Podcast appearances and mentions of foster care adoption

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Are you considering adopting from foster care or becoming a foster parent? Join us to discuss this topic with Dr. Lindsay Terrell, a pediatrician and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Duke University Medical Center, as well as the Clinical Director of their Foster Care Clinic. She and her husband are licensed foster parents.In this episode, we discuss:The common risk factors 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? What percentage of children in foster care have been exposed to drugs or alcohol prenatally? Creating a Family's Prenatal Substance Exposure Workshop for ParentsImpact of trauma on physical health.Foster parents and caseworkers often have little information about prior health history.Other common physical health issues that are common in kids in foster care that are not necessarily connected to trauma.Impact of trauma on mental health.Those areas of the brain most affected by trauma, especially early trauma, are those involved in stress response, emotional regulation, attention, cognition, executive function, and memory. What types of behaviors are common as a result of trauma?Medication and over-medication 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.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 they so often prescribed for children in foster care?Who has the authority to make healthcare decisions for foster children and youth?Sleep issues common to children in foster care.Food issues common to children in foster care. 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. Children can heal, and foster parents can make a difference!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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: On the 2025 Adoption Tax Credit Episode, it was mentioned that they thought this would possibly be the year it becomes refundable. Does that only apply to finalizations in 2025, or will it make previous adoptions (if within the 5-year tax credit range) refundable too? For example, an adoption finalized in 2023 but we haven't used all of the tax credit available. Does the remaining amount become refundable, too? ~Oklahoma City, OKResources:Understanding the Adoption Tax CreditAdoptionTaxCredit.orgJosh Kroll, Families Rising (joshk@wearefamiliesrising.org)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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

In this powerful and practical episode, Thomas and Kari sit down with Dr. Dave Delaney to talk about the church's role in foster care and adoption. Dr. Delaney shares heartfelt insights, helpful tips, and biblical reasons why every believer should care — whether you're opening your home, supporting a family, or simply praying intentionally. You'll be challenged, encouraged, and reminded that caring for the vulnerable isn't optional for the church — it's a calling. Everyone can do something… and together, we can make a difference.

This one is for the foster and adoptive parents carrying the weight no one sees—who keep showing up, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. Today, I'm sitting down with Devin Schubert—an adoptive dad of three—for a conversation about the cost of obedience, the depth of trauma, and the God who restores what we thought was lost forever. After adopting his son, Devin walked through five years of chaos: -Explosive trauma -Daily police calls -System after system that failed -And the heartbreak of watching his marriage fall apart When his wife left, Devin stepped into solo fatherhood, determined to fight for his son—alone. Until the fight nearly killed him.  Diagnosed with trauma shock  Given 3 months to live Flat on his back, ready to give up, Jesus walked in and said: “You left the 99 to save the 1. Now I'm giving you the 99 to tell your story to the nations.” And now—four years later—his son is being reunited with him and moving back home in just 4 months. This episode is a story of resilience, radical love, and full-circle redemption for every parent who's ever wondered, “Is it worth it?” Tune in now and be reminded: God sees your sacrifice. He restores what was lost. And the story isn't over yet. ☕ Grab your coffee, get comfy, and let's dig in. XO, Christine Marie

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: My husband and I are in the process of growing our family through adoption. It would be a domestic infant adoption, and we are hoping to cultivate a long-term relationship with the future baby's birth family. I noticed that whenever I feel hesitation when thinking about openness, I can bring myself back down to earth by recognizing that any hesitation results from making things about ME, not the baby or birth family. The one question I can't seem to navigate on my own is this...what do adopted children call their birth mothers? How do I, as a future adoptive mom, refer to the baby's birth mom? I want to respect the baby and birth mom; any insight on how families handle this would be so helpful! Resources:What Does Your Child Call Her Birth Mother?5 Tips for Navigating Sticky Situations with Birth ParentsPositive Adoption Language & Why It Matters 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

***SENSITIVE CONTENT WARNING.*** In this powerful episode of the What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting podcast, I sit down with Joseph Pedroza, a man whose story will leave you speechless. His journey is one of pain, resilience, and divine transformation—a true testimony to the power of God's redemption. Joseph's childhood was marked by deep trauma—placed in foster care, experiencing horrific abuse after adoption, and facing multiple arrests both as a youth and as an adult. He endured some of life's darkest moments, but his story didn't end there. A life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit radically transformed his life, setting him on a path of healing, faith, and restoration. Together, we dive deep into faith, healing, and the adoption journey. Joseph opens up about discovering his true identity in Christ and how that revelation brought him incredible breakthrough. If you're navigating the complexities of foster care, adoption, trauma, or your own healing journey, this episode is for you. ✨ Get ready for a raw, eye-opening conversation about faith, resilience, and stepping into the fullness of who God created you to be.

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Are you considering adopting a sibling group? Join us for this interview with Deborah Bass Artis, MSW and Senior Program Director of Foster Care to Permanency with Children's Home Society of NC.In this episode, we discuss:Why is it important to keep siblings together when placed for foster care or adoption?Advantages to adopting siblings.Special issues to considerThinking About Adopting a Sibling Group? Things to Consider FirstPractical Tips for Fostering a Sibling GroupIntegrating siblings with children already in the familyInvolve children already in the familyGet your support network in place before you adopt Suggested books for helping siblings understand adoption. Parentified childTips for handling a parentified child. Parenting Tips for a Parentified ChildOvercoming unhealthy dynamics from their pastOne child was the favorite in their previous family or families.Sibling rivalry When is it not a good idea to keep siblings together?Consider your motivation carefully- be honest with yourself and your partner about your desire to adopt a sibling group. Tips for parents adopting or fostering a sibling group Educate yourself before opening your home to a sibling group- it always helps to have realistic expectationsBe patient with yourselves and the children- it's a big adjustment for everyone.Develop your support system ahead of time.Take care of yourself. Spending time on things that are important to you is not selfish!If married, ensure your marriage/partnership remains strong- it is the foundation of your family's health.If single, maintain your friendships. You need to have a life outside of your children.Find individual time with each child in the family Pay attention to each child's interests and personality and create opportunities for those to grow. Don't treat the sibling group as a unit.Seek out professional support for the family when needed.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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Are you really struggling with your adoption and feeling you've made a huge mistake? Listen to this interview with Lindsay Lanham, MSW. She works at Holt International and is the author of the online article “Predictors of Adoption Disruption and Dissolution: A Literature Review.”In this episode, we cover:Difference between an adoption disruption and adoption dissolution. What causes an adoption to fail? What causes parents to say: “Help, I don't think I can continue this adoption?”Child-related factors:Child's ageChild's behavior Aggression or children who sexually act outAre sibling placements more stable?Adoptive parent-related factors:Demographic characteristics? (age, marital status, parenting experience, income, race)Parental expectationsParenting styleRelationship prior to the adoptive placementCharacteristics of parents in successful adoptionsAdoption professional-related factors:Identify problems quickly and provide supportHow to address children who have experienced sexual abuse. “It is recommended that social workers universally prepare families for behaviors associated with sexual abuse trauma and the possible impact of sexual abuse. Adoptive families should have the language necessary to speak about child sexual abuse and know how to access supportive resources in their community, such as child advocacy centers, prior to placement.”What should parents do when they realize that the adoption isn't going as they had hoped/planned?Identify the problem quickly and get support.Reset expectationsSelf-careGet helpWhat should parents do if they are reaching the point where they want to dissolve an adoption?Resource: Predictors of Adoption Disruption and Dissolution: A Literature Review 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.How do some kids survive a life of poverty, homelessness, abuse, and foster care and eventually thrive? We talk about courage & resilience with David Ambroz who is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate and the author of the memoir, A Place Called Home. He was recognized by President Obama as an American Champion of Change. Currently serving as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon, Ambroz previously led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television, and has served as president of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission as well as a California Child Welfare Council member. After growing up homeless and then in foster care, he graduated from Vassar College and later earned his J.D. from UCLA School of Law. He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles, CA.In this episode, we discuss:Poverty and Homelessness:His story.SchoolWhat made a difference?What should adults who encounter or work with homeless children/youth know?Foster Care:His story.Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ are overrepresented in foster care (Human Rights Campaign, 2015). While approximately 5 percent of the general population is estimated to be LGBTQ+, studies estimate that about 30 percent of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+. Why are these young people over represented in child welfare? LGBTQ+ youth are 1.5 -2 times more likely to have a foster placement failure.What would you want foster parents to know?What made the difference in your eventually succeeding? (Going to Vassar and UCLA Law School.)The lack of available treatments for mental illness.Why did you become a foster parent?Why did you title the book “A Place Called Home?”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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: This was a question from someone in South Dakota. She says, "I haven't listened to all your back episodes, but can you address ICWA, the Indian Child Welfare Act, as it pertains to adoption? I live in a state where the majority of children in foster care are Native Americans, and ICWA, the Indian Child Welfare Act, is confusing and divisive. At the end of the day, I just want the children I care for to be safe. I understand the reason for the law, but I hate when the comments on an ICWA story about adoption accuse foster care providers of kidnapping.Resources:Indian Child Welfare Law Center - ICWLC.orgChild Welfare Information Gateway - Info on ICWASupport 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Are you considering adopting a child over the age of 5? Join our discussion with Dr. Stephanie Bosco-Ruggiero. She has a PhD in Social Work from Fordham University and is co-author of the book Adopting Older Children: A Practical Guide to Adopting and Parenting Children Over Age Four.In this episode, we talk about:The greatest need in both foster care adoption and international adoption is to adopt kids 5 and older.  Adolescents have a bad reputation in general in our society and those in foster care or international child welfare institutions have an even worse reputation. These kids and youth may have challenging behaviors that will be hard to parent. (They also may not have challenging behaviors.)Why have they developed these behaviors? (grief and loss, trauma, mental health)What are some typical behaviors that are more difficult for parents?Tips for creating trust and attachment with older children. How to prevent these behaviors from influencing other kids in the family?     Special issues specific to older kids adopted internationally.Lack of ability to communicate. Cultural differences. Safety concerns, especially if there are younger children in the family. Sexually acting out. Physical abuse.Sibling relationships when adopting an older child.Contact with bio family members and former foster parentsTrying to establish rules with teens/tweens who have had too much freedom. Helping kids academically. Neuropsychological evaluations, IEPs,Support for adoptive familiesSupport 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: My father-in-law was just diagnosed with terminal cancer and given a maximum of 6 months left to live. We learned this right before our home study for older child/foster care adoption was finalized. Do you have any advice for what we should do with our adoption process moving forward? I am worried if we match before my husband is done grieving, we could add additional trauma to the child, but there is no set timeline for grieving. How do we deal with our loss while helping a child get through their loss? Resources:Creating a Family Online Support Group (Facebook)Transitioning a Child to Your Home (Resource Page)Helping a Child Heal from Trauma (Resource Page)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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Are you considering adopting or fostering a child with Down Syndrome? Join our conversation with Dr. Sara Williams, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She provides developmental evaluations and follow-up care for children with a variety of neurodevelopmental disabilities, including in the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome.In this episode, we discuss:What is Down syndrome?How common is it?What are the different types of Down syndrome? Is genetic testing routinely done when Down syndrome is suspected?What are some of the common physical traits of a person with Down syndrome? What are the common developmental disabilities caused by this disorder?What are the common intellectual disabilities caused by this disorder?Is there a way to know in advance how intellectually impacted a child may be? Do the symptoms differ depending on the type of Down syndrome the child has? What are the common mental health issues that people with this disorder may exhibit?What are some ways to determine the degree of impact if you adopt a child past infancy? Interventions that can help.How do these kids fit within the school system? What is the school system required to do?What are the common medical conditions that may accompany trisomy 21?What is the life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome?Is there a medical specialty that those considering adopting or fostering a child with Down syndrome should seek out?What are some common mental health issues and behavioral issues that may be more common in people with Down syndrome?How to find mental health and behavioral treatment for children and adults with Down syndrome?How does trauma interact with Down syndrome?Is attachment difficult for kids with Down syndrome who have experienced trauma?Are people with Down syndrome able to live independently in adulthood?What makes a difference in the prognosis for children with Down syndrome? Why should people consider adopting or fostering a child with Down syndrome?Resources:National Down Syndrome Society (list of specialized centers)Global Down Syndrome Reece's Rainbow National Down Syndrome Adoption Network Project Search Understanding Down Syndrome American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report: Health Supervision for Children With Down SyndromeSupport 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: My 4-year-old foster son moved in 9 months ago. He will likely remain with me permanently, and the application is in progress. I was his 5th foster home when he moved in. There was neglect at his birth parents and abuse in a previous foster home. Last weekend he was being babysat by my sister and brother-in-law. They went to the basement to show him a toy, and he saw a large dog cage they were planning to sell online. He was immediately triggered, ran upstairs, hid under the pillows in a bed, and it took 10 minutes to feel safe. He was obviously placed in a dog cage at some point. How do I support him, talk to him about what happened, and make him feel safe? How should I support him and help him calm his nervous system if he is triggered again? Resources:A Conversation with Dr. Bruce Perry About Trauma6 Crucial Things Every Adoptive Parent Must DoUsing Scripts to Build Trust with Foster & Adopted KidsSuggested Book List - Kids Who Have Experienced TraumaSupport 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Birth Mother Matters Adoption S4, Ep224; We're Back Adoption Podcast Episode resuming our Adoption Podcast discussing related information and news about Domestic, International, and Foster Care Adoption.

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.If you are adopting or have adopted within the last several years you should join our conversation today about claiming the Adoption Tax Credit for 2024. Our guests will be Becky Wilmoth, an Enrolled Agent and Adoption Tax Credit Specialist with Bill's Tax Service; and Josh Kroll, the Adoption Subsidy Resource Center coordinator at Families Rising.In this episode, we cover:What is the Adoption Tax Credit for adoption being claimed on 2024 federal taxes? What is a “credit,” and how does it differ from a deduction or tax savings?How would you use the Adoption Tax Credit if you get a tax refund every year?Should you still apply the credit to your federal income taxes if you don't have any federal tax liability?What types of adoptions are included or excluded? Are kinship adoptions covered? Are kinship guardianship arrangements covered? What if the child never was involved with the foster care system?Can you get credit for each adoption you complete even if completed in the same year? What about adopting siblings at the same time?What is a Qualified Adoption Expense for purposes of the Adoption Tax Credit 2024?When can you claim the Adoption Tax Credit?Special Needs Adoption: How does the Adoption Tax Credit differ for adoptions from foster care? What does the IRS accept as proof of “special needs”?What is a $0 subsidy agreement?Special needs child for international adoptionCan you reclaim your expenses for an attempted adoption that did not result in a placement (failed adoption)? How?What income level (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) is excluded?How long can the credit be carried over?What if you didn't claim the Adoption Tax Credit when eligible? Is the Adoption Tax Credit something you can amend your tax return for, and if so, how do you amend it, and how many years back?Will the Adoption Tax Credit offset self-employment tax?How does the Secure Act impact claiming the Adoption Tax Credit for 2024 taxes? What should you do if the child's Social Security Number is unavailable when you file? Should you use an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN #) if you don't have the child's social security number?How does the Adoption Tax Credit work in conjunction with employee adoption benefits? For special needs adoption?If you adopt, can you still get the Child Tax Credit?What do you need to get the Child Tax Credit for your adopted child?Do you need to send any documentation to the IRS when you file your taxes? What type of documentation should you keep in your records?How do you find a tax specialist knowledgeable about Adoption Tax Credit? The Adoption Tax Credit used to be a refundable credit. Do you think the new administration will impact the refundability legislation? Advocate for refundability 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: My husband and I adopted our now seven-year-old son from South Africa two years ago. He is the best. We cannot believe how lucky we are to have this joyful little boy in our family, and we owe much of our success to what we've learned from your show and resources, so thank you. Although our son feels pretty easy compared to some of the challenges we hear about, he still requires a lot. A lot of time, patience, energy, school appointments, doctor's appointments, therapy appointments, etc. In any case, we are now considering whether to embark on a second adoption of an older child three to six years old from South Africa. While I see a lot of resources for preparing siblings and managing birth order disruptions, which is not the case for us, we are wondering what parents of adopted kids should consider when deciding whether to adopt another child. For example, is it better for our son to have all of the resources, meaning time, patience, energy, et cetera, and stability we can provide an only child given his needs and the fact that he was adopted later? Should we expect more of the same with a second child or are there different challenges to raising new siblings who both have trauma? What should we be aware of or thinking about when making this decision?Resources:Sibling RelationshipsParenting Adopted ChildrenSelf-Care for Parents and CaregiversSupport 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Are you considering adopting a child this year? We've got answers to all (or most) of your questions. Join our discussion with Teresa Bernu, the Executive Director at Adoption Center of Illinois. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked extensively in the areas of domestic infant adoption, foster care, and guardianship. We will also talk with Steve Valdez, the Chief Operating Officer at Hand in Hand International Adoptions.  He holds a Master of Divinity and an M.A. in Psychology. He's an adopted dad of 5 kids through foster care adoption.In this episode, we discuss:Domestic infant private adoption in the USWhat is the process?What are the reasons that pregnant moms are placing their children for adoption?Matching-Expectant parent choiceThe Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)Open adoptionSpecial needs of children availableHow long does it take? What factors influence this time?How much does it cost? What factors influence this cost?How do failed matches when an expectant mom decides to parent rather than go through with an adoption plan impact the cost of domestic adoption?Adoption agency and adoption attorneyWhat is the first step prospective adoptive parents should take if they are interested in adopting a baby?Adoptions from foster care in the USWhat is the process?Adopting your foster childAdopting a waiting childWhat are the reasons that children come into foster care in the US?What age and race of child is available for adoption from foster care?Special needs? Trauma, prenatal substance exposureHow long does it take?How much does it cost?What is the first step prospective adoptive parents should take if they are interested in adopting from foster care?International adoptions to the USWhat is the process?What types of special needs do children available for adoption from abroad have?How long does it take? What factors influence this time?How much does it cost? What factors influence this cost?What is the first step prospective adoptive parents should take if they are interested in adopting internationally?Additional resources:Adoptions in the US: How Many? How Much? How Long?Choosing an Adoption Agency or AttorneySupport 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: My husband and I are licensed to foster/adopt, but there have been no placements yet. We initially thought our age preference was 2-6 year olds, but as we have gotten more information/education we think we may be a good home for teenagers. We have no children (adopted/fostered/biological) between us but this also means we have no one else in the home at this time. We are still interested in fostering (and adopting should the opportunity arise) younger children as well at some point. My question is would it be "better" for us to start with teens and move to younger children after the teens have left our home (for college, work, general adulthood independence) or would we be better prepared for teens after having younger children first?Resources:Becoming a Foster ParentFoster Care AdoptionWelcoming an Older Child to Your HomeSupport 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: How do you speak to family members about open adoption? My entire family supports my intention to adopt as a single parent and has been very excited and generous as I have been working towards becoming a parent. My siblings were both adopted and there is a history of adoption in my family, mostly closed adoptions like my brother and sister. I would say my parents were ahead of their time in how they spoke openly about adoption and really worked hard to make us all feel loved and special. They shared with my siblings as much information about their birth parents as they had and supported my sister even to seek out a connection with her birth mother. However, despite all of this my parents seem to question open adoption. Do you have any tips for educating parents and family members about open adoption? Resources:Adoptee Voices (Resource page)Interview with Pioneer Researchers in Open Adoption (Podcast)Open Adoption (Resource page)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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: I'm interested in adopting an older teenager (16 or 17). An agency worker shared that many older teens don't want to be adopted, and just want to age out of foster care. Is this true, and if so, is adopting an older teen a reasonable goal?Resources:Foster Care Adoption (Resource page)Adoptee & Former Foster Youth VoicesFoster Care (Suggested Books)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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: My husband and I were foster parents in the US, and have since relocated to Denmark for his work. We both still feel called to adopt from foster care, and would like to do that from the US. We know that the US and Denmark are both members of the Hague Convention, and can adopt from each other. You have great resources about international adoption, but usually from the perspective of a person in the US adopting from a foreign country. I'm wondering if you would consider doing a podcast episode on the process of a US citizen habitually resident in a foreign country adopting from US foster care. Resources:Foster Care AdoptionChoosing a Foster Care AgencyThe Creating a Family 3-Step Process for Choosing an International Adoption AgencySupport 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Are you planning to adopt or have you recently adopted? If so, you need to listen to this discussion about what to expect during the first few weeks or months you are home! Our guests are Michelle Kennedy and Deborah Artis. Michelle Kennedy has been a social worker with Methodist Home for Children for 27 years. She has direct care experience in residential and foster care services and has been working with youth and families in the foster-to-adopt process since 2005. Deborah Artis is a social worker and the Senior Program Director of foster care, adoption, and post-adoption with Children's Home Society, where she has worked for 30 years. In this episode, we cover:Adopting a NewbornWhat are some common emotions when adopting a newborn?What are some common stresses when adopting a newborn?How may the revocation period affect the transition to new adoptive parenting?Expectations of extended family during this transition period.How do the stresses of newly adopted families differ from a family that gives birth to their child?How does the pre-adoption process affect this transition to new parenthood?What are some feelings that come up about birth parents after the baby comes home?Handling grief of the birth family.Realities of open adoptions.Feeling like the presence of a birth mom makes the adoptive mom less of a “real” mom.The balance of power shifting from the expectant/birth mom to the adoptive mom.How much of your child's “story” should you share?How can infertility struggles impact the transition period?Adopting a Child Past InfancyWhat are some common emotions when adopting a child from foster care or through international adoption?What are some common stresses when adopting a child past infancy?Integrating the new child into a family with other kids.How to help your child and you settle into becoming a new family.Post Adoption DepressionWhat is post-adoption depression?What are the symptoms?Blocked care.How can post-adoption depression impact parenting?How common is post-adoption depression?Can fathers also have post-adoption depression?Who is at risk for post-adoption depression? Are there ways to predict which people are more prone to post-adoption depression?What are some steps to take to prevent post-adoption depression?What should you do if you think you are suffering from post-adoption depression?Additional Resources:4 Tried and True Tips for a Smooth Transition Home with Adopted KidsTransitioning Home with Your Newly Adopted Baby 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Sweeter than honey and tougher than nails! Meet Erin, mother of two and warrior! Keri and Erin have a great conversation about the foster care system through the eyes of the foster parents and what foster to adopt looks like. Through infertility and loss, Erin and her husband began to build their family through the foster to adopt program in Texas. When Erin held her daughter she felt her heart leap and knew she would be adopting her. Their family grew again when they became a kinship placement for her niece, now second daughter. Through it all she kept the values and lessons her own mother taught her. Intergenerational motherhood shines through this story and is the ultimate beauty in the ashes. Join us now for a conversation about mama trauma, endurance, motherhood, adoption, foster to adopt, foster care, infertility, infant loss, miscarriage, marriage, generational motherhood, intergenerational motherhood.  If you like this episode and want to connect other Mama Trauma Survivors to the Momsday Bunker, please like and share!  Follow the Keri Momsday Prepper on Facebook and Keri_Henson_aka_Momsdayprepper for tips and tricks on preparedness. You can reach Keri at MomsdayPrepper

We explore the transformative power of adoption with Rita L. Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Rita shares insights into how foster care adoption can change the lives of children who are seeking permanence and stability. As we celebrate National Adoption Month, we are reminded of the critical need to support vulnerable children. Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's, understood this deeply from his own life experiences, and in 1992 he created the foundation to advocate for children in foster care. As Rita explains, "These children are not someone else's responsibility. They are our responsibility."Rita emphasizes the Foundation's mission to increase adoptions and the ongoing commitment to expanding efforts, not just in the U.S. and Canada, but potentially in Mexico. The Foundation's partnership with the Wendy's Company and its many programs, like National Adoption Day, highlights the importance of celebrating and uplifting the stories of families formed through adoption. "We're not just raising awareness," Rita says, "We are walking families through each step of the adoption process." This message serves as a powerful call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to step forward and support children in need of a forever family.#NationalAdoptionMonth #FosterCareAdoption #AdoptionAwarenessFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Should you adopt a child of a different race? What things should you consider? Join our conversation with Dr. Gina Samuels, an adult transracial adoptee and a Professor at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago. She is also the Faculty Director of the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture. Her scholarly interests include transracial adoption and mixed-race and multiethnic identity formation. We are honored to have Dr. Samuels as the Chair of the Creating a Family Board.In this episode, we cover:If you are a White parent, are there different issues you need to consider depending on the race of the child you adopt?Some families prefer to adopt a bi-racial child rather than a child who is all Black or all Latinx. What are the issues to consider?Is there a difference between transracial and transcultural adoption?What does it take to raise a child to have a healthy self and racial identity? How do they differ? Unconscious overlap between self and racial identity for White people.What are some of the issues parents should think about to determine if they are a family that should adopt across racial or ethnic lines? What should parents be prepared to do in order to help their children develop a healthy sense of self?Adoption is a family affair, so how should prospective adoptive parents prepare their extended family members for the adoption of a child of a different race or culture?How do you protect your child from family members who may not approve or are racist?What to do if you have someone in your family that you fear will not be accepting or will not treat your child fairly or is a racist?How do you find role models that racially mirror your child? Politic of transracial adoption in minority communities. What does the research show on how transracially adopted children are doing?What issues may come up with open adoption when adopting across racial lines?Preparation for transracial adoption goes beyond hair care; hair and skin care are important. What should parents know?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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Join us to talk about how kids understand adoption and how best to talk with them about adoption. Our guest is Camillia Whitehead, is a MSW and a licensed clinical social worker, and the Founder of Wise Care Consulting, LLC.In this episode, we cover:How does a child's understanding of adoption differ by age?Toddlers & PreschoolersSchool AgeTweens/TeensYoung AdultsHow does openness or lack of openness impact a child's understanding of adoption?How does transracial adoption impact a child's understanding of adoption?How to talk about adoption at different ages?What are the important points you want to make sure your child understands at each stage?What are some common questions children ask at different developmental stages?Why didn't my birth parents parent me?Can I go back to my birth parents?Do my birth parents think about me?Did my birth parents love me?Who do I look like?Why did they parent my sibling?How am I like my birth parents, and how am I different.”Why not wait for your child to ask questions and then talk with them?What if your child shows little or no interest in their adoption story?What to say when you know very little about the birth parents?How can you talk about adoption and the role of the birth father with young children who do not understand the concept of sex?How to handle the “You're not my real mom or dad” statement?How to handle hard birth parent stories? What to do when your cultural or ethnic background is strongly prejudiced against adoption? Don't outright lie. Think through carefully what you are afraid of by telling the child.That the child will be rejected by extended family?That you will be judged or rejected by extended family?That the child will share the information to others in your community?Accept that the odds are extremely high that the child is going to find out from over-the-counter DNA testing or someone in the family will tell or from 8th grade biology assignment. Accept that at some point the failure to tell is the same as lying. When adult adoptees who were not told by their parents were interviewed later in life they almost universally say that it was the lie that hurt the most and did the most damage to their relationship with their parents.Start laying the groundwork at an early age.Families are formed in different ways.All types of families are good.We had trouble having kids and we were so happy when you arrived.Try to establish connections with other adoptive parentsPoint out adoptive families when you see them in real life or TV or moviesReview your reasons for not wanting to tell and decide on an age that you will tell.Explain their adoption story. 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

We had a blast interviewing our good friends from TRC, Mark and Lauren Estes, to talk all about their experience with fostering and adopting. We dive into their work as house parents working with young people in transition. We talk about how the Lord and others showed up to help them navigate hard times. It's a great discussion we think you'll enjoy! As always, email us at theologyinthedirt@gmail.com with any questions, feedback, and/or topic suggestions. Follow and engage with us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Leave a review and/or five star rating and of course please share the podcast. You can even support us financially if you'd like at the link below. We are grateful for all of you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theologyinthedirt/support

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: Can I use my home study for a different type of adoption?This question arises in the following types of situations. Someone is applying to adopt an infant domestically and gets a home study from a domestic adoption agency. They then decide that they want to adopt from foster care and ask if they can use their domestic home study for foster care adoption. Or, they have applied to adopt internationally and want to know if they can use their international home study for a domestic adoption or an adoption from foster care. Or getting a home study from a foster care agency and wanting to use that for domestic infant or international adoption.Resources:Types of AdoptionAdoption AgenciesAdoption AttorneysSupport 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.What should you expect when adopting internationally or bringing a child into your home from foster care? Check out our discussion with Dr. Robin Gurwitch a licensed clinical psychologist with close to 30 years of experience in evidence-based treatments and the impact of trauma/disaster/terrorism on children. She is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center and the Director of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) Training at the Center for Child & Family Health. She has been a National Child Traumatic Stress Network member since 2001.In this episode, we cover:While there are some distinctions, children adopted from US foster care and children adopted internationally have much in common.We say that the vast majority of children adopted through foster care or internationally have special needs. In addition to the medical or physical needs we might see, there are also emotional and behavioral needs, and today, we will focus on those needs.What are some of the factors that influence the behaviors of children adopted from foster care or adopted abroad?Neglect (lack of stimulation)AbuseMaternal substance abuse and subsequent prenatal exposure to alcohol and drugsMultiple caregiversInstitutionalization (multiple caregivers, neglect, removal from birth family)Does the length of time in the institution impact psychological and physical development?May have entered the institution after having lived in a family first.What different types of care are available, and how do these different types of care impact the child's behavior and development? Lack of educationChild leaving familiar ties and surroundingsWhat are some expected or typical behaviors common in children who have experienced these?Attachment issuesFood insecurity-how does that lookSleep issuesAttention IssuesPost-traumatic stressImpacts of prenatal substance abuseSpecific Impact of InstitutionalizationLack of understanding of the meaning of familyParentified children and not seeing adults as a source of meeting needsImpacts of neglectImpacts of abuse (often, we don't have reports of abuse in the child's file)How common is sexual abuse in foster care or children in orphanages or institutions abroad? What are the behaviors that might result from sexual abuse?Impact of the child leaving familiar ties and surroundingsWhat type of parenting is effective at helping kids adjust?Setting reasonable expectations.Support the Show.Please 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

In this episode of the Healthy by Heather Brown podcast, Heather dives into the importance of mental, physical, and spiritual health in children with her guest, Rebekah Weigel, a producer, writer, and foster/adoptive parent. They discuss the movie 'Sound of Hope,' which focuses on a community-based adoption and foster care model inspired by real-life events from a small church in East Texas.Heather and Rebekah explore the church's role in supporting children both locally and globally, addressing the various traumas that children encounter today. Rebekah shares her journey from psychology to filmmaking, the challenges and blessings of foster care, and the critical role of community support in encouraging adoptive families. Families who serve children through foster care and adoption are embodying the role of local missionaries and are meeting a great need. While more foster and adoptive families are needed, the church can also support these parents by offering prayer and care in the same way it would for international missionaries. We are called to be set apart, salt and light, in a dark world. In the marriage corner, this episode focuses on the balance of phone usage to foster better family relationships and concludes with actionable insights for parents on how to stay present in their children's lives.Scripture verses highlighted in this episode include:James 1:27 “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained.”2 Corinthians 12:9 “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.”Links from this episode: https://www.peacetreeproductions.com/https://www.instagram.com/rebekahweigel/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/soundofhopefilm/?hl=enhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm3013928/Sponsor for this episode:Bio-Kult Probiotic - USE CODE HEATHER20 for a discount! http://us.bio-kult.com/00:00 Welcome to Healthy by Heather Brown00:45 Introducing Rebekah Weigel02:14 Rebecca's Journey into Filmmaking04:10 The Story Behind 'Sound of Hope'05:08 Challenges and Community in Adoption10:58 Supporting Adoptive Families11:57 Bio Kult Everyday: A Probiotic Solution14:57 Rebekah's Reflections on Adoption21:13 How to Watch 'Sound of Hope'22:02 Rebekah's Personal Reset Practices28:37 Marriage Corner: Balancing Cell Phone Usage40:40 Closing Remarks and EncouragementConnect with Heather:7 Days FREE of the HBHB Membership: https://www.mylifewellloved.com/membership/Heather's ebooks: https://www.mylifewellloved.com/product-category/digital-products/Heather's Amazon favorites: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/HBstorefrontHeather's freebies: https://www.mylifewellloved.com/freebies/Heather's favorite liquid collagen: https://www.mylifewellloved.com/everyday-must-haves/Heather's email list: https://spring-pine-631.myflodesk.com/9347a138-077e-4c55-bf61-2137aeed89eaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthybyheatherbrown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthyByHeatherBrownPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/healthybyheatherbrown/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HealthyByHeatherBrown/videosLTK: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/HealthybyHeatherBrownTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healthybyheatherbrownHow you can show the podcast some love:FOLLOW - Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app.RATE - We'd love it even more if you could drop a 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.REVIEW - Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.DOWNLOAD - Click the download button to download an episode!

This Texas girl is double back-boned! Meet Stephanie, a courageous woman who shares light with the world. From surviving an attempted murder by her biological mother to homelessness, to foster care, to overcoming trauma! Stephanie paved her way to college where she ultimately received her Master's Degree. Her story is a story of true triumph! Stephanie has emerged as an inspirational speaker, artist, author, and founder of the non-profit organization, Simply Encourage. Listen in as we talk about foster care, mental health, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, teenagers, adoption, SHAME, toxic relationships, @mastinkipp, suicide, postpartum depression, PTSD, post traumatic growth, trauma, MAMA TRAUMA, momsday moments,  generational trauma and so much more!  You can find Stephanie on Facebook at Stephanie Ellison or Instagram at stephanie_ellison_offical.  You can contact her to speak at your next event through ImpacTruth here -> Impact Truth. To reach her non profit organization, Simply Encourage or purchase her book, Always and Forever, go here -> simply encourage.  If you like this episode and want to connect other Mama Trauma Survivors to the Momsday Bunker, please like and share!  Follow the Keri Momsday Prepper on Facebook and Keri_Henson_aka_Momsdayprepper for tips and tricks on preparedness. You can reach Keri at MomsdayPrepper.

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: My husband and I are starting the adoption process, and so I recently reached out to Human Resources at my place of employment and learned that I do not qualify for short-term disability (STD), so I am not eligible for any type of paid time off when baby eventually comes. Are there any advocacy groups working on getting something similar to short-term disability for adoptive parents, where at least some portion of their salary is paid during the leave? I mean, there is research out there on the importance of bonding and attachment for the future health of children! Resources:Dave Thomas Foundation's Adoption-Friendly Workplace program5 Ways Leaders Can Support Adoptive Parents (Article)Movement Advancement Project - State Family Leave LawsCreating a Family Online Support GroupSupport the Show.Please 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Summary Join Rebecca Gruenspan in a conversation with Whitney Michael, as she shares her journey from private adoption to foster care adoption. Whitney discusses the financial and emotional challenges of private adoption and the importance of understanding adoption realities and needing support for non-traditional families. Rebecca and Whitney talk about the foster care adoption experience, including the licensing process and parenting children with trauma. Whitney highlights the role of community support and the impact of her extended family's adoption experiences. The conversation concludes with Whitney's dreams for her children where she goes on to describe adoption as rewarding, challenging, and beautiful. Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode RG Adoption Consulting ⁠The Adoption Roadmap The Foster Closet Foster Care to Success - Resources for foster youth and families navigating the foster care system. Chapters 0:28 Private Adoption vs Foster Care 5:46 Switching from Private Adoption to Foster Care Adoption 9:51 Financial Losses in Private Adoption 13:44 The realities of Adoption and Foster Care 24:04 Challenges of Foster Care and Adoption 30:51 Receiving a Placement in Foster Care 40:06 Lessons in Flexibility, Patience, and Compassion  49:52 Conclusion and Lightning Round Questions  Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU! For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

Send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: We are planning to adopt our third child. We have reason to believe that my husband's parents will oppose this idea. Do you have any advice on how to approach them?Resources:Transitioning Your Child to Your HomeWinning Over Reluctant Extended Family to Your Adoption PlansSibling Relations (Combing Children by Birth & Adoption)Support the Show.Please 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 podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

In this important episode of Foster Fathers, Kyle and Chris turn their focus to a crucial topic: "Prioritizing Mental Health in Foster Care + Adoption" Join them as they explore the mental and emotional challenges faced by both parents and children in the foster care and adoption journey.Kyle and Chris share their personal experiences and insights on the significance of mental health, highlighting the unique stressors that come with fostering and adopting. They discuss common mental health struggles, such as burnout, compassion fatigue, and the emotional toll of caring for children who have experienced trauma.With honesty and empathy, Kyle and Chris offer practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being, from self-care practices to seeking professional support. They also delve into the importance of creating a supportive and understanding environment for foster and adoptive children, emphasizing the need for open communication and emotional safety.In "Prioritizing Mental Health in Foster Care + Adoption," Kyle and Chris bring in expert voices to provide additional perspectives and advice. They discuss the benefits of therapy, support groups, and other resources available to foster and adoptive families, ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to thrive.Whether you're a foster or adoptive parent, considering becoming one, or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with valuable insights and encouragement. Tune in to Foster Fathers for a candid and compassionate conversation about the essential role of mental health in creating a loving, stable, and nurturing home.Join us as we prioritize mental health and well-being in the foster care and adoption community. Because taking care of ourselves and our children's emotional health is the foundation of being the best foster and adoptive parents we can be.

In this honest episode of the Foster Fathers Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most pressing questions faced by many prospective and current foster parents: "Why is Foster Care + Adoption So Hard?" Join us as we unpack the emotional, logistical, and systemic challenges that make the journey of fostering and adoption both uniquely rewarding and incredibly tough.Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, we explore:The emotional toll of opening your heart and home to a child who has experienced trauma.The complex legal and bureaucratic hurdles that can feel overwhelming.The balancing act of integrating a new family member while maintaining harmony in your existing family dynamic.The importance of self-care and finding a support system to help you through the tough times.Real stories from foster parents who have navigated these challenges and found resilience and strength.Whether you are considering fostering or adoption, are in the middle of the process, or are a seasoned foster parent, this episode offers empathy, practical advice, and a reminder that you are not alone in this journey. Tune in for a compassionate discussion that acknowledges the difficulties while celebrating the profound impact of providing a safe and loving home for children in need.

In this insightful episode of Foster Fathers, Kyle and Chris reflect on the valuable lessons they've learned throughout their journeys as foster and adoptive dads. Join them as they share personal stories, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tips aimed at helping fathers everywhere become the best dads they can be.Kyle and Chris discuss the challenges and triumphs they've faced, from navigating the emotional complexities of foster care to balancing the demands of adoption and fatherhood. They delve into the key lessons that have shaped their parenting styles, emphasizing the importance of patience, empathy, and adaptability.With honesty and humor, Kyle and Chris explore topics such as effective communication, building trust, and fostering a nurturing environment for children from diverse backgrounds. They offer actionable advice on how to grow as a parent, drawing from their own experiences and the insights they've gained from the foster and adoption communities.So, whether you're a new foster or adoptive dad, or a seasoned pro, tune in to Foster Fathers for an inspiring and educational conversation about the continuous journey of becoming a better dad. Because every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact on the lives of the children we care for.

Pastors Zac and Ashley discuss the various techniques of raising children and why it should look different from current cultural trends. Spoiler: It's a lot of work! 'His Providence Church' has a deep dedication to Foster Care & Adoption, and we recognize that there are many different situations your family can find itself in. If you have questions, or need resources or guidance; please do not hesitate to reach out.  www.HPC.church  Info@hpc.church 

In this week's episode, our guest is Rita Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, who shares her passion for advocating for abused and neglected children and finding them permanent homes. Don't forget to follow or subscribe to The Heart of Giving Podcast and leave a comment on iTunes. Follow us on Instagram @bbbwisegive and X @wisegiving. 

Question: We are close to adopting two kids from foster care. Is there somewhere that shows the possible options for things we should ask for in adoption assistance?  I don't want to rely just on the child welfare office to hopefully tell us all the possible options. Resources:Josh Kroll, Adoption Subsidy Resource Center, Families Rising (Formerly NACAC)joshk@nacac.org651-644-3036, extension 115Foster Care Subsidies: What is Reasonable and How to Negotiate (On-Demand course on CreatingaFamilyEd.org)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 buildingPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamilySupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

Welcome to another heart-to-heart episode of the Foster Fathers Podcast! In this installment titled "Prioritizing Your Spouse in Foster Care + Adoption," we're diving deep into the importance of nurturing and prioritizing your relationship amidst the whirlwind of foster care and adoption. Hosted by your go-to foster dads, Chris and Kyle, get ready for some candid conversations and invaluable insights on how to keep the spark alive while navigating the highs and lows of parenting in the foster care system.Join us as we explore practical strategies for maintaining a strong connection with your spouse, even when faced with the unique challenges of foster care and adoption. From carving out quality time amidst hectic schedules to communicating effectively and supporting each other's emotional needs, Chris and Kyle share personal anecdotes and expert advice to help foster fathers strengthen their marriages and partnerships.So, grab your spouse, snuggle up on the couch, and get ready to deepen your bond while embarking on this incredible journey together. Because at the Foster Fathers Podcast, we know that a thriving relationship is the cornerstone of a happy and harmonious foster care and adoption experience. Tune in as we unpack the keys to prioritizing your spouse and nurturing a love that can weather any storm.

On today's episode, I sit down with Jessica Bedient from Pike Road, Alabama. She is a mom to 9 children (1 biological, 8 from Foster Care to Adoption). She talks about the journey she, along with her husband Ben, have had through the Foster Care to Adoption process. After about 10 years working with the system, Jessica shares about experiencing the many ups, downs and sometimes, public scrutiny that comes from this path of parenting.TW: 22:00, loss of placement with a childThe Verse Jessica mentions is from the Bible: Psalm 4:8- "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe."

Question:  Is it possible to adopt a child from another state, provided that all parental rights were terminated on both mother and father's sides?  What extra complications or legalities do families adopting out of state face?Resources:Adopting a Child Out of State (Parent Training Education Course)Foster Care AdoptionDomestic Infant AdoptionWorking with an Adoption AttorneyThis 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 RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamilySupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

Question:  How are pre-adoptive matches made in foster care? I've heard that families may even need to network with social workers to be noticed when possible matches come up, but I'm not sure how matches are made. Resources:Working as Part of a Foster Care TeamFoster Care AdoptionPractical Tips for Fostering a Sibling GroupThis 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 RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamilySupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

Question:   What questions should a pre-adoptive family ask about a possible match when adopting from foster care to determine whether the match would be a good fit for the family? Resources:Adopting from Foster CareFoster Care Resource Guide for ParentsCreating a Family Facebook Support GroupThis 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 RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamilySupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

Are you considering adopting this year? Don't miss this podcast on how to adopt in 2024. Our guests are Teresa Bernu, the Associate Director at the Adoption Center of Illinois, and Steve Valdez, the Chief Operating Officer at Hand in Hand International Adoptions. Teresa Bernu has over 13 years of experience in the child welfare field, dealing with a wide range of cases, including domestic infant adoption, foster care, and guardianship. Steve Valdez holds a B.A. in Public Relations, a Master of Divinity, and an M.A. in Psychology. He's an adopted dad of 5 kids through foster care adoption.In this episode, we cover:Domestic infant private adoption in the USWhat is the process?What are the reasons that pregnant moms are placing their child?Open adoptionExpectant parent choiceSpecial needs of children availableHow long does it take? What factors influence this time?How much does it cost? What factors influence this cost?Adoption agency and adoption attorneyWhat is the first step prospective adoptive parents should take if they are interested in adopting a baby?Adoptions from foster care in the USWhat is the process?Adopting your foster childAdopting a waiting childWhat are the reasons that children come into foster care in the US?What age and race of child is available for adoption from foster care?Special needs?How long does it take?How much does it cost?What is the first step prospective adoptive parents should take if they are interested in adopting from foster care?International adoptions to the US What is the process?What types of special needs do children available for adoption from abroad have?How long does it take? What factors influence this time?How much does it cost? What factors influence this cost?What is the first step prospective adoptive parents should take if they are interested in adopting internationally?Additional resources:Adoptions in the US: How Many? How Much? How Long?Choosing an Adoption Agency or Attorney 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 buildingPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamilySupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

Adoption:Cost of Adoption: How Much? How Long?Adoption Comparison ChartsWe surveyed our Facebook community, and we discuss how our members paid for their adoptions.How to Save for Adoption the Dave Ramsey WayThis 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 RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamilySupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

Have you ever considered adopting a child from foster care? Check out our interview with Erica Jourdan, the Founder of Adoption Options Consulting, where she provides support to families looking to adopt older children from foster care. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) at Flourish Counseling and Wellness. And Angelica Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the Intensive Service Foster Care Recruiter and Trainer at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services in Los Angeles. She is a current foster parent and has experience working with prospective and adoptive parents in the foster care program.In this episode, we cover:What are the different ways to adopt from foster care? (adopting children whose parental rights have already been terminated or adopting a child who you have been fostering when their parental rights are terminated)What types of kids are available for adoption from foster care? Age, gender, race, sibling group?Is adopting a very young child or baby from foster care possible?What are the special needs that these children might have? Trauma, prenatal exposure, ADHD, etc.Can you adopt a child from foster care across state lines?What should prospective parents think about when considering different ages of children to adopt?What should prospective parents think about when considering a sibling group for adoption?How to find children currently available for adoption?  AdoptUSKids, State Heart Galleries, Wendy's Wonderful KidsWhat are the basic differences between adopting and fostering in foster care?Who can adopt from foster care?Can singles men and women adopt from foster care?Can LGBTQ+ parents adopt?What are the education requirements? Do you have to have graduated from high school, or college?Can you adopt if you have a criminal background?Do you have to own your own home?Do you have to make a certain amount of money in order to adopt from foster care?How much does it cost to adopt from foster care?Is an adoption subsidy usually available?Medicaid is usually available.What happens if you think the child might have problems in the future due to things, such as prenatal exposure, but is not currently showing any issues due to age? (if you have questions, contact Families Rising (Formerly known as NACAC, North American Council on. Adoptable Children))How does the Adoption Tax Credit apply to adoptions from foster care?What is the process for someone wanting to adopt from foster care?Home study requirements?How much education or training is required?Do you have to use the state agency or can you use a private agency? What is the difference between the two? Does it depend on what state you live in?What are some questions to ask when choosing an agency?How to transition a child into your home for adoption (if you aren't the foster parent) in the most child-centric way?Post-adoption contact or openness with birth parents, siblings, or birth grandparents.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:Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily

If you are thinking about adoption, you've likely considered the possibility that you will be adopting a child in another state. In this episode, we talk about everything involved with this process. Our guests are Jim Thompson, an adoption attorney and the author of the book South Carolina Adoption Law and Practice. He has been a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys since 1993 and Joan Smith, the District Supervisor of the Pittsburgh office of Adoptions From the Heart.In this episode, we cover:Infant AdoptionIs it possible to adopt an infant in another state?How does a prospective adoptive parent find an expectant mother in another state?What things must prospective adoptive parents be cautious of when looking for expectant parents in another state, especially if they are not working with an adoption professional?How does the domestic infant adoption process differ when the adoptive parents and the expectant moms live in different states?What is the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC)?What are the steps on the ICPC as it applies to domestic infant adoption?What state's adoption laws will be used for the adoption?How long should adoptive parents expect the ICPC process to take?Adopting from Foster Care (relative adoption and non-relative adoptions)Is it possible to adopt a child from foster care in another state?Can you foster a child in foster care in another state?How do you find a child in foster care in another state legally free to adopt?How does the foster care adoption process differ when the prospective adoptive parents and the child live in different states?What are the steps with the ICPC as it applies to foster care adoption?How do visitations between the adoptive family and the child work?How are adoption subsidies handled when adopting a foster child from another state?Which state pays the adoption subsidy? How are health care benefits or Medicaid handled?Resources:AdoptUSKids Understanding Interstate AdoptionThis 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 RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamilySupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review RateThisPodcast.com/creatingafamily