Podcast appearances and mentions of foster youth

On today's episode of the MY House Podcast, we are pleased to be joined by Chris Patterson, the Northwest Regional Administrator and national Foster Youth to Independence initiative lead from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development! Michelle talk with Chris about his time as a foster care involved youth and what the FYI program is doing for at-risk youth around the country!

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams engage with Congressman Greg Landsman, who discusses his advocacy for children and families, particularly those in the foster care system. Landsman shares his journey from local politics to Congress, emphasizing the importance of community support and early childhood education. He introduces his bill aimed at allowing foster care youth to use housing vouchers for on-campus living, highlighting the positive impact of community and belonging on educational success. The conversation explores the complexities of Congress, the importance of bipartisan support, and the need for consistent adult advocates in the lives of foster youth.Learn more about Senator Landsman at house.gov or senate.gov 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.

On this week's episode of The Imprint Weekly Podcast we are joined by Brandon Nichols, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, and Victor Dominguez, CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. They recently partnered to guarantee a YMCA membership to every older youth in foster care, as well as former foster youth up to age 26.We talked about how the partnership came together, what youth can get out of a Y membership, and talked a bit about how the frenetic things in Washington, D.C. are impacting their respective organizations. Brandon Nichols is the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. In addition to his child welfare career, Nichols served as the executive director of the county's Jail Closure Implementation Team.Victor Dominguez is the CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. Appointed to the role in 2022, Dominguez has been an executive with the organization for two decades and helped launch the Cradle to Career initiative as well as the Achieve LA program. Thanks to SpeakWrite for sponsoring this episode!Reading RoomFree YMCA LA Memberships for Youth in Foster Carehttps://dcfs.lacounty.gov/free-ymca-la-memberships-for-youth-in-foster-care/Longtime County Official Tapped to Lead Los Angeles Child Welfare Agencyhttps://imprintnews.org/child-welfare-2/longtime-county-official-tapped-to-lead-los-angeles-child-welfare-agency/65799

A group of former foster youth are calling for children in foster care to have better support and more control over their lives. The Minnesota Promise Report released in early June by the group Foster Advocates draws from the experiences of 120 teens and adults with experience in foster care. It includes common struggles as well as proposed solutions. The state of Minnesota has an office dedicated to investigating concerns from foster youth and proposing policy to make the state program better. The Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson launched in 2024. It's led by Misty Coonce. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about her work.

On this week's episode, Congressman Greg Landsman joins to talk about the Campus Housing Affordability Act, his new bipartisan bill to make dorm life attainable for current and former foster youth. We discuss the college dorm model in his home state that inspired the bill, how the legislation would work, and since he's on the committee that oversees Medicaid spending, we chatted a little at the end of the Big Beautiful Bill and how its cuts to Medicaid might impact families. U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman (D) represents the 1st District of Ohio. Prior to his election, Landsman served as a member of the Cincinnati City Council from 2018 to 2022.Thanks to SpeakWrite for sponsoring this episode! Landsman Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Provide College Housing Assistance to our Most Vulnerable Students Including Foster, Former Foster, and Emancipated Youthhttps://landsman.house.gov/posts/landsman-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-low-income-students-pay-for-college-campus-housingCampus Housing Affordability Acthttps://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/landsman.house.gov/uploads/2024/07/FILE_0295.pdf

Mercedes works full-time as a materials process technician, but during COVID, she realized clocking in wasn't enough—she wanted freedom and purpose. That led her to creative real estate, where she joined SubTo and Top Tier Transaction Coordination. Now she's flipped her first property in New York with 4 community partners—and it's being used to support foster youth. From W2 to impact investor, she's just getting started. ➡️ Get Your First Deal at the No One Left Behind Challenge: https://bit.ly/YourFirstDealGCPod ➡️ Save Your Seat for the Elephant Challenge: https://bit.ly/ElephantChallengeGCPod ➡️ Use Creative Title for Your Creative Deals: https://bit.ly/CreativeTitleGCPod ➡️ Learn more about SubTo: https://subto.sjv.io/RG6EDb ➡️ Become a Top Tier Transaction Coordinator: https://toptiertc.pxf.io/yqmoxW ➡️ Discover the Gator Method: https://gator.sjv.io/Z6qOyX ➡️ Official Merch: https://www.brandedbills.com/pages/bb-x-pace-morby ➡️ Get to the SquadUp Summit Conference: https://www.squadupsummit.com/?utm_source=gcpodcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=podbean ➡️ Learn the MPI Strategy and Protect your Wealth: https://schedule.mpiunlimited.com/pacemorby   PLUG IN & SUBSCRIBE Creative Real Estate Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativefinancewithpacemorby Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacemorby/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PaceMorby TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pacemorby  X: https://x.com/PaceJordanMorby

Charell Star is a former foster youth, lifelong advocate, and brilliant storyteller - she joins me in conversation on this episode to share her story and her debut memoir: Trashbag Tales & Other Stories From An Accidentally Happy Life. Find Charell's book here: https://charellstar.com/ Connect with her on social media here: https://www.instagram.com/charellstar/#instagram

Every child deserves to feel proud of their crown! In the latest episode of the The Service Station podcast, two guests spotlight a progam called Healthy Crownz. They share how Riverside County is empowering foster youth, their caregivers, and social workers through culturally sensitive hair care, mentorship, and support. You can watch and listen to episodes of The Service Station on this YouTube Channel and at www.rivcodpss.org/podcastDon't forget to follow us on social media! We're on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube @RivCoDPSS! Have an idea for an episode? We're all ears! Email us at DPSSInfo@rivco.org.

A new report shows nearly a third of foster youth who aged out of New York City's system last year couldn't secure housing and had to remain in care past age 21. Meanwhile, city officials say long-promised reforms to the private trash hauling industry won't be fully in place until 2027. Plus, wildfire smoke is affecting air quality today, with health officials urging vulnerable groups to limit outdoor activity.

For decades, child welfare systems have been receiving disability and survivor benefits owed to youth in foster care. Often these dollars are not saved for those children, or used for their unique needs.Amy Harfeld, national policy director for the Children's Advocacy Institute, has been among the staunchest advocates working to stop this practice. She joined the podcast to talk about the history of this issue, what states are doing to reform, and why she is optimistic about federal action in the near future.Harfeld has served as the national policy director for the Children's Advocacy Institute since 2010. During this time, she has also spent time leading the National Coalition to End Child Abuse Deaths, the Children's Leadership Council, the American Bar Association's Commission on Youth at Risk, and served as pro-bono government affairs liaison for the National Association of Council for Children.  Reading RoomFoster Care Agencies Take Millions of Dollars Owed to Kids. Most Children Have No Idea.https://www.themarshallproject.org/2021/04/22/foster-care-agencies-take-thousands-of-dollars-owed-to-kids-most-children-have-no-ideaWashington Must Step Up to Protect Foster Youths' Benefitshttps://imprintnews.org/opinion/washington-protect-foster-youth-benefits/67187Minnesota Child Welfare Officials Advise State to Protect Foster Youths' SSI Benefitshttps://imprintnews.org/top-stories/minnesota-child-welfare-report-foster-youth-ssi-benefits/258765California Counties Siphon Social Security Benefits from Some Foster Kidshttps://imprintnews.org/foster-care/california-counties-siphon-social-security-benefits/66688Are Disabled Kids in NYC Foster Care Receiving the Social Security Benefits They Deserve? https://imprintnews.org/top-stories/are-disabled-kids-in-nyc-foster-care-receiving-the-social-security-benefits-they-deserve/248959

On the Wednesday April 9th edition of Georgia Today: State lawmakers renew a tax credit helping children who age out of foster care; The University System of Georgia combines two schools; And a health expert says the federal government's message about vaccines is confusing.

In this episode of Inside Politics, host Ben Hall invites 19 year old Foster Youth Advocate Ella Brinen to talk about a Bill of Rights for children under the foster care system. It's a project she started in high school for a student government project and has evolved into SB2749. A list of duties foster parents must provide for children under their care. Brinen and Hall also discuss Ella's own experience in the foster care system and the reason why she is fighting so hard for her foster sibling's rights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are 19 local programs across Oregon that recruit, train, supervise and support volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for foster children and youth. The programs operate independently with their own budgets and are funded through a mix of state dollars, private donations, philanthropic grants and community fundraising.  This fiscal year, they were also expecting to get a one-time allocation of $1.7 million from the federal government, which was earmarked for community project funding in Oregon. But last month, the Continuing Resolution that Congress passed stripped this funding, which would have been disbursed through the Oregon CASA Network to each of the local programs, based on the number of foster children and youth in the counties they serve.  Jennifer Mylenek, the executive director of CASA of Jackson and Josephine Counties, and Mary Collard, the executive director of CASA of Eastern Oregon, join us to talk about how they’re coping with the impact of the loss of these funds within their rural communities. 

In this special Women's History Month episode of KRA's The Hub podcast, host Jonathan Overall welcomes Yolanda Johnson, Executive Director of CASA of Prince George's County, Maryland. Yolanda shares her inspiring journey from cosmetology to leadership in child advocacy and offers an in-depth look at CASA's mission to support foster youth through volunteer advocacy, transitional programs, and community partnerships. The episode highlights CASA's collaboration with KRA on Project LIFT, a workforce development initiative designed to meet foster youth where they are and guide them toward career readiness and independent living. Tune in for a powerful conversation about collective impact, trauma-informed care, and what it means to truly serve youth with compassion and intention.

In this episode, Tracey and Jeff discussed the concerns and reality of about future CASA funding as there is much uncertainty coming from our federal government about how new policies may impact nonprofits and essential services to children and families in our community. Will our CASA nonprofit (and others throughout the state and country) be able to continue serving children in foster care appropriately in the future? 

An estimated 5% of foster youth qualify for Social Security benefits, but in many states, child welfare agencies use these funds to help cover the cost of care. In 2018 alone, agencies in 49 states and Washington, D.C., received at least $165 million in benefits intended for foster youth.In this episode, Shoshana Weissmann interviews Maureen Flatley, subject matter expert in child welfare and child exploitation. They discuss how these funds are managed, the policies guiding their use, and the ongoing conversations about their impact on foster youth and the child welfare system.

Vishaka Priyan is a junior at Catlin Gabel, a private school in Portland.   She doesn’t have personal experience with foster care. But she came across a group called Project 48 that helps kids in the first 48 hours after they enter the child welfare system. And as she heard stories about the trauma and economic challenges they face in care and after, she wanted to do something that would both support them and help them develop self-sufficiency. That’s why Priyan says she decided to research incentives for businesses to employ youth in the child welfare system or who were aging out of it. The result of her self-assigned project was a bill that is making its way through the Oregon state legislature. Priyan plans to testify for the bill once it gets a hearing. She joins us to share more.

In this heartfelt episode of the ReStoried Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Sikora—a dear friend, former foster youth, adoptee, and adoptive mama—whose life has come full circle.Born addicted to drugs, Sarah faced many challenges growing up in foster care, navigating life with multiple siblings and a longing for stability. Now, as a wife and mother to her own biological children, she has also pursued adoption, and this month, she is officially welcoming two daughters into her family.Sarah shares the emotional complexity of adoption—her joy in growing her family, but also the deep empathy she feels for her daughters' birth mother. She candidly discusses the weight of grief, the bittersweet beauty of adoption, and the importance of acknowledging both the hard and the hopeful.With a powerful message of resilience, Sarah encourages us all: You can break family cycles. No matter where you come from, healing and restoration are possible.Tune in to hear Sarah's inspiring journey and the wisdom she has gained along the way.Episode Highlights: Meet Sarah & her background story You can break family cycles and create a new path.Adoption is both beautiful and bittersweet.Empathy for birth families is essential.Resilience leads to healing and restoration.Full-circle moments bring hope and redemption.Family dynamics in foster care can be complex.Embrace both the hard and the hope.You can make a difference in a child's life.Find More on Hope Bridge:Register for Mobilize Ohio! Visit Our Website Follow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook Foster Our Community Instagram This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

State Representative Ty Mathews discusses his committee assignments in the Ohio House and thoughts on the governor's budget proposal that is now up for debate in the Legislature (at 14:04) --- Crime Prevention Conversations: Neighborhood Block Watch programs are among the most well-established tools for crime prevention... and even after more than 50 years, still among the most effective (at 26:06) --- It may be one of the best ideas ever to help an often overlooked and underserved group of young people... The Dick and Jane McCleary Fund for Homeless and Foster Youth, established through the Community Foundation (at 46:36)

Young people who've been in the foster care system often struggle to get to and through college. Some studies show that programs designed just for supporting these students — with scholarships, counseling and peer support, for example — can make a big difference. In this episode, we bring you the story of one student who dropped out of college, then returned years later with renewed resolve and the support of a program for former foster youth. Guests: Faylen Bush, Student, Rio Hondo College Betty Márquez Rosales, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: For former foster care students, college help exists long after exiting the system The community college creating a home base for transition-age foster students Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource's Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

How President Trump's first executive orders will impact California. Also, the wide ranging impact of wildfires on Latino communities in the state. Finally, AcademySTAY is a new Sacramento space for young adults who have aged out of foster care. Inauguration Through a California Lens

*Please be advised: This episode mentions suicide.*Jacob Holley was removed from his home at age 11. Over the next five and a half years, he moved in and out of 27 foster placements and was exposed to experiences he was too young to understand. Jacob had to grow up quickly, but with the help of a few insightful mentors and professionals, he grew up with resiliency and a strong sense of identity.   Today, Jacob is a certified trauma trainer and a youth advocate using his lived experience to inspire and educate others about the importance of trauma-informed practices, the complexities of the foster care system, and the resilience of those within it. In this episode, Jacob shares his professional journey and his faith journey. He also lets listeners in on some of the most beneficial words a helper can speak: How can I support you in following your dreams? Jacob's story is heartwarming and powerful - a great way to launch Weave & Cleave's 4th podcast season!Email: holleyjacob60@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-holley-70774024a/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacob.holley.9216

In Episode 82, Dr. Steve Rios invites us into the vibrant world of The Oly and Opi Series and shares how children's literature can inspire deeper conversations with kids. The Oly and Opi Series is a collection of children's books that celebrate representation and encourage critical thinking. These books are designed to adapt to young readers' development—whether it's through interactive storytelling or sparking thought-provoking discussions as they grow. Dr. Steve J. Rios is nationally known for his work promoting academic success for children and youth in foster care and those experiencing housing insecurity. He began to write children's books to help young people understand they can succeed in life, no matter what challenges they face. Steve believes storytelling is a powerful tool for connection, providing moments for families to bond while exploring important themes like parental absence and identity. Through his writing, he reminds us that kids are capable of understanding far more than we often give them credit for. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply someone who loves children's literature, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace meaningful conversations with the young ones in your life. RESOURCES FROM THE INTERVIEW 1. Website: DeepSeaMedia.org 2. Free Book Samples: DeepSeaMedia.org/books 3. Instagram: @Olyandopi 4. Book Links: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Steve-J.-Rios-Ed.D./author/B09MF92QFT?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Over 100 luxury suitcases donated to foster youth in Fresno    Please Subscribe + Rate & Review KMJ's Afternoon Drive with Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson wherever you listen!  ---     KMJ's Afternoon Drive with Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever else you listen.  ---   Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson – KMJ's Afternoon Drive  Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 & 105.9 KMJ  DriveKMJ.com | Podcast | Facebook | X | Instagram  ---   Everything KMJ: kmjnow.com | Streaming | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 100 luxury suitcases donated to foster youth in Fresno    Please Subscribe + Rate & Review KMJ's Afternoon Drive with Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson wherever you listen!  ---     KMJ's Afternoon Drive with Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever else you listen.  ---   Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson – KMJ's Afternoon Drive  Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 & 105.9 KMJ  DriveKMJ.com | Podcast | Facebook | X | Instagram  ---   Everything KMJ: kmjnow.com | Streaming | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Thanksgiving week, friends! Join The Art of Kindness podcast live from You Gotta Believe's 10th Anniversary Fundraiser in NYC for older foster kids. Host Robert Peterpaul chats with: Emmy-nominee Rosie Perez, Sherri Saum (The Fosters, Locke & Key), Charlene Tilton (Dallas), Kate Reinders (High School Musical the Musical: The Series, Wicked), Tony Award-winner J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot), meteorologist Janice Huff (NBC 4 New York), Jenna Leigh Green (Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Wicked), Ta'Nika Gibson (Ragtime), Anika Larsen (Almost Famous, Beautiful), and hosts Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson. You Gotta Believe (YGB) exists for one reason... to work toward the day when no young person leaves foster care without the unconditional lifetime commitment of a family. Our goal is to find youth permanent families so that they have the support system they need to live safely and to their highest potential. You Gotta Believe is a national organization based in New York City that focuses exclusively on finding permanent families for older youth in foster care. Since 1995, YGB has worked tirelessly to ensure that no child ages out of the foster care system without the support, love, and stability of a family. Today, nearly 400,000 children are in foster care in the U.S., with around 20,000 aging out annually. Without the stability of a family, these young people face higher risks of homelessness, unemployment, and other hardships. YGB is committed to changing that reality. Since 1995, YGB has trained thousands of parents, licensed over 750 families, and facilitated nearly 400 adoptions of older youth, offering lifelong support to ensure family permanence. For more: yougottabelieve.org Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special Guest Host, Dr. Mark Milliron, the President and CEO of National University, steps in for a vacationing Drew Schlosberg and engages in a robust conversation with the CEO of Promises2Kids, Tonya Torosian.  We even learn of Dr. Milliron's deeply personal connection to foster youth.  About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media"Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 18 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local. For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us.Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  

I have a special place in my heart for students and youth that struggle, especially in the education system.My guest, Loni Lebanoff, helps foster youth, special needs students and adults excel through innovating life skills and critical thinking programs.Loni is the CEO of CogniTutor, a transformative company recognized for revolutionizing education across 21 states.Their methods achieve remarkable success with a 90% improvement rate in even the most challenging cases.Loni is passionate about helping each person realize that anything is possible for them, and through her system, she gets to the root of their problems, helps them develop their confidence and excel in their personal life and in their academics. Recently, her dynamic leadership earned CogniTutor the "Most Investable" title on the business reality show "The Blox". CONNECT WITH LONIhttps://www.cognitutor.com/https://www.instagram.com/cognitutor_/https://www.facebook.com/CogniTutorhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/cognitutor-llc CONNECT WITH DEBIDo you feel stuck?  Do you sense it's time for a change but unsure where to start or how to move forward?  Schedule a clarity call!Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/debironca/free-clarity-callWebsite – https://www.debironca.comInstagram - @debironcaEmail – info@debironca.comCheck out my online course!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Your Story's Changing, finding Purpose in Life's Transitionshttps://course.sequoiatransitioncoaching.com/8-week-programThe Family Letter by Debi Ronca – International Best Seller

Diana Macis, Protective Services Program Manager for the County of San Diego Child and Family Well-Being Department, talks about supporting youth in care by becoming a foster parent, mentor of Court Appointed Advocate. Macis is joined by Yvette Romero, a former foster youth, who discusses her experiences in working with Denise and her colleagues. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media"Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 18 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the power of local.  For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us.

Because of the Family First Prevention Services Act passed in 2017, residential care facilities, or “group homes,” for foster youth have lost significant funding—leading to the closure of many residential treatment options. Many advocates of the policy believe that placement with families are always the best option for kids. But what about the numerous foster youth who report immense benefits from their time in residential care? This week, Naomi and Ian are joined by Bruce Henderson, a former professor of psychology at Western Carolina University for over 40 years. Drawing on his background in child psychology, Bruce conducted a comprehensive review of the research on residential care facilities to understand how time spent in these homes affects foster youth. This research led to the publishing of his recent book, Challenging the Conventional Wisdom about Residential Care for Children and Youth. In this episode, Bruce explains the findings of his research and why he believes residential care must continue to be supported as an option for foster youth. Lastly, he shares a way to support The Black Mountain Home for Children and Families, a very impactful residential care home for foster youth in Black Mountain, North Carolina, that has suffered significant damage from Hurricane Helene. We encourage our listeners to give as they are able. Resources• Challenging the Conventional Wisdom about Residential Care for Children and Youth | Bruce B. Henderson• A Critical Dialogue on Residential Care for Children and Youth: What We Really Know and Questions of Quality | Bruce B. Henderson and James P. Anglin• Why Foster Children Are Sleeping in Offices and What We Can Do About It | Naomi Schaefer Riley et al. Show Notes• 00:54 | What motivated your interest in this research topic?• 02:32 | What is the Family First Prevention Services Act?• 05:44 | Why does residential care carry so much stigma today?• 07:09 | What were your findings when you looked at residential care facilities in other countries?• 09:06 | Is there a version of Family First that you would have supported?• 10:51 | What are the circumstances that make it possible for residential care to have a positive impact on a child's life?• 13:17 | Do attitudes around race play a role in the policy conversation around residential care?• 13:51 | How do you make appropriate comparisons when you look at this research and what studies have you found helpful when evaluating the effects of residential care on foster youth?• 17:14 | Does research show if the type of organization plays a role in the success of the residential home (i.e., faith-based, etc.)?• 18:21 | Do you envision a situation where we start to rethink whether we can really do without residential care? Can we go back?• 21:06 | Where does the financing come from for these facilities and programs?• 24:10 | How to Help The Black Mountain Home for Children and Families

Dr. Angie Proctor joins us to talk about her recent work with youth and young adults transitioning out of foster care. Links from this episode: Boys and Girls Country of Houston Boles Children's Home Scott Watters Angie's Book: When Self-Care is a Dirty Word

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the meaning of holiday traditions and how they create lasting memories with family. However, for some, like teens and alumni of the foster care system, the holidays can be a difficult reminder of lost connections. That's why events like Thanksgiving Together are so important.We're shining a light on ACTION Ohio's annual Thanksgiving dinners for foster teens and alumni. Since 2007, these early Thanksgiving celebrations have offered a place for those with foster care experience to feel the warmth of family and community.This year, Hope Bridge is hosting Thanksgiving Together in Northeast Ohio on November 16th from 1-3 PM at North Canton Chapel, and we couldn't be more excited! Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, including a photo booth, raffles, party favors, and a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Tune in to learn more about this special event and how we're bringing together those who need it most this holiday season.Episode Highlights: What is Thanksgiving Together?How to Support Thanksgiving Together Volunteer opportunitiesLinks From This Episode:Thanksgiving Together Details/RSVP for Thanksgiving Together Amazon Wish List for Thanksgiving Together Give Butter Link for Donation Sponsorship Flyer Volunteer at Thanksgiving Together Find More on Hope Bridge:Visit Our Website Follow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook Foster Our Community Instagram This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.Sign up for the 5k Here!

The lives of foster children can be hard, but adults can help. Julie Cederbaum, associate professor in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, explores how to make a difference. Julie Cederbaum is an associate professor in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Her work focuses on the impact […]

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. In one of our most inspiring episodes yet, Elvira Laguna opens up about her journey from surviving a traumatic childhood in the foster system to becoming a fearless advocate for change. Her unwavering resilience and passion for helping others have turned her into a force for good, proving that no one's past defines their future. Elvira's optimism is contagious, and her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, we can all rise above even the toughest circumstances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode we recap a hodgepodge of headlines from late summer, starting with the effort to reauthorize a major federal child welfare program called Title IV-B. Among the other stories we discussed: California's novel new approach to fund enrichment activities for foster  youth, and the state's looming insurance cliff for nonprofits; New York could become the first state to track adoption subsidies; and shocking data on youth transferred into adult court in Florida. Reading RoomHouse Ways and Means Introduces IV-B Reauthorization Packagehttps://bit.ly/3MCqllpFeds Clarify Rules on Family First Act, Background Checks, Tribal Child Welfarehttps://bit.ly/4ehf464Maine Hasn't Yet Inspected Out-of-State Youth Mental Health Programs After Reports of Rampant Abusehttps://bit.ly/3ZjJ1hsEyed By the Nation, California Plan Will Nearly Triple State Spending on Foster Youth and Their Caregivershttps://bit.ly/3TktkmcThe Insurance Cliff Coming for California Foster Carehttps://bit.ly/4cZikStWhen Adoptions ‘Break': New York Legislation Aims to Ensure Adoption Subsidies Follow the Childhttps://bit.ly/4cYxzLiNew York Family Courts Must Weigh in on Residential Care for Foster Youth, Appeals Court Ruleshttps://bit.ly/4d0uSc4Florida Teens Get Longer Prison Sentences Than Adultshttps://bit.ly/4cXe8T9After Juvenile Justice Reforms, Two States Return to Prosecuting More Teens as Adultshttps://bit.ly/3AUfpwZA Second Chance Offered to Minnesota Moms Who've Previously Lost Kids to CPShttps://bit.ly/4ezyJyjHarris' VP Pick Has Kept Vulnerable Children and Families Front and Center Like Few Other Governorshttps://bit.ly/4gfig3N California Lawmakers Approve Stricter Protections for Youth in Residential Programshttps://shorturl.at/qt1a7‘Incorrigible' No More: In Rare Memorial Service, Graveside Tribute Paid to New York's Formerly Incarcerated Girlshttps://shorturl.at/6ipSk

Aug. 16, 2024 | EVs outpace broader market; training foster youth to be service techs by Automotive News

During the month of August, The Imprint Weekly Podcast is re-running some of our most intriguing guest interviews from the early years of the show for listeners who might not have heard them the first time around.This week we feature two different interviews about the same issue: how to ensure that foster youth succeed once they get to college. In 2022, we talked to Amy Dworsky of Chapin Hall and Judy Havlicek of the University of Illinois about dismal research around community college completion among youth who aged out of foster care. Community college student and former foster youth Matt Schaad joined us to talk about his own path towards a degree.We also included our 2020 interview with Christopher Scott and Lino Peña-Martinez of Connecticut's Sun Scholars, a program that supports current and former foster youth on college campuses around the state.

Fire fighters often face 16 hours work days during the peak fire season, but relief is unlikely to come soon. Lucy Jaffee reports on thousands of foster youth in LA County who will soon receive financial help as they age out of the system. And previewing the latest Michelin award winners in Los Angeles and Orange County. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com.Support the show: https://laist.com

Tina gives her testimony of being in the foster care system then being adopted. She is able to discuss what she had to go through during her time in foster care and her experience of recovering from the effects of being in foster care after being adopted. Tina elaborates on the issues of reciprocal adoption of siblings and the role she played as a mother figure in her brother's life. She also talks about what led her to return to foster care as an adult and speak for those children who are waiting to be adopted. To the prospective and current foster parents, Tina offers them some tips to go by among them being to always avoid burning out. The last part of the conversation is a success story of three brothers brought together and adopted as a set. Seventy-five percent of siblings in foster care are separated, which severely affects children's well-being and creates trauma. The main cause for the separation is the inability of foster homes to accommodate all the siblings. However, one should take into account additional and avoidable harms inflicted by splitting siblings. Children who remain with their siblings are better off in their transition and benefit from better academic, behavioral, and health status. However, there are occasions when it is better for the siblings to be separated and this is where communication in the form of visits, phone calls and writing letters is important. Foster parents should also be in a position to request for chances of the separated siblings to be connected. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast. To sign up for our 2024 FosterCon Webinar Series, go to AmericasKidsBelong.org/lp/Fostercon-WebinarsIf you would like to learn more about becoming a Foster Friendly Business or sponsoring the show, please visit AmericasKidsBelong.org/Foster-Friendly-Business

Katie speaks with Ruth White, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, about her career in improving public policy and expanding housing resources for families and youth in child welfare. Ruth discusses her work with the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare, explaining the importance of the Family Unification Program in providing housing vouchers for at-risk families. She delves into the Foster Youth to Independence initiative, which she helped develop to provide on-demand housing vouchers for youth aging out of foster care. Ruth addresses common misconceptions about child welfare funding and housing authority cooperation, offering practical advice for listeners interested in advocating for foster youth. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of leveraging existing structures and programs to support young people transitioning out of foster care, highlighting the multifaceted approach needed for their successful independence.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses topics of rape and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised. This week joining us is birth mother and foster care advocate Amy Bernardino. Through struggling to find her voice as a teenager, she has dedicated her life to fighting the stigmas on foster youth, adoption and the LGTBQ community. Join us as we hear how the life changing moments in Amy's life led her to being an adoption advocate and pioneer in the non profit sector.  0:00 Introduction to The Future Is Foster Podcast 01:06 Meet Amy Bernardino: Foster Youth Advocate 02:05 Amy's Childhood and Family Dynamics 03:41 The Journey of Adoption and Foster Care 06:21 Facing Trauma and Finding Strength 13:34 Open Adoption: A Lifelong Connection 18:37 A Second Chance at Motherhood 23:43 Advocating for Foster Youth and LGBTQ Community 30:37 Conclusion and Call to Action Join The Future Is Foster Community: https://www.thefutureisfoster.com/ Let's Talk: info@thefutureisfoster.com National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673)  Planned Parenthood: 800.230.7526 Learn More About RaiseAChild: https://www.raiseachild.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Ben Carson welcomes Lynn A. Johnson, former Assistant Secretary of HHS, to discuss her extensive work with foster children, including her current initiative, All In - Fostering Futures. They explore the challenges faced by youth aging-out of the foster care system, the impact of the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program implemented by Secretary Carson at HUD, and the complexities of gender-affirming policies in foster care under the Biden administration. With firsthand stories and insights, this episode sheds light on the crucial support needed for vulnerable foster children and the role of faith and community in changing lives. Tune in for poignant discussions on fostering, policy, and societal impacts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CARLINA SHOTWELL, a speaker, advocate, and author from North Carolina, will join us to discuss her journey through foster care, and what she is doing to help others who are now on the same path. We will also discuss her release, "Journey: A Tale of a Foster Youth's Journey Home." FROM HER WEBSITE: "Hailing from Greenville, NC, Carlina's unwavering hope for a brighter future guided her through the complexities of the foster care system. She not only became the first in her biological family to receive a high school diploma but also earned two Associates degrees from Pitt Community College and a bachelor's degree from North Carolina Central University with Cum Laude status. As she navigated adulthood within the foster care system, Carlina recognized the crucial need for life skills. Motivated by a lack of knowledge about life decisions, healthy relationships, and financial management, she took charge of her education to make better choices. At the heart of Carlina's entrepreneurial journey are her core values of honesty, transparency, and a relentless drive to educate, motivate, inspire, and mentor others. These qualities, along with her commitment to empowering individuals with life skills, have made her a transformative figure in the community. Discover the impact of Carlina's empowering talks by exploring her captivating message. Bringing her unique perspective and expertise to your event promises an unforgettable experience. Carlina Shotwell is more than a speaker; she is a catalyst for positive change, ready to inspire your audience with her story of triumph and commitment to empowering others. Are you ready to bring Carlina's empowering presence to your event? Contact us to discuss how she can tailor her insights to meet the specific goals of your audience. Let's embark on a journey of inspiration, resilience, and empowerment together!" www.carlinashotwell.com

CARLINA SHOTWELL, a speaker, advocate, and author from North Carolina, will join us to discuss her journey through foster care, and what she is doing to help others who are now on the same path. We will also discuss her release, "Journey: A Tale of a Foster Youth's Journey Home." FROM HER WEBSITE: "Hailing from Greenville, NC, Carlina's unwavering hope for a brighter future guided her through the complexities of the foster care system. She not only became the first in her biological family to receive a high school diploma but also earned two Associates degrees from Pitt Community College and a bachelor's degree from North Carolina Central University with Cum Laude status. As she navigated adulthood within the foster care system, Carlina recognized the crucial need for life skills. Motivated by a lack of knowledge about life decisions, healthy relationships, and financial management, she took charge of her education to make better choices. At the heart of Carlina's entrepreneurial journey are her core values of honesty, transparency, and a relentless drive to educate, motivate, inspire, and mentor others. These qualities, along with her commitment to empowering individuals with life skills, have made her a transformative figure in the community. Discover the impact of Carlina's empowering talks by exploring her captivating message. Bringing her unique perspective and expertise to your event promises an unforgettable experience. Carlina Shotwell is more than a speaker; she is a catalyst for positive change, ready to inspire your audience with her story of triumph and commitment to empowering others. Are you ready to bring Carlina's empowering presence to your event? Contact us to discuss how she can tailor her insights to meet the specific goals of your audience. Let's embark on a journey of inspiration, resilience, and empowerment together!" www.carlinashotwell.com

On Episode 374 of The No Limits Selling Podcast, we welcome Jody Hudson, with over 17 years of nonprofit leadership experience and 12 years of retail management, Jody embodies both a kind heart and a keen vision for empowering individuals and creating results for organizations. After losing her twenty-two-year-old daughter to Lyme disease in March of 2018, Jody turned her pain into purpose and built a nationwide preventive curriculum to educate on the severity of tick-borne illnesses which led to her collaboration with Girl Scouts. She formed the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation to create awareness and provide assistance to Lyme disease patients and their families. In the fall of 2018, Jody was honored with the Marjaree Mason Center Top Ten Professional Women Award for her work with Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation and Catholic Charities. In 2020, she was named KSEE 24's Remarkable Woman of the Year.  The conversation centered around effective fundraising strategies for nonprofits. Jody Hudson emphasized the importance of relationship building, connecting with potential donors, and showcasing the impact of donor dollars. Umar shared his experience working with a successful woman who wooed high net worth individuals for a worthy cause, while Jody Hudson highlighted the significance of personal connections and donor stewardship. Jody Hudson also discussed her personal experience as a foster youth and how it fuels their passion to support and advocate for foster youth, while Umar inquired about identifying evangelists among donors. Find Jody Hudson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-hudson-20a7963a/ [EDITOR'S NOTE: This podcast is sponsored by No Limits Selling. It is a fun, fast-paced podcast that delivers hard-fought business advice that you can implement today to improve your sales and performance] Interested In Our Real Estate Coaching Services? Explore Our Website: https://nolimitsselling.com/ Feeling Not Well Today? You Can Use Our Mindset Boosters App To amp Up Your Mood: https://mindsetboosters.com/ Find us on Social Media:   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/umarhameed Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindsetboosters/ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/coachumar.co Like what do you listen to? Subscribe to our podcast! Ready to become fearless? We can help you become fearless in 60 days so you accomplish more in your career Schedule A 15 min Call with Umar: https://link.agent-crm.com/widget/appointment/meetumar  

In this episode of the Kern County Real Estate Review, Laurie McCarty sits down with Bryanna Wood, a Prevention Specialist at the Kern County Network for Children, to shed light on The Dream Center—a local non-profit dedicated to supporting Kern County's foster youth. We explore the vital services The Dream Center provides, the challenges foster youth face, and how this organization makes a difference in their lives. Join us as Bryanna shares insights into their mission and how the community can contribute to foster youth's journey toward independence.

Louisiana's death penalty law got a big rewrite earlier this year as part of the state's special session. Gov. Jeff Landry signed a bill that adds electrocution and nitrogen hypoxia to the list of state-approved methods for carrying out capital punishment. Now, the latter method is getting some pushback late in the legislative session. Some Democratic and Republican lawmakers are hoping to remove the use of nitrogen gas as an execution method. Notable supporters include some prominent leaders in Louisiana's Jewish community. Sara Lewis is chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, and she is on the steering committee for Jews Against Gassing. She joined the show to discuss her group's efforts. Alternative funding plans, or AFPs, are a growing tool used by health insurance coverage providers nationwide. The plans have been causing some consternation for policyholders who thought they were covered by their health insurance, but discovered they weren't for certain chronic health conditions. Ashley Castello is executive director of the Louisiana Hemophilia Foundation, and she joined the show to share more about AFPs and how they can impact you. A national nonprofit has filed a lawsuit against the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services on behalf of 4,000 foster children in the state. It claims the state's child welfare system is failing its most vulnerable children. Alleged failures include too few social workers and placements for children. To tell us more about the situation, including what the lawsuit claims and how DCFS is responding we heard from Andrea Gallo, a reporter with The Advocate/Times Picayune who has been covering the story. Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber; our contributing producers are Matt Bloom and Adam Vos; we receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at 12:00 and 7:00 pm. It's available on Spotify, Google Play, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to. Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

California's foster care system is in desperate need of an upgrade. The list of problems is long…and the outcomes for foster youth have been poor in far too many cases. May is Foster Care Awareness Month so we sat down with Assemblymember Dr. Cory Jackson, a leading voice in the effort to improve the child welfare system, to talk about what needs to be done to fix the problems facing California's foster care children.

In February, Carolyn Travis of California Youth Connection wrote an op-ed for The Imprint calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to keep his commitment to fair market support for youth who receive subsidized independent living placement (SILP) funds in extended foster care. Travis joined us on the podcast to talk about her own experience transitioning into extended foster care and then into adulthood, and how important her ability to save some money through SILP was as she entered the workforce during COVID-19. Carolyn Travis is the community advocacy coordinator for California Youth Connection, one of the nation's oldest advocacy groups led for and by current and former foster youth. Travis is a graduate of the University of California Los Angeles.Reading RoomGovernors on Both Coasts Face Budget Shortfalls for Serving Children and Families Next Yearhttps://rb.gy/wapi7xCarolyn Travis: California Governor's Budget Breaks His Promise to Older Foster Youthhttps://rb.gy/mp78ym2023 Implementation Fact Sheet: Higher Monthly Payments for Foster Youth in SILPs Based on Local Housing Costshttps://jbay.org/resources/2023-fact-sheet-silp/

My guest today is Tina Bauer, a mama, former foster youth, adoptee, and foster and adoptive parent consultant. Tina generously shares her perspective with us and gives many helpful tips for foster and adoptive mamas, especially those wondering if they are "doing it right." Follow Tina on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tinaa_bauerr/ Find her consulting services here: https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.experiencecareconsulting.com%2F&e=AT0rO6PAq1xG8n4qqS8gUkAed0heIxf39CA2l3k6MRtgi4Pr_UBsafOourdTjgpah9pq2wd0Qa43yR-nzRSCWcYeujzsNgVRLl96WSM3TsRVXr-1an5HBw