Episode 181: It's OK to Say, "I'm Not OK."
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today, it’s just the two of us, engaging in a candid conversation about mental health. Ironically, we find ourselves easing into a month dedicated to both mental health and foster care awareness. For those who have experienced life within the foster care system, the intricate connection between these two realms becomes evident. So, let’s dive into the spaces where our mental well-being has been profoundly affected and the valuable lessons we’ve gleaned along the way. With that, let’s begin this authentic conversation. 🌟 Resource Links: Connect with us! Email:...
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Episode 180: How Caregiver Stress Impacts Our Bodies
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In honor of Stress Awareness Month, our podcast delves into the crucial topic of stress reduction and self-care. While this is important for everyone, it holds even greater significance for caregivers of children with special needs and those working in social services fields. The toll of constant stress can adversely affect our health, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, inadequate sleep, lack of physical activity, and imbalanced diets. These factors increase the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. But how do we address this challenge? Today,...
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Episode 179: What is Critical Memory Integration and How Can it Help?
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today, we’re delving into an exciting new therapy modality called Critical Memory Integration. This groundbreaking approach focuses on healing trauma by exploring unresolved critical memories and integrating them with neutral memories, fostering resilience in individuals. At the forefront of this creation, our incredible team of panelists joins us today. You might recognize one of our team members—Estefana Johnson—who shared her insights in our Valentine’s episode. Estefana is a cherished friend of Foster Arizona. Alongside Estefana, we have two remarkable psychologists: Dr....
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Episode 178: Learning and Growing Together - On Location at Foster Cooperative Training Day: Part 2
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast! In today’s episode, we’re picking up where we left off last week. Our microphones are live on location at Foster Cooperative’s first training day of 2024, where we’re soaking up knowledge and growing together. 🌱 Last time, you had the pleasure of meeting some of our incredible presenters. This week, get ready to hear from three more remarkable human beings. They’ll share their stories, insights, and passion for fostering. 🎙️ So, without further ado, let’s dive into this enriching conversation! Buckle up, because here we...
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Episode 177: Learning and Growing Together - On Location at Foster Cooperative Training Day: Part 1
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today is all about something extra special! We've packed our gear and hit the road to bring you an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. Right now, we're on location at Foster Cooperative's training day, immersing ourselves in a day of learning and growth. Foster Arizona, a beacon of support and empowerment, hosts these training events twice a year. And let me tell you, each time is a unique journey filled with eye-opening insights. Today, we're not keeping those gems to ourselves – we're bringing you along for the ride! Join us as we dive into various topics and explore valuable...
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Episode 176: All You Need is Love (Not!)
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: It’s officially Hallmark’s week of love! 🌟 When it comes to parenting kids with trauma, we often hear the words, “All You Need is Love.” But is that really true? This week, we dive deep into this question. We’re thrilled to have Estefana Johnson joining us in the conversation. Estefana, a clinical social worker, began her career working with youth in residential treatment facilities. She’s a mover and a shaker, bringing innovative approaches to trauma therapies. Plus, she’s a favorite trainer at our semi-annual Foster Cooperative training events. And let’s not...
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Episode 175: I Want to Foster! Now What?
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Discover the profound journey of becoming a foster parent in a nation grappling with a staggering shortage. In this episode, we explore the critical issue of the national decline in foster parent numbers, intensified by a 60% drop since the onset of the pandemic. Arizona, mirroring this trend, has witnessed a drastic decrease from 5,559 licensed foster homes in 2019 to a mere 2,798 as of November 2023 – marking a nearly 50% loss. Against this backdrop, our guests, Elisia and Jade from Step Stone Youth Agency, shed light on the challenges and rewards of foster parenting. At a time...
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Episode 174: Moms Get Real
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Welcome to the Fostering Voices podcast with your host Kim! Join us as we shake things up in this episode by delving into some authentic mom talk. We've given Brian the boot for now to bring you a heartfelt discussion on the joys and challenges of parenting within the realms of foster care and adoption. As a mom personally touched by these experiences, connecting with others who share similar journeys has been both empowering and deeply meaningful. In today's episode, we're joined by the wonderful Elisia and Ally, fellow moms navigating the unique landscape of foster care and...
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Episode 173: Kids’ Perspective on Foster Care and Adoption
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast! Happy 2024, everyone! We're thrilled to kick off another year of heartfelt conversations and insightful stories. In today's episode, we have a special discussion with our 'bigs'—Maisey, Liesey, and Sam—sharing their unique perspectives on foster care and adoption. Join us as we delve into their experiences, gaining valuable insights into the world of fostering and adoption through their eyes. Thanks for tuning in, and let's embark on this journey of understanding and empathy together! Resource Links: Connect with us! Email:...
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Episode 172: Foster Care Land Between: Planning Your Future in the Unknown
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: As we wrap up 2024, we're diving into the complexities of foster care planning. Unlike the conventional New Year's resolutions, the foster care journey is a unique landscape filled with uncertainties. In today's raw and unfiltered discussion, it's just the two of us sharing our personal experiences without any guests. We want to pull back the curtain on the challenges and emotions that come with navigating the foster care land between. As we all contemplate what the coming year holds, those entrenched in foster care face a different set of considerations. Planning takes on a whole new...
info_outlineHave you ever been under investigation as a foster family? We have! And we are here to share about it. Not the details of our investigation per se, but definitely what happened when we found out, and how it panned out. Listen to the episode to hear alllllll about it!
So, we have been a foster family for over 5 years now. And we made the decision to only foster babies for several reasons. A big reason - they can't talk. We have A LOT of talkers in this house, and we didn't feel like we needed to hear more words. Also, we are afraid of things like THIS. Having allegations made up about us. Not to say that is something that definitely happens when you have older kids. But We only fostered babies and never had this. Then we started fostering older kids and BLAMO! Investigation.
Our Investigation Story
Last year we decided to take in older children - and 2 of them! And what a glorious decision that was. Unicorn and Mermaid have been great additions to our family, and we are thankful for them. But their mom made an allegation against our 4 year old, and all of a sudden we were being investigated! This came out of left field, especially since we felt really great about our relationship with their mom. And as our case worker aptly put it - we felt so betrayed. We are over here working our tails off to care for her girls, and we are trying so hard to operate in a way that is above reproach, and she still does this to us.
Apparently, if the investigation is an emergency, someone from the state will come out to see you within 48 hours. Someone came to see us about a month later. The investigator was very kind and talked to me, then each of the kids, and then our bio kids altogether. The process took about 2 hours. And then he called the other adults who live in this house, but weren't present. So, maybe make sure everyone who lives in the house is home when your investigator comes.
Everything came back unfounded. We are thankful that that ordeal is over. And we are aware that not everyone is so lucky to have an easy investigation. I am aware that foster kids can lie about your family, and that bio families can as well. We encourage you to get a call recording app to record phone calls (something we should have done but didn't), and making sure your family has rules - that you actually abide by, so that allegations made against you can't stand because everyone in the home already lives by those rules.
We are here for you if you should ever find yourself in this position. It is something that foster parent classes tell you to be prepared for - but this is not a guarantee, nor is it something that should prevent you from getting involved in foster care!
Additional resources
We referred to a lot of past episodes within this episode. Please check out the episode with our Case Worker, Kelly Lewis. We also spoke with an amazing GAL who helped us to understand the legal side of things. And Kim Vehon of Foster Arizona is such a huge support to me. And she has so many resources for foster parents. Also, Grace Sharp, a dear friend, used to help manage a group home, and you should listen to her episode as well!
Even though we were not thankful for this investigation at the time, we are thankful that there are steps to find BAD foster families. We are aware that people who pose as safe homes, are anything but. We want those homes to be shut down! We do find it frustrating though, that good foster families who are truly trying to do right by kids in care, have zero legal representation. We hear there are several new bills and pieces of legislation that are emerging, so we are interested to see how that comes to play for foster families.
Good Word of the Day
"Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools." - Ecclesiastes 7:9
That was a word specifically for me! I definitely acted the fool that day (and a few days after) as I processed the investigation and the allegations made against our family.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:2
But THIS good word is how I should have acted, and how we all need to act, even in the face of anger and disappointment. We are not responsible for our first reaction to news and events. We are, however, responsible for our first actions, and subsequent actions afterwards.
If you would like to connect:
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