Podcasts about Foster care

Delegate David McCormick, R, Monongalia, 82 on the Vape Safety Act and the possibility of an additional cut to the personal income taxDirector of Foster Care at the Chestnut Mountain Ranch, Greg Clutter on Foster Care day at the legislature and the introduction of CarePortal in Marion County. Deputy Director of Athletics at WVU on Premium seating at the Coliseum for the 2026-27 season Ed McDonald with information about the Gardner Winter Music Festival at the South Middle School in Morgantown this weekend

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Is the idea of attachment parenting new to you and your family? Or could you use a refresher on what secure attachment is and why it matters? Listen to this conversation with Samantha Farris, LMSW, from the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development. She's helping us understand the basics of building secure attachment between parent and child to strengthen our families.In this episode, we talk about:How would you describe attachment in the simplest, most hopeful way for a caregiver who's new to the idea of parent/child attachment? Or who may feel overwhelmed by what they've heard and are unsure where to start or start over?Can you walk us through an overview of the attachment cycle and how it typically develops in infancy and early childhood?What are some everyday signs caregivers would see that indicate a secure attachment is developing? (even if it's not “perfect”)Why does attachment matter so much — not just in childhood, but across a person's lifespan?What happens in the brain or nervous system when a child feels securely connected versus chronically disconnected?How does adding the practice of being “trauma-informed” change a parent or caregiver's approach to forging that connection with their adopted or foster child?What are the types of experiences or stressors that kids in our (adoptive, foster, relative caregiving) community may interrupt the natural flow of attachment development?What are the different attachment profiles or styles, in addition to secure attachment?What are three common signs that a child might be struggling with attachment?How might attachment challenges show up differently in toddlers vs school-age children vs. teens?When a child comes with a history of instability, what helps establish a sense of safety and a foundation of trust? What are three things newly adoptive or foster parents can do to nurture attachment in the early days of meeting or welcoming a child home?When a child needs professional help for attachment challenges, what kinds of therapy or supports have you seen be most healing?If a parent feels disconnected, what are two things they can do starting today to begin building attachment?What is one piece of advice you'd give to a brand-new parent or caregiver who has never had to think intentionally about forming attachment before listening to this?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

Top headlines for Wednesday, February 25, 2026In this episode, former HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson headlines the Dallas Conference on Science & Faith, exploring how modern discoveries align with biblical truth and the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. In Vermont, a major policy shift now protects foster parents' religious and moral beliefs, ending requirements to affirm LGBT identities in the licensing process. And Pastor Allen Jackson fires back at CNN's The Rise of Christian Nationalism, calling the documentary misleading and defending the growing movement of Americans returning to their faith.00:11 Ann Coulter says 'welcoming the stranger' not about immigrants00:59 X challenges $140M fine under Europe's free speech censorship law01:53 Trump adviser Ben Carson to headline Dallas conference on faith02:41 Vermont stops forcing foster parents to adhere to LGBT ideology03:30 Calif. bill aims to stiffen penalties for church disruptions04:18 Pastor Allen Jackson responds to CNN doc ‘Christian nationalism'05:08 Auto industry leader seeks to help Gen Z Christians share faithSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on XChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsAnn Coulter says 'welcoming the stranger' not about immigrants | U.S.X challenges $140M fine under Europe's free speech censorship law | BusinessTrump adviser Ben Carson to headline Dallas conference on faith | U.S.Vermont stops forcing foster parents to adhere to LGBT ideology | PoliticsCalif. bill aims to stiffen penalties for church disruptions | PoliticsPastor Allen Jackson responds to CNN doc ‘Christian nationalism' | PoliticsAuto industry leader seeks to help Gen Z Christians share faith | Living

Monroe Martin has had quite the journey - from growing up in the foster care system, to finding comedy, to newfound fatherhood - how does he do it all and stay sane? Find out in this week's episode of Mad House, as Maddy takes a deep dive into Monroe's psyche! Monroe reveals why he thinks happiness is overrated, what makes him a good husband/dad, how he went from wanting to work at T-Mobile to pursing a life in the arts, and more! Follow Maddy:https://www.instagram.com/somaddysmith/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@somaddysmith?lang=enFollow Monroe:https://www.instagram.com/monroemartiniii/?hl=enAll tour dates: https://punchup.live/maddysmith/ticketsWant more ad-free and uncensored Mad House?!Go to https://gasdigital.com/ to subscribe!Use promo code MAD to save big on your membership :)Get early access to our weekly episodes on Tuesdays, along with EXCLUSIVE episodes on Thursdays.UPCOMING STAND UP DATES:2/27-2/28 BURLINGTON, VT3/12 NEW YORK, NY3/13-3/14 SAN DIEGO, CA3/27-3/28 NEW ORLEANS, LASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is America finally ready to fix the broken foster care system? In this powerful episode, Lee Marshall—CEO & Founder of Kids to Love—shares how Alabama is leading the way in privatized foster care reform. As new federal legislation shines a spotlight on foster care, Marshall explains how her organization has created a model that moves children to permanency faster, protects families, and prioritizes trauma healing.   Marshall's work through Kids to Love is setting a new national standard—one focused on permanency, accountability, and real healing. If you care about adoption, foster care reform, faith-based leadership, or protecting the next generation, this is a must-watch conversation.   Learn more: Kids to Love → https://kidstolove.org Hope for Trauma → https://hopefortrauma.org

Is America finally ready to fix the broken foster care system? In this powerful episode, Lee Marshall—CEO & Founder of Kids to Love—shares how Alabama is leading the way in privatized foster care reform. As new federal legislation shines a spotlight on foster care, Marshall explains how her organization has created a model that moves children to permanency faster, protects families, and prioritizes trauma healing. Marshall's work through Kids to Love is setting a new national standard—one focused on permanency, accountability, and real healing. If you care about adoption, foster care reform, faith-based leadership, or protecting the next generation, this is a must-watch conversation. Learn more: Kids to Love → https://kidstolove.org Hope for Trauma → https://hopefortrauma.org

Coffee is a connector. I think we all have seen this in our personal lives, our social lives, and in the community we help facilitate through our shops. In the fast paced often stessful world of cafes and the vocation of coffee, we need to take some time, and leave some room for appreciating the real impact a simple cup can have on people.  On today's episode we will be talking all about the ways coffee does this and how we can use coffee to advance understanding, exploration, and connection with the Director of Room for Cream, Grant Garry! Grant Garry is an award winning filmmaker, actor, singer, and Certified Grief Educator. He is the director of the documentary Meet Me Where I Am -  Grant has played The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz at Opera San Luis Obispo as Disney's Beauty and the Beast, NCIS: Los Angeles, Legally Blonde: The Musical, Black Cat, Night of the Living Deb, Sweeney Todd, and Cinderella.   He hosts the podcast Where I Am on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. A long-form discussion based show about love, loss, and finding meaning as we move forward.     His recent release and project is called "Room for Cream", a series dedicated to the exploration of coffee, coffee culture, and the ways coffee facilitates connection. Related episodes:  165 : The Art of Deep Listening w/ Oscar Trimboli 415: The Best Lessons On How to Listen w/ Listening Expert, Oscar Trimboli 230 : Making room for Community in your Shop Founder Friday! Youth, Foster Care, and Human Connections Through Coffee | w/ Miah Sommer of Astute Coffee in Omaha, NE 334 : How to Approach Deescalation w/ Melissa Tucker of Mind Over Matters and Pathways to Peace   KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS! Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   

Send me a DM here (it doesn't let me respond), OR email me: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.com**This is a replay from Season 4 featuring Epstein survivor, Jennifer Guskin: Today I'm honored to introduce to you all: Human trafficking, mind control and satanic ritual abuse survivor and whistleblower, wife, mother, writer, and a young woman on a mission to blind the darkness with her light, Jennifer Guskin.I met Jennifer on Twitter where she has quietly been whistleblowing pieces of her story and connecting with other survivors and whistleblowers. Recently, she corroborated a new piece of her story in the comment section of a tweet made by journalist, James O'Keefe, that whistleblew a horrendous story about a current sitting member of Congress that you would all know by name who she saw being forced to partake in blackmail operations involving the rape of a child that blew up and went viral - and ever since, she has been opening up more and more about her life and experiences so that we may learn the hard truths about our world alongside her. This is one of Jennifer's first times sharing her testimony and I couldn't be more honored and grateful to get to share her incredible story with all of you.As a child, Jennifer was adopted as an infant into a family who subsequently sold her to various individuals and entities throughout her childhood. Although her memory comes in pieces, what she has remembered so far is enough to leave anyone's jaw on the floor. After going public for the first time in 2017 to whistleblow her experiences, Jennifer's life took a harrowing turn as CPS stepped in and took her perfectly healthy child out of her perfectly loving home and placed her into Foster Care where she was held hostage by the state of Maryland for 5 yeas. One only has to put two and two together to realize that this was an intentional retaliation effort to silence Jennifer into staying quiet about what she had been publicly sharing - more importantly - WHO she had been sharing about. Having been put into government-sponsored MK ULTRA-type child slavery programs, a few of Jennifer's memories we will be discussing today include being taken to Epstein Island and multiple Lolita Express type flights, being boated off to islands off Long Island to experimented on, as well as being placed in ‘gifted and talented' programs as a child. And this is just the tip of the iceberg…I have a deep admiration for Jennifer who, against all odds, continues to fight for her life, for her daughter and family, and for every child by exposing the networks, agencies and those who are involved with running and partaking in these child-trafficking blackmail operations that are in front of our face and yet remain invisible to most of society. The one thing Jennifer's abusers didn't anticipate was that her strength of spirit was stronger than any coercion and brainwashing they tried to impose on her. They thought she'd remain a victim and didn't realize they were actually raising a warrior who would one day be a part of the movement to tear down the exact systems that they had spent so much time and energy grooming her to pass on to the next generation. They didn't realize that in the process of trying to break Jennifer that the only thing that would break would be the cycle of generational trauma. CONNECT WITH JENNIFER:Twitter / X: https://x.com/CTSurvivor17Substack: https://jenniferguskin.substack.com/Truth Social: Jennifer GuskinCONNECT WITH EMMA:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationpodcastofficialRumble: Support the show

Issues with CPS and the state foster care system are persistent. The West Virginia Legislature faces questions on how to correct the problems that arise every year. We spoke with Dels. Jonathan Pinson, R-Mason, and Hollis Lewis, D-Kanawha, on last week's The Legislature Today to get their take on the issue. The post Lawmakers Weigh In On Foster Care Needs, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

    Slam The Gavel welcomes back Andrea Brewer to the podcast. Today she discussed how the states are handling a person's gender on their birth certificate from the date of birth. Andrea went over some of the states that have administrative processes and the statistics of some of the states where there is no court order required, and how many states allow for a change of gender just on a simple affidavit. The VS42 form was discussed as well as it appears anyone can put information on this document for gender.    Also was discussed Debbie Carroll's contribution to the book Raised By These Wolves, Family and Juvenile Courts Continue to Destroy Future Generations, which involved the Memorandum of Procedure.To Reach Andrea Brewer:  oceandesignzart@gmail.comSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)Maryann Petri: dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comhttps://www.tiktok.com/@maryannpetriFacebook:  https://youtube.com/@slamthegavelpodcast?si=INW9XaTyprKsaDklhttps://substack.com/@maryannpetri?r=kd7n6&utm_medium=iosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/guitarpeace/Pinterest: Slam The Gavel Podcast/@guitarpeaceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-petri-62a46b1ab/  Twitter https://x.com/PetriMaryannEzlegalsuit.com   https://ko-fi.com/maryannpetrihttps://www.zazzle.com/store/slam_the_gavel/aboout*DISCLAIMER* The use of this information is at the viewer/user's own risk. Content on this podcast does not constitute legal, financial, medical or any other professional advice. Viewer/user/guest should consult with the relevant professionals. IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Reproduction, distribution, performing, publicly displaying and making a derivative of the work is explicitly prohibited without permission from content creator. The content creator maintains the exclusive copyright and any unauthorized copyright usage is strictly prohibited.  Podcast is protected by owner from duplication, reproduction, distribution, making a derivative of the work or by owner displaying the podcast. Owner shall be held harmless and indemnified from any and all legal liability.Support the showSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/

Have you ever felt an inner pull to do something more meaningful—but didn't know where to start?On this episode of Smart Women Talk, we're joined by Alexis Ramsey, CEO of We Care Foster Care, for a powerful conversation about purpose, service, and choosing impact over comfort.Alexis shares how her global career in education led her back home—and into nonprofit leadership—where she's working to break the foster care–to–prison cycle and change lives through education, housing, and workforce development.If you're in midlife and feeling the nudge to step into something bigger, this episode will meet you right where you are.You'll hear:How a lifelong commitment to education led Alexis to foster care advocacyWhy midlife is often the moment purpose gets louderThe hard truths about nonprofit leadership (yes, it's still a business)What it takes to break the foster care–to–prison pipelineWhy fear isn't a stop sign—it's part of the pathIf you've ever wanted your money to reflect what matters most to you, this episode is a must-listen.Alexis Ramsey is the CEO and Executive Director of We Care Foster Care, where she leads efforts to support youth in foster care through education, stability, and long-term opportunity.An educator for more than 25 years, Alexis began her career in Detroit Public Schools before spending two decades teaching internationally in Malawi, Africa; Beijing, China; and Hanoi, Vietnam. Her work abroad included roles with USAID, the United Nations International School, and multiple international schools, serving students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.Throughout her career, Alexis has helped write two national curricula and has remained deeply committed to a child's right to quality education. Her work centers on the belief that education must support the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially—and serve as a foundation for breaking cycles of poverty and instability.Connect with Alexis at WeCareFosterCare.org.

Morgan and Eddie answer listener questions!! Eddie shares his advice for foster care workers from the parent POV, his feelings on his oldest graduating high school, and his favorite memory with his dad. Plus, his thoughts on pursuing more acting roles, the perfect grill to own, and why he never follows through on things. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting podcast! I'm Christine Marie, adoptive mom, former foster parent, and biblical mindset coach. Whether you're considering foster care, navigating adoption, supporting birth families, or trying to hold it all together in the middle of the unknown, you're in the right place. In today's episode, I sit down with Jeremy Walden, foster and adoptive dad, college professor, ministry leader, and co author of The Heart Work of Foster Care. Jeremy shares his family's powerful journey through foster care and adoption, including adopting one child and later welcoming her siblings, building relationships with biological parents, and witnessing restoration, reunification, and healing unfold over years of faithful obedience. This is one of those conversations that reminds you foster care isn't a moment. It's a long road of love, patience, boundaries, and trust in God. Jeremy opens up about: • The real challenges of foster parenting and adoption • Supporting birth families with compassion and humility • How foster care impacts marriage and biological children • Saying yes, saying no, and protecting your family while keeping your heart open • Why foster care is truly heart work, caring deeply, loving deliberately, and trusting God when outcomes aren't guaranteed Jeremy and his wife have adopted three children from foster care and have cared for many more over the past decade. With over 25 years of ministry experience and 15 years as a college professor, Jeremy brings both practical wisdom and deep faith to this conversation. He also shares about their book, The Heart Work of Foster Care: A Hopeful and Honest Guide to Foster Parenting, a Christ centered resource filled with real stories, encouragement, and practical insight for anyone walking the foster care journey. Jeremy is currently conducting an anonymous survey to better understand how fostering impacts foster parents' marriages. If you'd like to participate, you can find it here:

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Should you consider adopting or fostering a child who is older than a child already in your family? Are there things you can do to make it easier for all the children? We talk to Elizabeth Bohlken, Director of Education and Support at Children's Home Society and Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, to talk about the preparation, joys, and challenges of disrupting birth order.In this episode:What is disrupting birth order?Why is this a topic that prospective adoptive or foster parents should educate themselves about?When combining children by birth and adoption, is it better for the adopted child to be the eldest, the youngest, or in the middle?Is there an age gap that is most recommended or best practice between children when disrupting birth order?Are there similarities between families that have a blend of children by adoption and birth, and families with blended children from divorce and remarriage?How much does age really matter?At what age is a child least affected by having their birth order disrupted?At what age is a child most affected?Is it best to disrupt the birth order of the eldest or the youngest in a family?How should parents handle a situation where the newly adopted child is older in age but younger on an emotional or behavioral level?What steps can prospective adoptive or foster parents take to prepare children already in the home for the adoption of a sibling, especially an older child?What type of sleeping arrangements should parents use in the first couple of months at home when they are adopting a child who is older than their other children?What types of behaviors might a parent or caregiver see in the early stages of this new dynamic?Why is sibling rivalry a common outcome of disrupting birth order?How to handle physically aggressive behavior between children?Practical tips to ease the transition for all the children in the family.Parenting mentalities/techniques to help a family adjust to a disrupted birth order?What is virtual or artificial twinning?What should parents consider before adopting a child of a similar age (within about 9 months) to a child already in the family?What are the warning signs that parents need to get help with an adoption that disrupts birth order or involves virtual twinning?What type of therapies or therapists should families look for to support birth order changes or artificial twinning?What should parents understand about the risk factors of sexual or physical abuse that a child may have experienced before being adopted or placed in this foster home?Where and how do parents get help to support their family in the transitions of disrupting birth order?Resources:Sibling Relationships (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

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Travis Vangsnes and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Jeanette Yoffee, a clinical psychologist and advocate for foster care and adoption. Jeanette shares her personal journey through foster care and adoption, emphasizing the importance of understanding grief and loss in children. She discusses the significance of open adoption, the need for connection, and the various interventions she has developed to help children cope with their experiences. Jeanette also introduces her book, 'The Traumatized and At-Risk Youth Toolbox,' which provides practical tools for parents and caregivers. The conversation highlights the importance of mattering and connection for children in foster care, encouraging foster parents to create a safe and supportive environment for their children.Checkout her website and all her tools and resources:https://www.jeanetteyoffe.com/TakeawaysJeanette Yoffe shares her personal journey through foster care and adoption.Understanding grief and loss is crucial for children in foster care.Open adoption allows children to maintain connections with their birth families.Children need to know they matter and are valued.Interventions like the 'sad bag' help children cope with grief.Foster parents should lean into the discomfort of children's feelings.Jeanette's book provides practical tools for parents and caregivers.Children often recycle questions about their past as they develop.It's important to separate a child's behavior from their identity.Creating a safe environment helps children thrive. 

This episode dives into our collective universal goals within the world of foster care. What do we all agree on that will create better outcomes for children who are removed from their home due to abuse and/or neglect? The goals discussed continue to keep our CASA program moving forward! 

Join Todd Unzicker and Andrew Hopper as they discuss the theological connection between believers' spiritual adoption in Christ and the call to care for the orphan. Discover how your church can grow from “guilt-driven” ministry to become a community of “rope holders” for the vulnerable and the families caring for them. In this episode, Todd Unzicker sits down with Andrew Hopper, pastor of Mercy Hill Church, to discuss his new book, Chosen: Building Your Family the Way God Builds His. Hopper shares his personal journey as an adoptive father and explains why adoption should never be a “litmus test” for the faith, but rather a response to the gospel. They explore the theological framework of being “chosen” by God and how that reality should naturally overflow into a church's mission to care for vulnerable children. Listen as they offer practical encouragement and unpack different ways local church members and N.C. Baptists can act as “rope holders” – the vital support system of believers who sustain adoptive and foster families. Whether through financial generosity, providing childcare or offering relational support, Hopper and Unzicker emphasize that every member of the local church has a role to play. By partnering with initiatives like Every Child, churches of all sizes can move toward a sustainable, mission-focused vision where children in North Carolina have a gospel-centered home.

When we know better, we do better. Experienced adoption professional got a second chance at parenting after adopting her grandson when she was 55. Listen in as she shares what she's learned about going beyond basic needs to helping her son thrive despite trauma. Big insights on integrity, moral standards and expectations.Gladys is Senior Director of Foster Care and Adoption at The Children's Shelter, San Antonio, Texas, USA.Find out more about her and the Shelter  here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gladys-foster-blackwell-155194b4/https://www.facebook.com/TheChildrensShelterhttps://www.instagram.com/thechildrensshelterhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-children%27s-shelter/https://childrensshelter.org/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

In a weary world with so many problems, the folks at CASA Baltimore County are providing leadership and care for foster children in need of loving, caring home environments. Jennifer Stine of CASA Baltimore County tells Nestor about the organization and he confides about his amazing adoptive parents who wanted and needed a child in Dundalk 50 years ago. This one is personal. The post Jennifer Stine of CASA Baltimore County tells Nestor about loving homes for children in foster care first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

Alright, let me lovingly disrupt a popular slogan.Everybody loves to say, “We're all God's children.”It sounds warm. It sounds inclusive. It sounds like something you'd put on a coffee mug with a sunset behind it.And some of you are already ready to say Amen—not because it's biblical, but because we tend to think that being a child of God is automatic because He created us all, and on top of that, because He created us all with purpose.All true, however, biblically speaking, we are not automatically God's children. That may make some of you cringe, but it is absolutely Scripture.God's divine plan was never for humanity to be born into forced allegiance with HimClosing Song: God's Legitimate Children - produced by Deborah OcasioSupport the showwww.BibleDeliverance.org

My guests for this episode are Paul and Katie Bernard.  Whether you are thinking about foster care, whether you are in the trenches of foster care, or just curious, you will enjoy this conversation.  Paul and Katie have been foster parents of 15 children, 5 of which they have adopted. Resource: Connecting Bridges Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/CBMilwaukee 

Hello and welcome to the A&F podcast with Scott Casson-Rennie AMBII and Al Coates.  This was recorded the day of the Children's Minister's announcement on the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund and the announcement of a consultation. So, after a little banter we get right into it and unpack our views on it. Frankly we pull no punches and throw caution to the wind of ever getting Josh Mac on the podcast.  We also unpack the announcement for an extra 10,000 carers and after a short pause we get onto the issue of is foster caring a job!  Below is the link to the FASD Ireland conference. A limited number of Early Bird tickets are now available - secure your place today: www.fasdireland.ie/conference If you're an adoptive parent and are wanting to join the 'Walking with Families' online FB group you can join here  or  if you want to sign up to the weekly online support meetings for adopters caring for children with challenging behaviour you can do so here   As always if you've experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, BlueSky or email us at AandFpodcast@gmail.com Listen/subscribe on iTunes here Spotify here

On Thursday's show: Last week, the dean of the University of Houston's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences asked faculty he oversees to sign a document attesting they are not "indoctrinating" their students but are instead teaching them to think critically. One of those professors, Robert Zaretzky, responded with an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle saying he will not sign the document. He joins us to explain why.Also this hour: Houston's diversity shows up everywhere, including in foster care. We discuss how families navigate caregiving of children from different cultural backgrounds.Then, we visit this year's ongoing Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston to learn how they're different from what happens in New Orleans.And, ahead of the Chinese New Year, which begins Feb. 17, we learn more about Chinese Americans' cultural and economic impacts here in Houston. And we talk about some of the Chinese constellations in the night sky with an area astronomer.Watch

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Did you know that the current reigning Miss Kentucky is a foster alum? We spoke with Ariana Rodriguez about her life leading up to the pageant circuit, what motivates her, and how her foundation, The Lucky Ones, is changing foster care experiences for foster kids in Kentucky.In this episode, we talk about:You made history as the first Miss Kentucky to have been in foster care. Can you start from the beginning and give us the story that led to this title?What was it like living with your grandparents? What were the positive changes? What was hardest about this time of your childhood? How did that time in kinship care help shape who you are today?Were you able to stay in touch with your siblings?What gaps or “pain points” for kids in foster care or kinship care did you experience in those years?How did these lived experiences begin to transform into a passion or mission for advocacy? Was there a pivotal moment when you said, “This is my platform”?What personal strengths emerged from your past that you leaned on (resilience, empathy, leadership, etc.)?How do your childhood and care-system experiences continue to inform your daily life, mindset, or choices?Are there challenges or triggers that still surface for you because of your past experiences? How do you navigate them?What are your relationships with your siblings like now? Tell us more about The Lucky OnesDo you have a specific story you can share that illustrates the impact of your work?Are you gaining new connections and collaborations to help further the mission of your platform?What's next for you, personally (as Miss Kentucky, as an advocate, as a leader)?What's next for The Lucky Ones? Are there new programs to launch, etc?What advice do you have for young people currently in the foster or kinship-care system who may feel uncertain about their future?For foster or relative caregivers?If you could speak directly to the decision-makers (legislators, social services, educators) about one thing to make a meaningful difference for foster/kinship care kids, what would that be?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 episode we answer emails from Tim, Anderson, and Pete. We discuss using a Golden Butterfly portfolio for intermediate accumulation, converting 529s to Roths and excessively levered portfolios for small children.  (I can't make this stuff up.)But first we share Mary's mission with Fairfax CASA and explain how steady advocacy changes a child's path, and roll out our Fairfax CASA fundraising campaign in connection with National Child Abuse Prevention Month.Links:Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donate - Fairfax CASAThe Starfish Thrower Philosophy from Episode 441 (Cool New Video!):  The Starfish Thrower Philosophy With Mary.mp4 - Google DriveMary's CASA Case Adoption Story:  The Johnson's Foster Care & Adoption Story FIRE Takes Podcast:  FIRE Takes PodcastPortfolio Charts Drawdown Calculator:  Drawdowns – Portfolio ChartsTestfolio Backtester:  testfol.ioPete's Leveraged Leeroy Jenkins Portfolios:  testfol.io/?s=l7aMOsy4720Breathless Unedited AI-Bot Summary:Ever wonder how to save for a goal that's a few years away without riding stock-market whiplash or leaving too much on the table in cash? We walk through a practical, risk-aware path for mid-term savings and pair it with something close to our hearts: Mary's work with Fairfax CASA, where trained volunteers are a constant for kids navigating abuse or neglect cases. You'll hear what CASA volunteers actually do—attend hearings, coordinate services, write court reports, and keep showing up—plus the data that proves consistent advocacy moves outcomes.From there, we dig into building an intermediate-term portfolio using a risk parity approach like the Golden Butterfly. We explain how to model a real alternative to HYSAs: use long-history T-bill data instead of SHY, add regular monthly contributions to reflect real life, and examine drawdown length and worst-case windows over three to five-year spans. You'll learn why shorter, shallower drawdowns can matter more than headline returns when timing is uncertain, and how Testfolio helps you compare paths with clarity. We also unpack a powerful planning angle: rolling leftover 529 funds to a Roth IRA under current rules, including holding periods, beneficiary considerations, earned income needs, and why Roth contribution capacity is too valuable to waste.We don't shy away from the spicy stuff either—managed futures, leverage, and the gap between theory and practice. Rather than letting fear set the rules, we talk about small, controlled experiments that build skill and confidence. That shift—from anxiety to informed action—can change both your portfolio and your peace of mind.If this resonates, support Fairfax CASA via the link in the show notes and mention Risk Parity Radio or Mary Vasquez in the comment box. Then hit follow, share the episode with a friend who's stuck between stocks and savings, and leave a quick review to help more DIY investors find us.Support the show

God's expectation for His church is clear: care for vulnerable children and families in need. With 430 children in foster care and fewer than 100 families to help in many communities, children are sleeping on office floors and in hotel rooms. James 1:27 defines pure religion as visiting orphans and widows in their affliction - not just writing checks, but showing up redemptively. These children need unconditional love, security, and someone to fight for them. The greatest commandments call us to love God and love our neighbors sacrificially. When we truly love God, we grow in our love for people, leading us to radical acts of service for those who need it most.Support the show

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 11,000 children and teens are in Georgia's foster care system. Data also reveals more than 500 youth transition out of the foster care system, many needing assistance, housing, and resources as they adjust to adulthood. Allison Ashe, the CEO and president of Wellroot Family Services, talks with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott about the work of Wellroot and the expansion of their newly renovated apartment community, The Oaks. She also discussed details about Wellroot's 2026 Reaching Teens Summit, slated for February 26-27 at the North Georgia Conference United Methodist Center. Plus, a long list of Republicans and Democrats is vying for Georgia’s top elected office, and we are months away from the gubernatorial primary. In an effort to run an effective campaign, candidates spend money on advertisements, canvassing, and more. We hear from Atlanta-based political strategist Fred Hicks, who says people vote with their dollars. Hicks broke down campaign spending and fundraising, as well as how much money each candidate has raised so far, and the three measures used to track a candidate’s overall campaign dollars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foster care doesn't just enter a home; it enters a marriage. With Valentine's Day approaching, this episode of Restoried opens an honest conversation about how foster care changes marriage when court dates, therapy, and survival replace date nights and quiet conversations. Lisa is joined by her husband JJ as they reflect on eight years as licensed foster parents and over a decade supporting children and families in foster care. They share how foster care changed their marriage, from communication and emotional connection to dividing responsibilities and making decisions together. They discuss real challenges, including exhaustion, grief, spiritual warfare, and times of being out of sync. They explore how spouses carry weight differently and how tension can arise if not addressed. The conversation also covers practical realities, including managing responsibilities, navigating caseworker roles, and checking in regularly to avoid resentment. At the heart of the episode is hope. Lisa and JJ share how God used the hardest seasons to strengthen their marriage. Through prayer, shared heartbreak, and choosing each other daily, their marriage grew deeper and anchored in Christ.  Episode Highlights:  Foster care impacts marriage Balancing grief and logistics Communication is key Shared hardships strengthen love Relying on God Intentional connection matters Practical tips for parents Find More on Hope Bridge: Visit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook  Register for Mobilize Ohio 2026 

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: I recently listened to a podcast featuring an adoptee, a birth mother, and an adoptive parent, which was great. The adoptee talked about when it hit her that she was adopted and feeling like her birth mother threw her away. My sons are adopted through the foster care system. One is technically still a foster child. My oldest was removed from his birth mother immediately after being born and placed with us. My second son spent about a year with his parents in a very neglectful situation, and drugs were a factor in both situations. I'm wondering how to respectfully have that conversation with my sons when the time comes. Note, please, that we are a two-dad household, so there's no hiding the adoption from them.Resources:Talking about Adoption at Different AgesHow to Make and Use an Adoption LifebookTalking with Young Children About Adoption and Birth ParentsBooks for Kids Adopted from Foster Care9 Things Adoptive Parents Must Do Before Age 13Support 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

The ongoing Undercover Policing Inquiry started again this week. It is believed at least 50 women were duped into intimate relationships with undercover officers over decades. Alison, not her real name, spent five years living with a man she knew as Mark Cassidy, who was in fact a married undercover Police Officer whose real name was Mark Jenner. She joins Nuala McGovern along with BBC London journalist Ayshea Buksh, who has been following this inquiry.The government has announced plans to relax fostering rules and create 10,000 new places for vulnerable children in England. Roxy and her mum Judy, from the BBC's recent Traitors series, join Nuala to discuss. Roxy was fostered until the age of five before being adopted by Judy. They are also joined by Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network.Paula Varjack talks to Anita about her show Nine Sixteenths. It examines the fallout from the infamous Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake ‘wardrobe malfunction' incident at the 2004 Superbowl and the backlash that almost ruined Jackson's career. The play questions what this says about the demographics of who controls the media, the scrutinising of black women in the public eye and asks if anything has changed.We hear a lot about ‘mum guilt', but what about the guilt that can come along with not becoming a mother? Writer Ellen C Scott is child-free by choice but has recently experienced guilt towards her parents because she won't be providing them with grandchildren. She recently explored the topic for Stylist magazine and was surprised by how much it resonated with other women. Ellen and psychotherapist Professor Hannah Sherbersky discuss.AI companions are becoming increasingly common, with one in three adults now using them for conversation, advice and support. Now recent research from Bangor University has shown that many teen AI companion users believe their bots can think or understand. That research prompted Nicola Bryan, a reporter for BBC Wales News to investigate and acquire an "AI boyfriend" of her own in the process. Nicola talks to Anita about what happened next.The Puppini Sisters are celebrating 20 years of their antique pop, neo-burlesque swing music. Their new album The Birthday Party marks two decades since their debut, Betcha Bottom Dollar, spent almost a year on the Billboard chart in the US. It became the fastest-selling jazz album in UK chart history, with their fans including Robbie Williams and King Charles. They join Nuala to discuss their music.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Our guest, Missy Bell, is the Director of San Diego for Olive Crest, an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis one life at a time. In this conversation with Jami, she brings wisdom and insight into common fears parents have when deciding to adopt a teen and how to overcome them.

Imagine standing between your parents with a baseball bat at just six years old, desperate to protect your mother—that was the terrified reality that forged the unstoppable spirit of today's guest, Megan.  In this episode of Spotlight on Good People, we explore how Megan turned personal childhood trauma into a revolution, founding Better Together to save families from a broken, reactive government foster care system  We discuss how her organization acts as the "Uber of doing good," connecting isolated families in crisis with volunteer neighbors who offer temporary homes, mentorship, and jobs—keeping nearly 100,000 people together and out of the system From Naples to the Governor's office, learn how this proactive, voluntary model is proving that the power of a caring community is far more effective than government intervention  .In this episode, you will learn:Why the government foster care system is often reactive and costly ($45,000 per child) compared to proactive community support 5.How Better Together uses a volunteer-driven model to host children and help parents find work through church partnershipsThe incredible story of how Megan and her husband have hosted 25 children in their own home 11.How you can support families in Southwest Florida right now—whether by hosting, mentoring, or donating supplies https://bettertogetherus.org/ #naplesfl #sogp #ropsalons #meganrose #bettertogetherGot someone in mind who deserves the spotlight? Shoot us a text and let us know! We'd love to hear from you!

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Are you familiar with pathological demand avoidance? Do you need helpful strategies to raise a child with the challenging behaviors that characterize PDA? Listen in to this conversation with Dr. Cynthia Martin, a clinical psychologist, the former Senior Director of the Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute, and founder of CM Psychology in Manhattan, NY.In this episode, we discuss:What is Pathological Demand Avoidance?What makes PDA different from typical defiance or resistance?Is PDA considered an official diagnosis, or is it more of a way to describe a cluster of behaviors that we're seeing in some kids?What do we know about the underlying causes?How does PDA relate to other conditions like autism or ADHD? What are the overlaps with trauma, prenatal substance exposure??What are the types of behaviors parents or caregivers might see?How can a caregiver tell the difference between a child who can't comply and one who won't comply?Where do parents start when considering if their child has a PDA profile?What observations or examples should parents share to help a clinician understand their child's challenges?What kinds of strategies are effective for parenting a child with PDA traits?How can parents reframe their approach so that daily demands — like getting dressed, brushing teeth, or doing homework — don't turn into constant battles?What types of therapies or interventions tend to be most helpful? What do you say to caregivers who are feeling worn down and ineffective? Where do they start?How can a parent or caregiver set their child up for success even if they do have this PDA profile?What words of hope or encouragement would you offer to parents and caregivers just starting to investigate?Resources:Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in Kids - Child Mind InstituteDemand Avoidance: Why Kids Refuse to Follow Directions - Psychology TodaySymptom Tests for Children: Is Your Child Showing Signs of Pathological Demand Avoidance? - ADDitude: ADHD Science & StrategiesUnstuck & On Target - Evidence-Based Curricula and Resources for Professionals and Families to Support Executive Functions.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 episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams interview Jamie Finn, a prominent figure in the foster care community. Jamie shares her personal journey into foster care, the impact on her biological children, and the importance of self-care for foster parents. They discuss her book 'God Loves Kids', the need for supportive communities, and the challenges foster parents face, including burnout and the reasons many quit. Jamie emphasizes the importance of saying yes to children in need and the eternal impact of foster care.Pickup Jamie's new book--God Loves Kids: A Gospel Centered Book About Foster Carehttps://a.co/d/052zNuJ9Checkout her org: Foster the Familyhttps://www.fosterthefamily.org/Instagram:@fosterthefamilyblogTakeawaysJamie Finn is a well-known advocate in the foster care community.Foster care can significantly impact biological children in positive ways.Self-care is crucial for foster parents to avoid burnout.Foster parents need to feel supported and seen in their roles.The goal of foster care is often reunification, which can be challenging for foster parents.Children in foster care need families, not just temporary homes.Every moment spent with foster children can have lasting effects.Foster parents should be trauma-informed to better support the children in their care.Community support is essential for the sustainability of foster care.The journey of foster care is filled with both challenges and rewards.

In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Undeletable Dad Podcast, Tracy Poizner sits down with Ron Platt - serial entrepreneur, foster father, and systems-level advocate for families navigating divorce and parental alienation.Ron shares the personal journey that led him to create the first divorce insurance product of its kind, alongside a national membership organization designed to support single and divorced families holistically — financially, emotionally, and structurally.This episode is essential listening for fathers who want to protect their relationship with their children, even when life throws unexpected obstacles in the way.Ron's foster parenting journeyHow becoming a foster father reshaped his understanding of family, permanence, boundaries, and advocacy — and what it taught him about children who've experienced trauma and instability.Why traditional systems fail divorced familiesFrom courts to child support enforcement to mental health access, Ron breaks down where the cracks are — and why parents often fall through them.The creation of Divorce Insurance (Support Insured)A groundbreaking insurance product that ensures child support and alimony payments continue in situations where the paying parent:DiesBecomes disabledIs involuntarily unemployedDeclares business bankruptcyThis protection prevents parents from being labeled “deadbeats” due to circumstances beyond their control — and protects children from sudden financial disruption.How Support Insured actually worksAffordable annual premiumsCoverage tied only to court-ordered support amountsUp to 12 months of continued payments during hardshipAvailable to either parentWhy this matters for fathers facing high-conflict divorceFinancial collapse often leads to loss of parenting time, court sanctions, and alienation. This product helps fathers stabilize during crisis — without losing access to their children.The mission of NASDF (National Association for Single & Divorced Families)A first-of-its-kind membership organization offering:Free & discounted mental health supportCareer and employment resourcesChildcare and family discountsAdvocacy for foster care reformPrograms aimed at preventing intergenerational povertyFoster care reform & child advocacyRon explains how privatization, instability, and lack of consistent therapeutic care harm foster children — and what systemic changes must happen next.Divorce doesn't just separate families — it exposes them to financial, emotional, and institutional risk.This episode shines a light on practical solutions, not platitudes. Ron Platt isn't theorizing — he's building infrastructure that protects parents and children when life doesn't go according to plan.If you're a father navigating:Divorce or post-divorce instabilityChild support pressureFear of losing access to your kidsSystemic unfairness…this conversation will give you clarity, options, and hope.National Association for Single & Divorced Families (NASDF)

In this powerful episode of RISE Urban Nation Podcast, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Constance “Serenity Sage” English, founder of the UnYes Movement and Siblings United Visitations, to explore how she transformed foster care trauma into a faith-rooted national reform movement. Serenity shares her journey from being silenced and separated from siblings to becoming a bold advocate for family preservation, sibling restoration, and healing-centered systems change. Drawing on her lived experience, spiritual grounding, and visionary leadership, she introduces the UnYes Movement as a reversal of every harmful label placed on foster youth—a resounding YES to identity, belonging, faith, and justice. This conversation is a call to action for leaders, advocates, and changemakers to move beyond awareness into restoration, and to help build communities where children are seen, heard, and never alone again. Links & Resources:

It's an amazing thing to be able to look back over years of waiting and grief and struggle and say that it was all leading somewhere good. My guest, Molly Duble, testifies to that in today's episode as she shares her journey to adopting her two girls. There's still pain. There's still struggle. But given the choice, she'd go back and say yes all over again.  This episode is part of Moms Take Ten's Foster and Adoption Series that comes out the first Monday of each month. If this episode encouraged you, check out some of the other conversations in this series. They are so good! I am a Connected Families certified parent coach offering small groups for moms, individual parent coaching, and workshops. To learn more, head to https://www.lyssastoyko.com/ Help other mamas find encouragement through Moms Take Ten by rating and reviewing this show. That would be a blessing to both them and me. Thank you for your time! Want to say hello? Follow me on Facebook and Insta @lyssastoyko Email me at momstaketen@gmail.com  

When young people age out of the foster care system at age 18, they often don't have a place to go. In South Jersey, young women who can't afford their own place or college yet, or who just need some support, can go to Unique Sistas Transitional House, recently established by Yolanda Stephenson. Racquel Williams talks with Yolanda and their Housing and Community Development Manager, Tracy Harris, about the challenges these young women face and how Unique Sistas helps. Then, on Shara in the City, we visit the William Way Center's art exhibit, "The Tangle I've Gotten Into", on display at Imperfect Gallery while the center is under renovation. Shara Dae Howard speaks with artist and Philly LGBTQ+ community icon Arleen Olshan, who helped form the foundation of Philly's LGBTQ+ activism. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Barely Famous Kail sits down with Dover, Delaware entrepreneur Bobby Jones the owner of Brightside for a raw conversation about what it really looks like to rebuild a life when your starting line is nowhere near everyone else's.Bobby opens up about growing up in poverty, navigating foster care, and how early decisions can shape the way you see yourself for years. We talk about the mindset shifts that helped him break cycles, what redemption actually requires, and why “starting over” doesn't always mean leaving town. If you've ever felt trapped by your past, overwhelmed by where to begin, or like you're carrying a story you didn't choose this one will stick with you.Listen in for a powerful, honest conversation about resilience, accountability, second chances, and building something you're proud of one decision at a time.Follow Bobby here and check out BrightSide For full video episodes head to patreon.com/kaillowryTo shop all merch head to kaillowry.comThanks for supporting the show by checking out the sponsors!Hiya: for 50% off their best selling children's vitamin head to hiyahealth.com/famousDripDrop: Right now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to dripdrop.com and use promo code famous. Talkiatry: Head to Talkiatry.com/famous and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutesProgressive: To get your auto insurance quote head to progressive.comLeesa: Go to Leesa.com for 20% off PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code BARELY, exclusive for my listeners.Shopify: Start your one dollar a month free trial period at shopify.com/famousSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Charity Charge Show, we sit down with Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases, a nonprofit that has delivered more than 300,000 backpacks filled with essentials to children entering foster care across all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, and soon Canada.Growing Up in the SystemRob did not come to foster care as an advocate. He came as a child who lived it.He entered foster care because of abuse, not neglect. Cigarette burns on his body are reminders he still carries at 59 years old. Like many children in the system, he became a number, a file, a case. When he aged out at 18, he joined the tens of thousands of young people who are pushed out with no safety net. Within 24 hours, most become homeless. Rob was one of them.He survived addiction, multiple suicide attempts, and repeated psychiatric hospitalizations. At 24, after nearly dying from an overdose, he made a decision that changed everything. He chose forgiveness. Not to excuse what happened, but to take his life back.That decision did not make him a hero. It made him accountable.The Numbers We Do Not Like to Talk AboutDuring the episode, Rob challenges some of the most commonly repeated foster care statistics and explains why many of them understate the reality.Here is what stands out:More than 400,000 children are in foster care in the United States.Roughly 23,000 youth age out every year.New homelessness counts show over 80 percent of people experiencing homelessness were touched by foster care at some point.Former foster youth are far more likely to experience PTSD than combat veterans.Only about 8 percent earn a four year college degree. That number improved recently, but it is still unacceptable.Rob makes one point very clear. If a child enters foster care, society has already failed. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

A Conversation About Community, Connection, and Caring for Kids in Need When Heather Frost joins Janet Michael on The Valley Today, she brings a message that hits close to home: hundreds of children across the Shenandoah Valley desperately need stable, caring families. As Foster Parent Coordinator for Embrace Treatment Foster Care, Heather sees firsthand how the shortage of local foster homes affects vulnerable kids throughout our region. The Scope of the Problem The statistics paint a sobering picture. At any given time, Virginia has approximately 5,000 children in foster care. Remarkably, 40% of these children are teenagers—the age group that proves hardest to place. Breaking this down to our local communities reveals the true scale of the need. Frederick County and Winchester together care for 120-150 children at any time, while Shenandoah County serves 40-60 kids. Even smaller Clarke County has 15-25 children in the system annually. Meanwhile, larger counties like Loudoun regularly have 250-300 children awaiting placement. Furthermore, the consequences of inadequate foster care resources extend far beyond childhood. More than 1,000 young people age out of Virginia's foster care system each year without finding a permanent family. This failure dramatically increases their risk for homelessness, unemployment, and involvement in the justice system—outcomes that could be prevented with stable family support. Why Location Matters Heather emphasizes a crucial point that many people overlook: where a foster child lives makes an enormous difference in their recovery and development. When children must be placed far from their home communities due to a lack of local foster families, they lose vital connections. They leave behind their schools, their therapists, their neighborhoods, and often their extended family members who still play important roles in their lives. "The research shows these things really matter in terms of getting over the trauma that the kids have gone through," Heather explains. Maintaining these connections helps children recover faster and build resilience. Consequently, Embrace actively seeks foster families throughout the region—from Winchester and surrounding counties to Harrisonburg and even Loudoun County—to keep kids rooted in familiar territory. What Treatment Foster Care Really Means Unlike traditional foster care through the Department of Social Services, Embrace provides treatment-level care for children with more complex needs. These kids often face challenges like ADHD, developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or post-traumatic stress. However, Heather quickly dispels any notion that foster parents must navigate these challenges alone. Instead, Embrace treats foster parents as integral members of a treatment team. The agency provides extensive initial certification training, then continues with monthly sessions covering new strategies, specific situations, and emerging best practices. Additionally, foster parents receive 24/7 support—whether they need a phone consultation or an in-person visit. This comprehensive approach transforms foster parents from isolated caregivers into supported professionals working alongside schools, social services, and community partners. Breaking Down Barriers and Misconceptions Throughout the conversation, Heather addresses common concerns that prevent people from considering foster care. First, she tackles the financial question head-on. All foster children receive Medicaid coverage, eliminating worries about medical expenses. Moreover, foster parents receive stipends to cover clothing and other necessities, though Heather acknowledges these don't cover every expense. Community support, like the Front Royal Chamber's annual fundraiser for foster families, helps fill remaining gaps. Second, Heather confronts the fear that potential foster parents lack the necessary skills or experience. "We're not looking for perfect people," she emphasizes. "We're just looking for people who will show up, who will be there, who want to help children." The certification process takes approximately 90 days and includes about six weeks of training classes, which can be completed virtually or in person based on family preferences. The Power of Stability and Connection Perhaps the most compelling part of the conversation centers on how dramatically children can transform when given stability and structure. Heather acknowledges that many foster children arrive labeled as "difficult" or "hard to manage." Nevertheless, she's witnessed countless times how these same children soften and thrive once they realize someone will consistently show up for them. "Just having someone who cared about them" makes all the difference, Heather notes, recalling stories from community members who approach her at events like Apple Blossom to share their own foster care experiences. Janet reinforces this point, observing that labels hurt children and that removing those labels allows kids to flourish in ways that might seem impossible at first. Importantly, Heather doesn't sugarcoat the experience. "I'm not gonna say it's all butterflies and rainbows a hundred percent of the time," she admits. Yet she describes the profound reward of watching relationships develop between foster children and their families. "When a child and a foster parent have that relationship and you get to watch it grow, it's just very beautiful." From Foster Care to Forever Families The conversation also explores how foster placements can evolve into permanent adoptions. Embrace dual-certifies foster parents for both fostering and adoption, creating flexibility as situations develop. Sometimes a child initially expected to reunify with their biological family cannot do so. In these cases, foster parents who've built strong relationships over months or years often choose to adopt, providing the permanent stability these children desperately need. This possibility becomes especially meaningful for teenagers. As Janet points out, raising any teenager presents challenges—foster or biological. However, the opportunity to guide a young person from a traumatic past toward a stable future offers rewards that transcend typical parenting experiences. The Urgent Call to Action As the conversation concludes, Heather issues a straightforward invitation: if you're even slightly curious about foster care, reach out for a conversation. There's no obligation, no cost, and no pressure. Visit embracetfc.com to learn more and indicate your preferred method of contact. The agency will respond according to your comfort level, whether you're just exploring the idea or ready to begin classes. Ultimately, the message resonates clearly throughout the conversation: the Shenandoah Valley's foster children need local families who represent their communities and cultures. They need people who will maintain their connections to schools, therapists, and extended family. Most importantly, they need adults who will simply show up—consistently, reliably, and with genuine care. The need is great, but so is the potential for impact. As Heather reminds listeners, foster parents don't need to be perfect. They just need to be present.

In this powerful episode of MaternalRx on the Pharmacy Podcast Network, host Danielle Plummer, PharmD, speaks with pharmacist Willie Bawarski and his wife, Olivia, about their deeply personal journey through infertility, IVF treatment, foster care, and adoption. Willie and Olivia share the emotional, physical, and financial realities of trying to conceive, navigating fertility treatments, and facing the grief that often accompanies infertility. When their path to parenthood changed, they chose to open their hearts and home through foster care and adoption, ultimately building a beautiful family in ways they never expected. This conversation highlights the critical role pharmacists and healthcare professionals play in supporting patients experiencing infertility and those considering foster care or adoption. Listeners will gain practical insight into using compassionate language, empathy, and trauma-informed care to support individuals and couples during some of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives. Whether you are facing infertility, exploring IVF, considering adoption, working within maternal health, or caring for patients on these journeys, this episode offers hope, validation, and a reminder that family is defined by love, not biology.

A two albums formatted episode of We Have A Technical ends up taking two very different detours into trance music, of all things. First, we're looking at the just remastered and digitally reissued sole LP from Portland duo Violet Arcana, 1994's In The Scene Of The Mind, which takes the road less travelled by slowing and stretching trance programming into psychedelic ethereality, and finding commonalities with contemporaneous downtempo approaches to electro-industrial and dark ambient. Next, 2012's Altered Creature by Fostercare has us flashing back to the aftermath of witch house, in which all manner of bands and producers were experimenting with the occult, sample-happy liberty that genre afforded, including Fostercare's grimy cyberpunk read on a wide range of classic rave styles.

#205 - Some stories don't just move you—they recalibrate your sense of what's possible. Adriene Caldwell grew up in the crosshairs of untreated schizophrenia, constant relocation, and a home life that spun from denial to violence. After losing the grandmother who shielded her, she entered a foster system that should have offered stability and instead delivered degradation: separate dishes, floor seating, and rules designed to remind her she didn't belong. The stats she shares are brutal—one in five inmates are former foster youth, seven in ten foster girls have a child by 21, and fewer than three percent use free college benefits—but the real shock is how incentives often reward keeping kids “high need” rather than helping them heal.What changed her trajectory was a lifeline she claimed for herself: a coveted congressional exchange to Germany. There, a host family modeled warmth, boundaries, and trust. Adriene learned German the hard way—by speaking it every day—aced tough classes at a college-track school, and felt the shift that happens when someone insists you sit in the front seat for the view. Returning stateside just shy of 18, she found no plan waiting and wrote letters up the chain until one emerged. Along the way, a third-grade math teacher delivered hotel toiletries to a housing project, and a fierce English teacher stocked her classroom with computers and left one to Adriene before she died. Those acts—practical, personal, and precisely timed—became stepping stones to scholarships and a future she couldn't yet picture.We also explore why Adriene wrote Unbroken, Life Outside the Lines, and how revisiting old case files forced a reckoning with both the parts of survival that became manipulation and the parts that deserve pride. Her message to teens at the edge is simple and urgent: your life won't always look like this, and soon your choices will shape what comes next—numbing or healing, hiding or asking, repeating or rebuilding.If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who needs proof that change is possible. Subscribe for more human-centered stories, rate the show to help new listeners find us, and tell us: what moment shifted your path?To learn more about Adriene and her book check out www.unbronkencaldwell.com and check her out on Instagram @unbrokencaldwell.You can also find more information about the show at www.thehumanadventure.net and check out my Instagram @humanadventurepod. 

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Talking about the difficult parts of our child's story, like abuse or prenatal substance exposure, can be overwhelming. Kelly Weidner, the co-founder and Executive Director of Haven Adoptions & Family Services in Ambler, PA. She has 28 years of experience in foster care, residential care, and adoption, which will help us navigate these challenging conversations with our kids.In this episode, we discuss:What kinds of issues do we mean when we say “difficult parts” of a child's story? What are some of the everyday challenging conversations that adoptive parents must tackle?Why is it necessary to introduce these potentially painful, complex issues to our kids?Why are parents reluctant to talk about these issues?What steps should adoptive parents take when choosing to start these conversations? Where do they start?What is a Lifebook, and how can parents use them to introduce and build on the story as their child grows?What should be included?How does a Lifebook differ between the types of adoption?What if your child wants to bring their Lifebook to school or show it to people outside the family?What language can you use with young children to lay the groundwork for later, with more details filled in as they grow?How would a parent start the conversation about being conceived during a rape or abusive relationship, across several ages or stages, to build understanding?As another example, should we tell our kids about abuse or neglect that happened to them if they don't remember it? How?Should you tell a child that her birth mother's use of drugs or alcohol during pregnancy might be the cause of their learning disabilities? How do you help your child understand how much of his story he should share with others outside the family?What if you don't believe the birth mother's story of what happened? What if you don't know the details of what happened, just that something “big” did happen?How can adoptive parents help their children understand that they are more than the difficult parts of their history and that they are not doomed to repeat their birth parents' mistakes?What are some practical tips for supporting our kids after we've had to share hard-to-hear information?Resources:Suggested Books for Adoptive FamiliesUsing Lifebooks to Explain Complex Issues in Adoption to KidsBuilding the Framework for Adopted & Foster Children to Process the Hard Parts of Their StoriesSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content: Weekly podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

This episode is a deep dive into the world of foster care - specifically, fostering a teen as a single woman. Our guest, Emily Ellett, shares her personal journey as a foster parent with candor and insight, shedding light on the realities, challenges, and heartfelt moments that come with it. We tackle the common misconceptions surrounding these kids and how the truth often varies from what's painted for potential foster parents. Emily's experiences reveal the rollercoaster of emotions that come with fostering teens, the unexpected hurdles, and the moments that make it all worth it. We chat about the importance of having a solid support system and the need to be open about what help you might need, all while keeping it real and relatable. Listen to hear all about love, resilience, and the complexities of foster care!From Foster to Forever takes a deep dive into the heartfelt and often unpredictable world of foster parenting in its latest episode featuring audiobook narrator and singer Emily Ellet. Listeners are treated to Emily's personal journey into fostering, which began from a place of genuine desire to help children who need a stable and loving home. The episode sheds light on the rigorous certification process she underwent, which served as her introduction to the realities of foster care, while also highlighting her personal experiences with trauma and the impact it had on her journey. Throughout the episode, Emily shares candid anecdotes about her first placements, illustrating the joys and difficulties that come with fostering teens who have faced significant challenges. Her reflections reveal the complexities of navigating relationships with not just the children but also with her own family, who were unsupportive of her decision to foster. This narrative not only underscores the emotional rollercoaster of fostering but also emphasizes the importance of having a solid support system in place. Emily's transparency about her struggles, including the miscommunication with caseworkers and the emotional toll of her experiences, offers a realistic perspective that is often overlooked. The overarching message of the episode is clear: fostering is a journey filled with challenges, but the love and connection foster parents bring to the lives of children make it a deeply rewarding endeavor. Emily's story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring guide for those considering fostering, reminding listeners that while the path is not easy, it is undeniably worthwhile. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the realities of foster care, especially when fostering an older child.Takeaways:Fostering can be a wild ride, and it's crucial to go in with your eyes wide open about the potential challenges ahead.Getting into fostering isn't just about helping kids; it's about knowing your own limits and having a solid support system in place.The reality of foster care often differs from the rosy picture painted by agencies; transparency is key for success.Foster parents need to be aware that the kids they take in may have complicated histories that could trigger their own past traumas, especially older children and teens.Links referenced in this episode:fromfoster2forever.com

Lawrence Joss delves into the complex issue of parental alienation and estrangement, emphasizing that these challenges are not merely family issues but systemic problems that require a broader understanding and intervention. He introduces five key reasons that contribute to these dynamics, drawing insights from therapist Kathy Himlin, who has extensive experience working with families affected by these issues. The conversation highlights the emotional turmoil children face when feeling rejected by a parent, the detrimental effects of prolonged separation, and the role of the legal system in exacerbating these problems. Joss and Himlin discuss actionable steps for parents to repair relationships and the importance of attachment-focused parenting in fostering reconnection.Key TakeawaysParental alienation is a systemic issue, not just a family problem.Children often feel rejected when they reject a parent, indicating an attachment rupture.Time without contact deepens trauma and reinforces feelings of rejection.The legal system can worsen family dynamics by prioritizing litigation over healing.Attachment-focused parenting can help reopen doors to connection.Chapters00:00 – Parental Alienation Is More Than a Family Problem 01:06 – Who This Episode Is For & Why Awareness Matters 01:55 – Children Reject When They Feel Rejected 03:33 – Understanding Attachment Ruptures in Development 05:04 – Why Time Without Contact Deepens Trauma 07:01 – Foster Care vs. Family Court: A Critical Gap 08:45 – How the Legal System Can Worsen Alienation 09:29 – When Litigation Replaces Healing 10:20 – Attachment-Focused Parenting That Reopens Doors 13:39 – Healing Is Still Possible, Even After YearsIf you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:Email - familydisappeared@gmail.comLinktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)Connect with Dr. Rebecca Bailey:https://polyvagalequineinstitute.comPlease donate to support PAA programs:https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom partThis podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-hostGlaze Gonzales- Podcast ManagerConnect with Lawrence Joss:Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/Email- familydisappeared@gmail.comThis podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-hostGlaze Gonzales- Podcast ManagerConnect with Lawrence Joss:Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/Email- familydisappeared@gmail.com

In this powerful and heartbreaking episode of Chicks on the Right, we sit down with Jamie Williams, a Washington State foster mom and former labor & delivery nurse, who is sounding the alarm on a child welfare system in crisis.Jamie shares firsthand accounts from inside Washington's foster care system, exposing how the “Keeping Families Together Act” has made it nearly impossible to remove children from dangerous homes—even when drugs, neglect, and extreme risk are present. Since the law's passage, child fatalities and near-fatalities have surged, while state officials deflect, downplay, and silence concerned foster parents. This is a must-watch conversation for anyone who cares about children, parental rights, foster care reform, and government accountability.Subscribe and stay tuned for new episodes every weekday!Follow us here for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:YoutubeFacebookInstagramTikTokXLocalsMore InfoWebsite

Adriene Caldwell returns to continue to share the pivotal moments that shaped her path and the unexpected resilience that emerged when the odds were stacked against her. After facing homelessness, a broken family and abuse, she turned those pressures that broke her into strengths. In the second and final part of our conversation, we continue to discuss what helped her become unbroken.Contact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.comCheck out the Silver Linings Handbook website at:https://silverliningshandbook.com/Check out our Patreon to support the show at:https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbookJoin our Facebook Group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at:https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-storeVisit The True Crime Times Substack at:https://truecrimemessenger.substack.comThe Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music.See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeanette Yoffe's journey from foster care to becoming a psychotherapist illustrates the profound impact of resilience and advocacy on healing. In our conversation, we delve into her extensive experience working with trauma, loss, and disrupted attachment, all while highlighting her upcoming book, *The Traumatized and At Risk Youth Toolbox*. This resource is packed with over 160 interventions designed specifically to support foster youth, addressing misconceptions about their behaviors and emphasizing the necessity of empathy and understanding. Jeanette's insights challenge common narratives, revealing the complexities behind foster youth's actions and reminding us that their defiance often signals deeper concerns about protection rather than rebellion. Join us as we explore the importance of creating safe spaces, the role of storytelling in recovery, and the urgent need for systemic change in the foster care landscape, all while sharing a few laughs along the way.Becoming Bridge Builders is back with a captivating discussion that dives deep into the complexities of foster care and trauma recovery, featuring the incredible Jeanette Yoffe. As an adoptee who spent six years in foster care, Jeanette brings a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to the table. This episode spans a range of topics, from the nuances of attachment theory to practical interventions for trauma-informed care, including her upcoming book, the Traumatized and At Risk Youth Toolbox. Listeners will gain insights into the critical role that understanding and empathy play in the lives of foster youth, as Jeanette passionately articulates the importance of recognizing their behaviors not as defiance, but as protective mechanisms borne from deep-seated trauma. Her anecdotes provide poignant examples of how a supportive environment can foster healing, and she emphasizes the need for professionals to approach these children with patience and an open heart. Moreover, Jeanette's unique perspective as a therapist and performer highlights the transformative power of storytelling in trauma recovery, making this episode not only informative but also deeply moving. In this episode, we're not just skimming the surface; we're diving headfirst into the emotional waters of foster care and trauma recovery. Jeanette Yoffe's insights challenge common misconceptions surrounding foster youth, highlighting the dire need for empathy and understanding. She shares her journey of turning personal pain into purpose, emphasizing that healing isn't a linear process but rather a lifelong journey that requires ongoing support and understanding. The conversation unfolds with an exploration of her practical tools, such as the self-forgiveness pool and the distress hill, designed to help young people articulate their feelings and reclaim their sense of agency. Jeanette's advocacy for open adoptions and the importance of birth family connections resonates throughout the dialogue, providing a fresh lens through which to view the foster care system. Her warmth and wisdom shine through as she invites listeners to consider the broader implications of trauma-informed care, making this episode a must-listen for anyone involved with youth in vulnerable situations.Join us as we navigate the intricate landscape of foster care and trauma recovery with Jeanette Yoff, whose commitment to bridging the gap between pain and healing is palpable. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, offering listeners a framework for understanding the experiences of foster youth and the importance of creating safe, nurturing spaces for their development. Jeanette's work through the Cecilia Center and her innovative toolbox for youth underscores the necessity of equipping caregivers and professionals with the right tools to foster resilience and healing. The conversation also touches on the role of storytelling in trauma recovery, as Jeanette shares her experiences in...