early access to our upcoming guests.A big thanks to our partner, EWTN, the world's leading religious network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/ Check out our Sponsors:-Hallow: https://www.hallow.com/lila Enter into prayer more deeply this season with the Hallow App, get 3 months free by using this link to sign up! -Patriot Mobile: Get 1 month of free service at https://patriotmobile.com/lila or call 972-PATRIOT w/ code LILA-Presidio Healthcare: Healthcare and doctors who share your values. Visit: https://www.presidiocare.com/lila -We Heart Nutrition: https://www.weheartnutrition.com/ Get high quality vitamin supplements for 20% off using the code LILA.

Host Justin Forman sits down with Chad Spencer — entrepreneur, Ashley Furniture dealer, and co-founder of the For Others Collective — in Nashville for a deeply personal conversation about what it looks like when God doesn't just own your business, but every dimension of your life: your giving, your family, your calling, and your pain. Chad's story begins in a Memphis apartment where three little girls slept on one sleeping bag, and it leads through a decade of infertility, failed adoptions, a business in freefall, and a premature baby born with a life-threatening condition — all converging on a single night in a hospital closet with a Tim Keller book he didn't choose to pick up. What follows is one of the most honest entrepreneurial testimonies you'll hear: a man who ran hard toward success, hit rock bottom on every front simultaneously, and found that God had been engineering every moment of it — including the son who changed everything. Today, Chad channels that journey into For Others, a nationwide initiative to end the child welfare crisis in America — not through charity alone, but through the same business rigor he applies to growing a furniture company. Vision. Path. Leadership. Team. Execution. The math, he says, is actually solvable. Key Topics: How a home makeover contest in Memphis sparked Beds for Kids — now 200,000 beds given nationwide through Ashley's Hope to Dream charity The decade-long adoption journey: failed adoptions in Russia and domestically, and what it cost Chad and his wife Kelly spiritually Hitting rock bottom simultaneously in business, marriage, and faith — and what God used to break through How a randomly grabbed Tim Keller book and Romans 8 in a hospital room became the moment everything changed The birth of For Others alongside worship artist Chris Tomlin — and the business framework Chad brought to the foster care crisis Why 400,000+ churches and 400,000+ kids in foster care is math any entrepreneur can understand The VPLTR framework: how Chad structures kingdom impact the same way he runs a business Notable Quotes: "God, I've got nothing. I am empty. I don't know what to do... but God, I need to hear from you." — Chad Spencer "Above all else, guard your heart, for it's the wellspring of life. I'd lost life there. I wasn't guarding it." — Chad Spencer "Purpose becomes a pillar. Not an addendum, not an attachment. Make it a part of the way we do things." — Chad Spencer

Foster Care & Adoption | 1 John by Christ Covenant

June 2, 2026- New York's top court has invalidated a program set up by the Hochul administration that critics described as a "shadow" foster care system. We explore the issue with Betsy Kramer, director of policy and special litigation at Lawyers for Children.

In this episode of the AmiSights Podcast, we interview Anthony Trucks. He is a coach, motivational speaker, author, former NFL player, and CEO of Dark Work and Identity Shift. During the conversation, he shares how he overcame significant challenges in his life and transformed them into opportunities for growth and success. "Your business should be boring. We do this, attract this. It's boring, but here's the thing: that boringness gets me into exciting rooms, on exciting stages, and exciting conversations. But if I didn't have the reliability and consistency of this machine running, there's no excitement later, just frustration." In this episode, Anthony dives into his journey from foster care to the NFL, discusses how he rebuilt his life after career-ending injuries, and shares his insights on systemizing success in business. Recorded on 3/27/26

In this episode of Restoried, we are introduced to Shelly Mast, the newest county coordinator serving Holmes County and the surrounding area, and a longtime foster mom herself. Shelly shares her journey into foster care, which began in 2020 during the chaos of COVID, and how God used both the beauty and heartbreak of that season to shape her faith and calling. She opens up about the challenges of foster care, including medical needs, reunification, and the emotional weight of loving children through uncertain outcomes. Out of her experience, Shelly co-founded Project 1018, focused on practical and relational support for foster families. Now, she brings that same heart into her work with Hope Bridge, helping churches and communities step into meaningful care for vulnerable children and families. This episode is a simple but powerful introduction to Shelly's story, and the heart behind her work: showing up, staying faithful, and loving kids and families in the middle of hard stories.  Episode Highlights:  Meet Shelly Mast  County Coordinator Foster Care  Project 1018 Church Mobilization Community  Find More on Hope Bridge: Project 1081Visit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook  

Episode Summary Phoebe Johnson spent her childhood living in foster care. Today she runs the kind of home she once needed. As executive director of Firm Foundation Youth Homes and Gigi's Cottage, she talks with Micaela about what it took to get there, the foster mom who never gave up on her, and the two models that shape how the girls in her care are met every day: Trust-Based Relational Intervention and Grace Based Parenting. Her central message holds for any adult showing up for a child carrying complex trauma. You can't redirect a brain until it feels safe, and connection is what heals it. In This Episode 00:00  Cold open 00:15  Welcome, season framing, and a content note 01:30  Meet Phoebe: Firm Foundation Youth Homes and Gigi's Cottage 03:00  Phoebe's story: foster care, a pastor's family, and seven years to permanency 08:00  Losing Ona, a scholarship she didn't know existed, and the people who walked her into adulthood 12:00  Stepping into the executive director role 14:30  Empathy for a system under pressure: community problem, community solutions 17:00  Why loving your staff well is how you love the girls well 20:00  Length of stay, permanency, and meeting each girl where she is 23:00  Trust-Based Relational Intervention and how complex trauma lives in the brain 26:00  Grace Based Parenting: connection before correction, and play as a regulator 30:00  Staying connected with girls who age out 33:00  What general audiences misunderstand about group homes 36:00  The gaps Phoebe sees, and how anyone can step in 38:00  Where to find Phoebe's work 39:00  Reflection and close About Our Guest Phoebe Johnson is the executive director of Firm Foundation Youth Homes and its DCS-licensed group home, Gigi's Cottage. She grew up in foster care herself and now leads the kind of home that shaped her. Resources and Links Firm Foundation Youth Homes Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel Voices for CASA Children National CASA/GAL Association for Children About the Show By Their Side: Advocating for Children in Foster Care is produced by Voices for CASA Children. Season 3, "Understanding Every Voice in the Room," features practical, human conversations with professionals and people with lived experience. Hosted by Micaela Tracy. New episodes biweekly. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of VOICES or its affiliates. Content Warning: This episode may include discussions of sensitive topics that could be triggering for some listeners.   Voices for CASA Children  |  By Their Side: Advocating for Children in Foster Care

Hundreds of thousands of kids rely on America's foster care system. West Virginia has the highest rate of foster care placements of any state - four times the national average. Foster care is most often needed because of parental substance use, mental health challenges, poverty and neglect. Six-thousand Mountain State kids are in foster care, but there's a shortage of licensed foster homes and residential facilities and that's why nearly 400 kids live in out-of-state institutions. On this Us & Them, an encore episode finds more than half of all states have seen their number of licensed foster homes drop, some by as much as 60 percent because many new foster parents don't stay in the system for long. While official foster care cases are tracked and overseen by state agencies, many types of so-called kinship care are not official or included in state data. 

America's foster care crisis is serious for nearly 400,000 kids who rely on the system. In the latest episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay looks into the shortage of licensed foster homes – and the wide range of agencies and nonprofit organizations who offer help navigating what can be a complicated system. The post How A Wide Range Of Agencies Are Tackling The Foster Care Crisis, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Are you considering residential treatment for your adopted child? We speak with Daniel Hochstetler of Fair Play Camp in South Carolina about preparing our families for residential treatment, navigating the programs, and how to set our families up for success after treatment. In this episode, we talk about:Pursuing residential treatment is one of the hardest decisions adoptive families can face. Based on your experience, how should we think about residential treatment within the broader picture of supporting our adopted kids? (i.e., exists on the spectrum of resources and interventions)Before we get into the details, what do you want adoptive families to hear right away if residential treatment is something they think they may need to consider?When we say residential treatment in this conversation, what does that mean?How is it different from other supports families may have already tried, like therapy, out-patient programs, or in-home services?What kinds of needs is residential treatment for adopted kids designed to meet?In your experience, how can residential care be helpful for kids and families who are really struggling?What are some misunderstandings that make this option feel more frightening or confusing than it needs to be?This is where many parents feel stuck. What are some signs that a family may need to start thinking about a higher level of care?Who should be part of making this decision? How can adoptive parents make sure they're not making it in isolation?When a family finds it necessary to move forward to placement in residential care, how can they talk with their child about residential treatment in a way that keeps the relationship intact?What reactions should parents expect, and how can they respond in ways that don't escalate their child's fear or shame?How can families stay connected while their child is in care?What helps parents partner well with the treatment team?Coming home is an important goal for parents and their kids to work toward. But it's not a reset button that magically clears the cache. It is, however, another transition. And transitions can be hard on everyone.What can you help our listeners understand about the transition home from the child's perspective?How should we be talking with our kids before leaving the residential program?What are realistic expectations for those first few weeks?What supports should already be in place before a child comes home? (work with caseworker from treatment, get recommendations, referrals, etc.)What are some simple ways to rebuild a connection without overwhelming the child?When old behaviors resurface—and they often do—how should parents respond?What does progress actually look like in real life during this phase?This experience affects everyone in the home. How can parents support siblings who may have been impacted by what's happened?Parents are often exhausted by this point. What does realistic, doable support look like for caregivers themselves?If a parent listening today feels like they're nearing this decision, what's one step they can take to feel more grounded and prepared for the experience?Resources:Parenting Children with Challenging Behavior (Resource Page)Accessing Residential Treatment Care for AdopteesExploring Medication for Adopted ChildrenDoes Your Child Need Residential TreatmentGet Residential Treatment for Your ChildSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Welcome to the conclusion of our series on the Foster Care to Prison Pipeline. In this episode, we are joined by Jaylyn Van Fossen, who was previously in the foster care system in Vermont and currently a Social Work student, to discuss the barriers, needs, and hope for change centered on their lived experience and knowledge.  Show notes & Transcripts @ https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/ Follow us on IG @thesocialworklens  

As National Foster Care Awareness Month comes to a close, this episode of Fostering Change focuses on something deeply important: what happens when organizations stop working in silos and start working together for young people.This week, Rob Scheer is joined by two Los Angeles-based leaders making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth connected to foster care: Beth Ryan, Executive Director & Founder of Stepping Forward LA, and Jorie Das, Executive Director of Friends of the Children Los Angeles.Together, their organizations are helping young people navigate some of the most difficult transitions imaginable — aging out of foster care, finding stability, building community, and creating long-term support systems rooted in consistency and trust.Beth Ryan's work through Stepping Forward LA focuses on youth transitioning out of foster care, with programs centered around mentorship, housing support, internships, workforce readiness, and a first-of-its-kind app designed by and for foster youth.Jorie Das leads Friends of the Children Los Angeles, which provides long-term professional mentorship to youth facing systemic barriers through a unique 12+ year commitment model focused on stability, prevention, and long-term success.Throughout the conversation, Rob, Beth, and Jorie explore how collaboration between nonprofits can strengthen outcomes for youth — and why consistent relationships remain one of the most powerful tools for healing and success.Episode HighlightsWhy aging out of foster care remains one of the biggest challenges facing young adultsHow mentorship and long-term relationships improve outcomes for youthThe importance of nonprofit collaboration instead of competitionHow Los Angeles reflects both the scale of the foster care crisis and the opportunity for innovationWhy Foster Care Awareness Month must lead to meaningful action and engagementAbout the GuestsBeth Ryan is the Executive Director & Founder of Stepping Forward LA, a nonprofit supporting youth aging out of foster care through mentorship, housing support, workforce development, and community-based solutions. As the organization approaches its 10-year anniversary, Stepping Forward LA continues expanding its impact across Los Angeles.Jorie Das is the Executive Director of Friends of the Children Los Angeles, an organization providing long-term professional mentorship to youth facing systemic barriers. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded across Los Angeles County, helping youth and caregivers through a prevention-focused model built on consistency and trust.Key Questions from This EpisodeWhat prompted the creation of Stepping Forward LA and Friends of the Children Los Angeles?What are the biggest challenges youth face when aging out of foster care?Why does long-term mentorship matter so much?How can nonprofits collaborate more effectively to support youth?What role do community, housing, and workforce development play in long-term stability?How can people move beyond awareness and take meaningful action?Connect with the GuestsStepping Forward LA

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” -Corinthians 12:9   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach wraps up National Foster Care Month with former foster youth and adult adoptee, Reuben Watson.    Reuben serves as the Director of Unity in Action at the Lexington Leadership Foundation, where he works to support families and address the child welfare crisis across Kentucky. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Communication Studies, he is passionate about community engagement, mentorship, and empowering others through collaboration and hope.    Drawing from his own experiences overcoming adversity, Reuben uses his story to inspire resilience, healing, and renewal in the lives of children, families, and communities. He believes in creating pathways for people of faith and goodwill to take steps toward the renewal of the city of Lexington.   Listen to Sandra's conversation with Reuben Watson as he shares his redemption story and offers hope to foster and adoptive parents and youth.   Find Episode 533 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: Lexington Leadership Foundation rwatson@lexlf.org See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: The school thinks my foster son may have ADHD, but I know he's been through a lot of trauma. How do I know what's driving his behavior and how to advocate for the support he actually needs?Resources:The Grandparents' Guide to Back to SchoolHow Do Teachers Understand Adoption and What Can Parents Do About It?A Parent's Guide to Working with the Schools on BehaviorBack to School with Foster and Adopted KidsUnderstood.orgSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

What happens when trauma becomes fuel instead of identity? In this episode of Business at the Speed of Light, Dr. Stefano Sinicropi sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and Epic Talks founder Melitsa Waage for a deeply personal conversation about adversity, resilience, mindset, entrepreneurship, faith, emotional intelligence, and rebuilding a life from the ground up. Melitsa shares her experience growing up in foster care, battling abandonment, homelessness, suicidal thoughts, rejection, and self-doubt before transforming her life through personal development, accountability, business leadership, and faith. This episode explores the psychology behind fear, the impact of environment on human potential, and why many people stop themselves before life ever has the chance to challenge them. Dr. Sinicropi and Melitsa discuss: overcoming trauma and emotional pain entrepreneurship and identity transformation the power of proximity and mentorship why environment shapes success personal accountability and discipline fear of judgment and self-sabotage confidence through action networking, leadership, and community the importance of human connection in the AI era faith, spirituality, and purpose-driven leadership building businesses through speed and execution why “success loves speed” The conversation also dives into the dangers of conformity, limiting beliefs, and staying trapped in comfort. Melitsa explains how creating Epic Talks Miami became a response to personal need and how one decision can completely redirect a person's future. For entrepreneurs, executives, creators, healthcare professionals, and high performers, this episode offers a direct look at how mindset, resilience, and personal responsibility influence long-term success. Topics Include: Entrepreneurship mindset Foster care and adversity Trauma recovery Emotional resilience Leadership development Fear of failure Fear of judgment Personal growth Business networking Human connection Faith and spirituality High-performance mindset Confidence building Self-development Community and leadership Questions This Episode Answers: How do successful entrepreneurs overcome trauma? How does childhood adversity shape leadership? Why do many people sabotage themselves before success? How do you rebuild confidence after failure? Why does environment matter in personal growth? What role does faith play in entrepreneurship? Why are in-person communities still important in the digital age? How do high performers develop emotional resilience? What does “success loves speed” actually mean? How can one decision completely change your future? About Melitsa Waage: Melitsa Waage is an entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Epic Talks Miami, a live business and leadership platform focused on entrepreneurship, networking, mindset, AI, finance, leadership, and personal growth. Through speaking engagements and educational events, she helps professionals and entrepreneurs develop confidence, build meaningful connections, and expand their impact. #BusinessAtTheSpeedOfLight #WellnessAtTheSpeedOfLight #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Mindset #PersonalDevelopment

Jen Lilley and Dr. John DeGarmo | Called to Foster — The Honest Guide to Foster Care and Adoption Foster care. Adoption. The calling that changes everything. If you have ever felt that quiet pull on your heart — that nudge that says maybe we are supposed to do something — this episode is for you. In this episode of the What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting Podcast, Christine Marie sits down with actress and foster care advocate Jen Lilley and international foster care expert Dr. John DeGarmo to talk about their brand new book Called to Foster — the honest, hope-filled guide to every stage of the foster care and adoption journey. Jen Lilley, known from Days of Our Lives, Hallmark films, and dozens of beloved family movies — has fostered and adopted children through the Los Angeles County system and has become one of the most recognized voices for foster care in America. Dr. John DeGarmo is the founder of The Foster Care Institute, a TEDx Talk presenter, international consultant, and foster and adoptive parent to over 65 children. Together they wrote the book that every foster parent, adoptive parent, and anyone considering foster care needs in their hands. Dr. John did not want to be a foster parent. He believed every myth. Until a child sex trafficking ring victimized many of his own students and he could not look away. Jen never planned to become a foster care advocate. Until she opened her home and her heart through the LA County system and could not stop. This episode is raw. It is emotional. It is deeply faith-filled. And it will challenge every person listening to examine what they are doing or not doing for the children who are waiting. Because this is a kingdom priority. And if you are listening you are part of the mission field. In this episode you will hear: What led Jen Lilley and Dr. John DeGarmo to foster care and why neither of them planned it The hardest truths about foster care that most families are not prepared for How to love a child fully knowing they may leave What the church is getting wrong about foster care and the cost of its silence The faith moments that sustained them when they wanted to quit Why Called to Foster is the guide every foster and adoptive family needs How to get the book into the hands of caseworkers and child welfare professionals who need it Get the Book Called to Foster: https://a.co/d/03razpJS Connect with Dr. John DeGarmo: Website: https://www.drjohndegarmofostercare.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.degarmo.7 Connect with Jen Lilley: Website: https://www.jenlilley.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_lilley Connect with Christine: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortisol_coach If this episode blessed you: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts it helps other foster and adoptive families find this show Share this episode with someone who has been praying for a breakthrough in their journey Buy an extra copy of Called to Foster and take it to your local child welfare office and give it to a caseworker who needs a ray of hope SEO Keywords and Tags: Jen Lilley foster care, called to foster book, Dr John DeGarmo foster care, foster care podcast, foster care adoption guide, how to become a foster parent, foster care and adoption journey, foster parenting advice, foster care Christian families, foster care faith, adoption journey podcast, foster care system, what to expect foster care, foster parent resources, foster care book 2025, foster to adopt, foster care calling, church and foster care, foster care community, Christine Marie podcast, what to expect while fostering and adopting, Jen Lilley book, Days of Our Lives Jen Lilley, foster care advocate, called to foster guide

May 21, 2026- We discuss a potential update to the state's Child Victims Act that would ensure government entities could be found liable for sexual abuse that happens at foster care organizations they contract with. Our guest is attorney Jeff Herman.

Former teacher Rebeca Melo told the Associated Press that inside the Word of Faith Christian School, children would turn on each other in the middle of class. One child would accuse another of having demons. The group would surround the accused. According to Melo, children were thrown to the ground and beaten. Teachers were allegedly told not to intervene. John Cooper, who worked as a teacher's aide in Jane Whaley's class, said Whaley reportedly encouraged the violence and warned students not to tell their parents. But the school was one layer. Former members described a system in which children were allegedly removed from their biological parents and placed with church ministers for years — cut off from contact for up to a decade. The effect was that children bonded with minister guardians while parents were trapped in the church by the fear of losing access. When parents left and fought for custody, the church reportedly deployed attorneys, money, and congregant witnesses against them. Three single mothers told the AP that a church member serving as a county court clerk allegedly bypassed the foster system and gained custody of their children. One mother told a judge she would rather her son go to foster care than back to the church. A judge found clear evidence of abuse. The church sued DSS and reportedly won. Tony Brueski continues a five-part investigation with the most vulnerable victims — the children who had no choice about being inside.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.#WordOfFaith #JaneWhaley #ChildAbuse #Cult #TrueCrime #Spindale #CultSurvivors #HiddenKillers #FosterCare #ReligiousAbuse

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!What if families had support before a crisis led to foster care? In this episode, we talk with Dr. David Anderson, psychologist and founder and executive director of SAFE Families for Children, about a community-based model that helps keep children safe while supporting parents through difficult seasons. Dr. Anderson also serves as Executive Director of Lydia Home Association in Chicago and has been recognized as an Ashoka Fellow and Prime Movers Fellow.In this episode, we discuss:For someone new to SAFE Families, how would you explain what it is?Can you share a little about yourself and what drew you to create SAFE Families?Who are the families you serve, and what situations bring them to you?Why is a program like SAFE Families especially needed right now?What happens to families when this kind of support isn't available?How is SAFE Families different from traditional foster care?What kinds of training and screening do volunteers undergo?What support do volunteers receive along the way?What are the main ways people can get involved?Can you share a story or two that captures the impact of SAFE Families?What do families or volunteers often say after being part of this?Who tends to be a great fit for this kind of role?What hesitations do you hear most, and what would you say to those concerns?If one of our listeners is interested in serving this community, what's the first step to get involved?For a parent or caregiver listening today who feels underwater or overwhelmed, what encouragement can you offer?Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Alison, Liz, and Rebecca welcome AU Public Policy Counsel Rachael Stryer to review what came out of the state legislative sessions this year. They survey the laws state legislatures passed to force religion into public schools, use religion to discriminate against LGBTQ people, and divert public money to private religious schools.    Show Notes Rachael Stryer's AU Bio  Organized Power in Numbers  American Atheists - State of the Secular States  Legislative trackers AU ACLU Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures  Congressional Scorecards See your state ACLU for regional legislative tracking Action Alerts FFRF AF AU National Women's Law Center ACLU Bills and Cases Discussed Ten Commandments Displays in Schools Alabama (SB 99) Tennessee (HB 47) Ongoing Lawsuits FFRF AU Prayer in Schools Alabama (HB 511): Requiring public schools to allow student-led prayer and requiring the pledge of allegiance Idaho (HB 623): Requiring a 60 second moment of silence for prayer or meditation at the beginning of the school day Chaplains Alabama (HB 8): Permitting school boards to adopt policies allowing volunteer school chaplains into schools Release Time Info on LifeWise  AU: "Release time is a problem for church-state separation"  FFRF Action Fund: "State Issue: LifeWise Academy/Release Time"  Classroom Instruction and Curriculum Policies Tennessee (SB 1828): Requires public school history curriculums to teach about the positive impact of religion on American history and the influence of Judeo-Christian values Idaho (S 1336) and Utah (HB 312 and SB 268): Requiring curricula to teach the influence of Christianity in American history Vouchers Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue (2020) Carson v. Makin (2022) Columbus City School District v. State of Ohio Wisconsin PTA et al vs. Wisconsin State Assembly et al Healthcare Refusal Utah (SB 174) and Iowa (HF 571): Gives healthcare providers and religious healthcare institutions the right to refuse to provide services that violate religious beliefs.  Foster Care and Adoption  Indiana (HB 1389): Allows government-funded child placement agencies to use religion as a justification for refusing to work with families, youth in care, and prospective parents. And to allow adoptive or foster parents the right to "raise a child in a manner consistent with [their] sincerely held religious beliefs." Elizabeth Rutan-Ram et al. v. Tennessee Department of Children's Services et al (AU) Anti-Sharia law Tennessee (HB 2279), Florida (HB 1471), Iowa (HF 2695), and Idaho (H 602) Arkansas (SR 21)   Check us out on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and X. Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Christie Werts, a former foster youth, Army veteran, author, and adoptive mother whose life has come full circle through foster care.Christie shares her journey in her book, Life's Sad Story, God's Love Story, tracing a path from childhood trauma and separation to healing, compassion, and building a family of her own.This is an especially emotional conversation for Rob, who reflects openly on the painful experience of his own mother leaving him and his siblings — and the lasting impact that loss has had throughout his life.Together, Rob and Christie explore how childhood trauma shapes identity, how healing can emerge in unexpected ways, and what it means to return to the foster care system — not as a child, but as a parent determined to create something different.At the center of Christie's story is compassion: a decision to foster and later adopt her husband's ex-wife's child in order to keep siblings connected and together.And by the end of the conversation, Christie leaves listeners with a message that becomes the emotional heartbeat of the episode: this is ultimately a love story — about God, healing, and hope.As Christie shares: “There's a love story ahead of you. And it's gonna be ok.”Episode HighlightsChristie's journey from foster youth to foster and adoptive parentThe emotional impact of childhood separation and abandonmentHow trauma and healing can exist side by sideA remarkable decision to keep siblings together through adoptionThe role of faith, compassion, and second chances in rebuilding familyAbout the GuestChristie Werts is a former foster youth, Army veteran, author, speaker, and mother of five whose life has come full circle through foster care and adoption. After experiencing trauma in the system as a child, she later returned to foster care as a parent, ultimately adopting a child connected to her own family.Through her book, Life's Sad Story, God's Love Story, Christie shares a deeply personal journey of resilience, faith, healing, and compassion.Key Questions from This EpisodeWhat inspired you to write Life's Sad Story, God's Love Story?How did your childhood experiences in foster care shape your life?What led you to step back into foster care as a parent?How did the decision to adopt your husband's ex-wife's child come about?What did healing look like for you over time?How have kindness and compassion shaped your family today?What message do you hope listeners take from your story?Connect with Christie

The Defender Podcast is officially rebooted. Hosted by Rob Ingram, Ken Norwood, Herbie Newell, and Ford Reasons, we're back with a simple mission: give you practical, gospel-rooted tools to defend the fatherless in about 10 minutes a week.In Episode 1, we introduce the new crew, unpack the biblical vision behind this podcast rooted in Isaiah 1:17, and give you a first look at Lifeline's biggest initiative of the year, the 19 in 19 road trip, 19 states in 19 days starting June 8th.Whether you're a pastor, a donor, a foster or adoptive parent, or just someone who wants to do something for vulnerable children, this podcast is for you. 

“Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” -Proverbs 19:21   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the foster care conversation with foster and adoptive mom Kirsten Smith.    Kirsten is a Daughter of the King, follower of Jesus, sinner saved by grace, wife of Josh, mama to nine kiddos and one pup. She shares her journey of marriage and parenting through challenges, including infertility and fostering multiple children.    Listen to Sandra's conversation with Kirsten Smith where she encourages parents to look at the big picture and trust that God is working through our experiences for a greater purpose, potentially impacting future generations.   Find Episode 532 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

For this episode, I've invited a fellow MSW graduate from California State University Bakersfield: Shelby Esquedo. Shelby is the Program Development Director with Bakersfield Angels. With seven years of experience working alongside system-impacted youth, she has a deep, firsthand understanding of how the justice and child welfare systems shape lives. She's spent the last five years at Bakersfield Angels creating programs that focus on supporting and empowering the youth we serve. I'm looking forward to discussing the intersection of foster care, community support, and the mental health of our youth.

One of our goals is to help find loving stable places for the thousands of young people across western Connecticut currently waiting to relocate into foster home situations. So, if you think being a foster parent or caregiver is not a skillset you possess, our conversation with the senior foster care recruiter at Wheeler's Foster Care Programs could be pretty enlightening.

Since we're smack-dab in the middle of May - Mental Health Awareness Month and National Foster Care Month, we'll touch on both subjects with a little sprinkle of purple in between. Have you heard there's a huge issue going on involving major Connecticut insurers being fined for violating mental health parity laws? Today we're opening with the chair of the Mental Health Parity Coalition to unpack the details around this important issue and explain what you can do about it.Then we'll meet a true grassroots hero, the inspiration behind Purple Pantry Boxes - who is helping create yet another innovative way to address hunger and food insecurity by installing and stocking purple food distribution and donation boxes in a growing number of welcoming local neighborhoods.And, we'll wrap things up continuing our mission to help find loving stable places for the thousands of young people across western Connecticut currently waiting to relocate into foster home situations. If you think being a foster parent or caregiver is not a skillset you possess, connect with our conversation with the senior foster care recruiter at Wheeler's Foster Care Programs.

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: We are seriously considering becoming foster parents.  We have 2 children by birth, and I am really worried about how this will affect them and what I can do to prevent some of the negative effects.Resources:The Impact of Fostering and Adoption on Kids Already in the Family (Resource)Talking with your Resident Kids about Foster Care or Kinship Care (Resource)What You Should Know About Disrupting Birth Order in Adoption & Foster CareSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

In this episode of The Table, Rick Morton is joined by Chelsea Sobolik and Emily Richards to discuss the nuanced and often messy realities of child welfare, foster care, reunification, and community engagement. They explore how relational poverty and community connections impact vulnerable children and families, emphasizing the importance of humility, creativity, and long-term thinking for the church and advocates.Key topics covered:The emotional and trauma-related complexities of reunification after foster careThe gap in formalizing respite care and kinship connections at the systemic levelThe importance of community involvement and church engagement in supporting child welfareHow relational poverty contributes to family instability and the power of positive community bondsThe role of faith and the church in fostering relational healing and providing long-term supportPractical ways to mobilize local communities, including micro-nurturing hope and forming intervention networksThe danger of systems and policies that focus only on immediate needs versus long-term relationship buildingThe significance of long-term, ongoing relationships and the power of small, consistent acts of kindnessThe ongoing tension between hope in the gospel and the brokenness of the human systems in placeEncouragement for believers to embrace hard, relational work as part of living out their faithTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: The importance of community and relational solutions in child welfare02:21 - Challenges around formal respite care and systemic gaps04:50 - The messiness of reunification and attachment trauma09:02 - The power of positive interactions and community connections15:00 - The church's role in fostering relational flourishing20:00 - Long-term perspective in foster care and the importance of community over projects25:00 - Handling trauma post-adoption and systemic barriers33:00 - The significance of long obedience and faithfulness in the work of child welfare38:00 - The church as the long-term community sustaining vulnerable families43:00 - The importance of honesty about the brokenness and reliance on God's grace48:00 - Inviting action: How everyday believers can make a differenceResources & Links:This episode challenges believers and child welfare advocates alike to consider how they can leverage relational work, systemic humility, and faithfulness to transform broken systems and seed long-lasting hope in their communities.

Episode Summary Dr. Scott Lyons explains why trauma is not about the event, it is about what it does to a body. He walks through co-regulation, why safety can stop feeling safe, and the one thing any caring adult can do differently tomorrow: play. In This Episode 00:00  Cold open 00:15  Welcome and episode framing 01:15  What "somatic" actually means, in plain language 04:45  What the body carries: trauma in the body, not the event 05:45  Memory, temporal collapse, and lifebooks 10:15  An ordinary Tuesday for a child: oxytocin, vasopressin, and why safety doesn't always feel safe 15:15  Why play and movement undo learned helplessness 22:10  Co-regulation, grounding before a visit, and "Mommy needs a moment" 32:50  Behavior is communication, and where CASA volunteers connect the dots 34:50  Hope, and the one thing to do tomorrow 37:30  Reflection and close About Our Guest Dr. Scott Lyons is a holistic psychologist, founder of The Embody Lab, and author of Addicted to Drama. He hosts The Gently Used Human podcast. Resources and Links Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others The Embody Lab The Gently Used Human podcast Dr. Scott Lyons Website Voices for CASA Children National CASA/GAL Association for Children About the Show By Their Side: Advocating for Children in Foster Care is produced by Voices for CASA Children. Season 3, "Understanding Every Voice in the Room," features practical, human conversations with professionals and people with lived experience. Hosted by Micaela Tracy. New episodes biweekly. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of VOICES or its affiliates. Content Warning: This episode may include discussions of sensitive topics that could be triggering for some listeners. Voices for CASA Children  |  By Their Side: Advocating for Children in Foster Care

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Sticking with it when,” others say walk away. Dr. Sharen Ford joined us to explain what foster care is often misunderstood, why children in foster care need safe and loving families, and how the church can step in to help. Dr. Ford serves as the Director for Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family, committed to raising awareness regarding the need for every child to have a quality family. We then had Vikki Rose join us. She is the Author of “Every Reason to Leave,” which shares how God met her in a broken marriage, changed both her and her husband, and gave them the grace to stay together. We also had Dr. Hormoz Shariat join us to share why many Iranians still long for regime change, how Christians are suffering under intense pressure, and how the gospel continues to spread in Iran. Dr. Shariat is the Founder and President of Iran Alive Ministries (IAM), which uses satellite broadcasting and the internet to share the gospel with Iranians. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Dr. Sharen Ford [ 46:17 ]Vikki Rose [ 20:27 ]Dr. Hormoz Shariat [ 07:26 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Sticking with it when,” others say walk away. Dr. Sharen Ford joined us to explain what foster care is often misunderstood, why children in foster care need safe and loving families, and how the church can step in to help. Dr. Ford serves as the Director for Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family, committed to raising awareness regarding the need for every child to have a quality family. We then had Vikki Rose join us. She is the Author of “Every Reason to Leave,” which shares how God met her in a broken marriage, changed both her and her husband, and gave them the grace to stay together. We also had Dr. Hormoz Shariat join us to share why many Iranians still long for regime change, how Christians are suffering under intense pressure, and how the gospel continues to spread in Iran. Dr. Shariat is the Founder and President of Iran Alive Ministries (IAM), which uses satellite broadcasting and the internet to share the gospel with Iranians. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Dr. Sharen Ford [ 46:17 ]Vikki Rose [ 20:27 ]Dr. Hormoz Shariat [ 07:26 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Sticking with it when,” others say walk away. Dr. Sharen Ford joined us to explain what foster care is often misunderstood, why children in foster care need safe and loving families, and how the church can step in to help. Dr. Ford serves as the Director for Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family, committed to raising awareness regarding the need for every child to have a quality family. We then had Vikki Rose join us. She is the Author of “Every Reason to Leave,” which shares how God met her in a broken marriage, changed both her and her husband, and gave them the grace to stay together. We also had Dr. Hormoz Shariat join us to share why many Iranians still long for regime change, how Christians are suffering under intense pressure, and how the gospel continues to spread in Iran. Dr. Shariat is the Founder and President of Iran Alive Ministries (IAM), which uses satellite broadcasting and the internet to share the gospel with Iranians. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Dr. Sharen Ford [ 46:17 ]Vikki Rose [ 20:27 ]Dr. Hormoz Shariat [ 07:26 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Sticking with it when,” others say walk away. Dr. Sharen Ford joined us to explain what foster care is often misunderstood, why children in foster care need safe and loving families, and how the church can step in to help. Dr. Ford serves as the Director for Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family, committed to raising awareness regarding the need for every child to have a quality family. We then had Vikki Rose join us. She is the Author of “Every Reason to Leave,” which shares how God met her in a broken marriage, changed both her and her husband, and gave them the grace to stay together. We also had Dr. Hormoz Shariat join us to share why many Iranians still long for regime change, how Christians are suffering under intense pressure, and how the gospel continues to spread in Iran. Dr. Shariat is the Founder and President of Iran Alive Ministries (IAM), which uses satellite broadcasting and the internet to share the gospel with Iranians. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Dr. Sharen Ford [ 46:17 ]Vikki Rose [ 20:27 ]Dr. Hormoz Shariat [ 07:26 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Sticking with it when,” others say walk away. Dr. Sharen Ford joined us to explain what foster care is often misunderstood, why children in foster care need safe and loving families, and how the church can step in to help. Dr. Ford serves as the Director for Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family, committed to raising awareness regarding the need for every child to have a quality family. We then had Vikki Rose join us. She is the Author of “Every Reason to Leave,” which shares how God met her in a broken marriage, changed both her and her husband, and gave them the grace to stay together. We also had Dr. Hormoz Shariat join us to share why many Iranians still long for regime change, how Christians are suffering under intense pressure, and how the gospel continues to spread in Iran. Dr. Shariat is the Founder and President of Iran Alive Ministries (IAM), which uses satellite broadcasting and the internet to share the gospel with Iranians. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Dr. Sharen Ford [ 46:17 ]Vikki Rose [ 20:27 ]Dr. Hormoz Shariat [ 07:26 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Sticking with it when,” others say walk away. Dr. Sharen Ford joined us to explain what foster care is often misunderstood, why children in foster care need safe and loving families, and how the church can step in to help. Dr. Ford serves as the Director for Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family, committed to raising awareness regarding the need for every child to have a quality family. We then had Vikki Rose join us. She is the Author of “Every Reason to Leave,” which shares how God met her in a broken marriage, changed both her and her husband, and gave them the grace to stay together. We also had Dr. Hormoz Shariat join us to share why many Iranians still long for regime change, how Christians are suffering under intense pressure, and how the gospel continues to spread in Iran. Dr. Shariat is the Founder and President of Iran Alive Ministries (IAM), which uses satellite broadcasting and the internet to share the gospel with Iranians. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Dr. Sharen Ford [ 46:17 ]Vikki Rose [ 20:27 ]Dr. Hormoz Shariat [ 07:26 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Foster families are doing significant work to support both the children in their homes and the parents of those kids. What do they need to thrive in this work? We talk with Cathleen Bearse, a licensed therapist, foster mom, and the creator of Fearless Fostering. She supports foster and adoptive parents with practical tools, emotional guidance, and trauma-informed strategies with her real-life experiences and clinical expertise.In this episode, we talk about:Your organization is called ‘Fearless Fostering' – what does that mean to you right now in the work that you do with foster families every day?What makes fostering profoundly worth it in your life and in your family, even when it's hard?What are some unexpected joys in fostering that people don't hear about enough?When things feel heavy, how do you recommend resource parents reconnect with their ‘why'?What are the challenges that catch foster parents off guard the most?Where do you see foster parents becoming depleted or overwhelmed?What is often misunderstood about the emotional weight of fostering?How does isolation show up in foster parenting?How can fostering strain a household without the right support?What patterns have you seen in marriages or partnerships under stress?How does chronic stress show up in foster parents' mental and physical health?What early warning signs should families not ignore?If you could give every foster parent four supports, what would they be?CommunityTherapeutic SpacePermission to UnschedulePermission to Focus on “Just You”What does realistic self-care actually look like for foster parents?Where should foster parents begin if they realize they need more support?How can they pursue continuing education without becoming overwhelmed?What would you say to someone who wants to foster but fears they aren't strong enough?What is one message you want every foster parent to hear today?Finally, what would a strengthened foster family look like five years from now if we truly supported them well?Resources:Self-care for Foster ParentsWhat is Respite Care and How Do I Access It?What Foster Parents Want You to Know About FosteringSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

For 45 years, George Palmer harboured a secret. He spent every spare moment composing classical music, and then shoving his scores in his bottom drawer. Until one day, almost by pure chance, that music saw the light of day.As a young man, George had dreams of becoming a renowned classical music composer, but when he walked into university, he didn't feel like he belonged in the music department.George left after his first week, and followed a school friend into the law department.At first, George was not inspired by the law, but he ended up falling in love with the human side of the justice system.For the next 45 years, he climbed the ranks from barrister, to Queen's Counsel, and finally to judge in the NSW Supreme Court, where he had ultimate responsibility for all adoptions in the state.But through all those years in public life, George had a secret "vice".Every spare moment he had was spent at his piano, scribbling down choral works and orchestral scores that he never intended anyone to see or hear.He never spoke about composing with his colleagues, friends or family, until one day George's talents were uncovered through chance and tragedy.George's latest work The Drover's Wife - The Opera is playing at Brisbane's QPAC until 22 May, and then will be staged at Sydney's Opera House in August, 2026.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Eliza Kirsch.It explores World War Two, family origin stories, spies, British intelligence, hearing loss, late in life career changes, second career, protective list, adoption, foster care, Supreme Court, legal system, justice system, judicial system, commercial law, Beethoven, Bach, Wagner, opera, contemporary classical music, contemporary Australian composers, Indigenous stories, Leah Purcell, stage adaptations, books, writing.

May is National Foster Care Month, and the numbers are staggering — over 400,000 children are currently in foster care, many of them waiting for a family to say yes. Brian From sits down with Dr. Kimberly Offutt, Executive Branch Director for Bethany Christian Services, for an honest conversation about what foster care actually involves, why it's hard, and why it's worth it. Dr. Offutt brings 24 years of experience to the table — and a deeply personal perspective as a foster and adoptive mom who raised four children who entered the system. She breaks down what the training process looks like, why foster families are asked to care not just for the child but for the whole struggling family around them, and what it means to hold open the door to adoption. Then she closes with a direct challenge to churches: there's a church on every corner, and if each one identified just one family to step in for one child, the body of Christ could solve this crisis alone. James 1:27 was never just a verse. It's a call to action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome back Laura, the Foster Parent Partner, a well-known figure in the foster care community, to discuss her new book, 'First Time Fostering.' The conversation explores the complexities of foster care, the importance of realistic expectations for prospective foster parents, and the balance between honesty and recruitment. Laura shares insights on preparing for new placements, the unique challenges faced by single foster parents, and essential items that can aid in fostering. The episode concludes with a discussion on learning from mistakes in foster care, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the needs of children in care. The three also discuss the complexities of foster care, focusing on how to communicate with children about their circumstances, the impact of trauma on behavior, and the importance of resources and training for foster parents. They emphasize the need for empathy and understanding in dealing with children who have experienced trauma, and provide practical advice for those considering becoming foster parents.Pickup a copy of Laura's new book "First Time Fostering: A Practical Guide for Supporting Kids in Foster Care"https://a.co/d/0hKa3tjWTakeawaysFoster Care Awareness Month is a time to highlight the need for families.Laura's book provides practical advice for new foster parents.It's important to balance honesty with the need to recruit foster families.Single foster parents play a crucial role in the foster care system.Preparation for foster children includes both physical and emotional readiness.Therapeutic toys can help children communicate and process their experiences.Documentation and organization are key for single foster parents.Convertible furniture can save money and space for foster families.Sensory items are essential for helping children regulate their emotions.Learning from past mistakes is vital for growth in foster care. Parents should answer children's questions about foster care age-appropriately.Children may come into foster care with fears and misconceptions.Books about foster care should be chosen carefully to avoid misleading outcomes.Foster care is about stepping in to help families in need.Conversations about foster care should evolve as situations change.Trauma can manifest in various behaviors in children.Empathy and compassion are crucial in supporting children in care.Training and resources are essential for effective foster parenting.There will always be an element of uncertainty in foster care.Being open to learning and adapting is key to successful foster parenting. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption.Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

ICE arrests in the D.C. region have quadrupled since the Biden administration. For families with children, that surge is raising urgent questions about what happens when a parent gets picked up.

Parents, children, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” -Psalm 107:28-29   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the foster care conversation with foster and adoptive mom and FASD expert, Dr. Ryan Jolly.   Dr. Jolly is a Kansas-based psychiatric nurse practitioner and nationally recognized advocate focused on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. As the founder of Brain First Family Center, she leads a specialized clinic dedicated to the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of FASD and related neurodevelopment conditions, with a strong commitment to Medicaid access and eliminating long waitlists for vulnerable families.    Ryan's advocacy is grounded in both clinical expertise and lived experience as a single foster and adoptive parent to children with FASD and complex brain-based disabilities. Utilizing her role as a Doctor of Nursing Practice she engages in research to advance understanding  of brain-based differences, trauma-informed systems of care, and increase recognition of FASD within child welfare and education systems. Dr. Jolly strives to reimagine systems of care to ensure all individuals are supported to thrive within families and communities rather than being misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or institutionalized.   Listen in to Sandra's conversation with Dr. Ryan Jolly on Episode 531 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon FASD United Brain First Family Center

Radio personality and foster care advocate Poet Taylor joins us on The Good Word! Poet is a popular radio personality in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. She also is a vocal foster care advocate, speaking from personal experience as a foster child in the DC foster care system. In an emotional interview, Poet gets candid about the challenges foster children face, sharing her own personal journey in the foster care system. She also shares the victories and success stories often ignored. This powerful conversation is taking place in May, National Foster Care Awareness month. A reported 360,000 children are in foster care in the United States and the National Council for Adoption says each year approximately 18,500 to 20,000 youth "age out" emancipate of the system without a permanent legal family. Poet highlights her success story including being adopted at 15 years old by her foster family, the Taylors, who she credits for her success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: I'm new to raising my grandchild and still learning about trauma. People keep saying it changes a child's brain, but I don't really understand what that means. What does trauma actually do to the brain, and how does that show up in behavior at home or school?Resources:The Three Es: Understanding the Impacts of TraumaA Conversation with Dr. Bruce Perry About TraumaHow Trauma Impacts a Child's DevelopmentMeeting Children Where They Are: The Neurosequential Model of TherapeuticsSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

May is National Foster Care Month! For today's episode, we've invited author Jamie Finn to help us discover how faith and foster care are deeply connected. Jamie Finn opens up about the surprising realities that reshaped her family’s mission. You’ll hear what truly sustains foster families through their hardest seasons. Listen in for practical wisdom that applies whether you foster yourself or simply want to love foster families well. Key Takeaways: Trauma reshapes the brain. Regulated parents create safety for dysregulated children Foster families thrive when their community refuses to look away Following Jesus leads us toward discomfort, not away Mentioned in this Podcast: Ebook – What Kids Need: 4 Messages That Build Identity https://www.instagram.com/fosterthefamilyblog/ https://www.fosterthefamily.org/ https://www.filledretreat.com/ https://www.filledtogether.com/ Book – Foster the Family by Jamie Finn Book – Filled: 60 Devotions for the Foster Parent’s Heart by Jamie Finn Book – God Loves Kids: A Gospel-Centered Book About Foster Care by Jamie Finn Podcast – A Parenting Framework for Adoption and Fostering? Yes! | Ep. 157 Podcast – Parenting Adopted Children: Building Connection After Trauma | Ep. 272 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We'd love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Jamie C. Finn is the author of the bestselling book, Foster the Family, as well as Filled: 60 Devotions for the Foster Parent's Heart, and a new children's book, God Loves Kids: A Gospel-Centered Book About Foster Care. She is the founder and President of Foster the Family and founder of the Filled Gathering. She uses her social media accounts to offer a glimpse into the real life of a foster parent and provide encouragement to tens of thousands of foster and adoptive parents. Jamie is the mother to 7 children through foster care, adoption, and birth. She lives in Sicklerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Alan. © 2026 Connected Families .stk-ff19205-container{box-shadow:7px 5px 30px rgba(72,73,121,0.15) !important}.stk-ff19205 > .stk-separator__bottom{transform:scaleX(-1) !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-ff19205-column{--stk-col-order-1:2 !important;--stk-col-order-2:1 !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-ff19205-column{--stk-col-order-1:2 !important;--stk-col-order-2:1 !important}} .stk-4bc716e{align-self:center !important} .stk-d485067{align-self:center !important} .stk-85db8e2 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-85db8e2 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-85db8e2 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:30px !important}}4 simple messages.1 simple framework. .stk-837ad59 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:19px !important}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-837ad59 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:19px !important}}Get the FREE ebook, and start your journey toward better, more connective discipline in your home.

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: How do I delicately share information about my child's birth parent with my child, when we know their biological parent has a long history of arrest? They are not a safe adult for my child to maintain a relationship with. Our family is struggling with how to balance the message that the adoption plan was made out of love for the child and not wanting to cast a negative message about the child's birth parent, even though we know there is a history of some very violent acts. We want this child to know and understand why the birth parent is not part of their life.Resources: Talking with Young Children about Adoption and Birth ParentsUsing Lifebooks to Explain Complex Issues in Adoption to KidsBuilding the Framework for Adopted & Foster Children to Process the Hard Parts of Their StoriesSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

Forrest Lang is an author and CSA (child sex abuse) advocate. He shares the story of his own childhood abuse, growing up in the foster care system, the death of his best friend, and how the Navy saved him. Look for his memoir, Angel Blue: A Song Of Redemption.More about Forrest etc:https://www.instagram.com/forrestlangofficial?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063723156268&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://youtube.com/@forrest619?si=5jFDz_OTG7BxCelXhttps://angelbluebook.com/shop/https://a.co/d/dGVg9mXhttps://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/angel-blue-a-song-of-redemption-unabridged/id1641763928https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/angel-blue-forrest-lang/1147815412This episode is sponsored Quince. Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.This episode is sponsored by Alma. Search their directory of over 20,000 therapists with different specialities, life experiences, and identities, and 99% of them take insurance. Go to www.HelloAlma.com/happyhourThis episode is sponsored by Timeline. Timeline's clinically proven formula is now available at a new, lower price . Mitopure now starts at $99, with the exact same science and formula and listeners can still get 20% off when they go to www.timeline.com/MENTALThis episode is sponsored by The Jordan Harbinger Show. Learn more about the world, improve your critical thinking skills and be entertained! Listen or subscribe here: jordanharbinger.com/subscribe Apple Podcasts: jordanharbinger.com/itunesSpotify: jordanharbinger.com/spotifyHere are the two episodes Paul recommended.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1280-cory-doctorow-why-everything-got-worse-and-what/id1344999619?i=1000747830030Andhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1238-ken-burns-what-if-the-american-revolution-isnt-over/id1344999619?i=1000736232557If you're interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.comWAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe via Apple Podcasts (or whatever player you use). It costs nothing. It's extremely helpful to have your subscription set to download all episodes automatically. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2Spread the word via social media. It costs nothing.Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donateYou can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're glad you are joining our discussion on the hidden complexities of kinship care and discover how faith, community, and wisdom can transform the way we care for children through the foster care system. We're exploring critical aspects family support in complex situations involving kinship care including the pressures on CPS, the need for equipping kinship caregivers to care for kids from hard places.As child welfare systems evolve, so do the tensions between maintaining biological bonds and seeking the best for the child's safety and well-being. Herbie Newell, Chelsea Sobolik, and Rick Morton delve into the realities of kinship care—uncovering the heartbreaking stories of children caught in systemic challenges, while emphasizing the importance of preparation, humility, and the church's role in restoring hope. You'll discover how courts are rethinking placement priorities, the importance of culturally sensitive parenting, and how community and faith-based solutions can fill critical gaps.We break down practical ways to support kinship families—from resource provision to advocating for policies that prioritize the child's best interest. You'll gain insight into the moral and biblical foundations that compel us to see every child as made in God's image and to foster a church that advocates and cares across cultural and racial lines. This episode reveals why common sense, prayer, and active compassion are the most powerful tools in transforming child welfare from the inside out.Whether you're a foster parent, church leader, policymaker, or concerned citizen, this conversation challenges you to examine your role in transforming a broken system into a network of love, support, and justice. If you believe every child deserves a safe, loving family—and that the Church has a vital part to play—then this episode is a must-listen.Join us around the table as we explore the intersections of faith, policy, and compassion in fostering resilient, healthy families. Because caring for vulnerable children isn't just a system—it's a calling.00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to Kinship Care02:09 - How Faith Shapes Our View of Family & Child Welfare03:30 - Defining Family: Truth, Flourishing, and Broken Systems05:08 - Why One-Size-Fits-All Policy Fails Vulnerable Children08:29 - The Preparation Gap in Kinship vs. Foster Care09:32 - How the Church Can Resource Kinship Families10:40 - Real Story: When Kinship Care Goes Wrong14:18 - Policy Perspective: Best Interest of the Child16:30 - HHS "A Home for Every Child" Initiative Explained19:29 - Why the Church Reaches Where Government Cannot21:42 - NY Appeals Court Case: Kinship Placement Rights24:46 - Foster Care vs. Kinship: A False Either/Or Choice27:51 - Closing Takeaway: Prayer as the First Response30:21 - 3 Practical Ways to Advocate for Kids in Care32:47 - Final Challenge: Open Your Eyes to Families Around You