Episode 169: Talking Adoption with an Adoption Attorney
Release Date: 11/14/2023
Episode 187: Behavior Interventions that Work for Us
Fostering Voices Podcast
info_outline
Episode 186: Vacation Planning & Tips - Vehon Style
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: As summer blazes in Arizona, we’re constantly on the move, seeking cooler escapes to preserve our sanity. Traveling with a family of nine is no small feat, and we’ve gathered a treasure trove of tips and tricks to make it smoother. In this episode, we dive into Intentional Travel. Fresh from a recent timeshare presentation, we discuss the joys and challenges of discovering new experiences together and the importance of adventure in our family. We’ll share our favorite adventures and how we align them with our family goals. Next, in The Planning Behind the Fun, we break down the...
info_outline
Episode 185: Consider Yourself a Mandated Supporter
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this week's episode, we continue the important conversation started in Episode 184 “The Link Between Foster Care and Social Disparities”. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, we highly recommend checking it out to gain a deeper understanding of today’s discussion. June is Family Reunification Month, a time to celebrate families coming back together after separation due to child protective services. But what if reunification wasn’t necessary? What if we could focus more on prevention and support within our communities to keep families together in the first...
info_outline
Episode 184: The Link Between Foster Care and Social Disparities
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In honor of June being Family Reunification Month, today's episode sheds light on a crucial yet often overlooked issue in our community: the challenges and misconceptions surrounding birth families involved in the foster care system. As foster parents, we initially held unfair biases towards these families. However, through our journey, we've learned that various factors make some families more at risk of system involvement than others. To deepen this conversation, we are thrilled to welcome Claire Louge, the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. Claire is dedicated to...
info_outline
Episode 183: A Single Mom’s FosterAdopt Journey
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month, join us for an inspiring episode featuring a heartfelt conversation with my sister-in-law, Tara Armstrong. Tara played a pivotal role in our family's foster care journey, guiding us as we transitioned from having two kids to seven. Now, she has embarked on her own remarkable path. As a single mom of two, Tara opened her heart and home, adopting two children from the foster care system who were searching for their forever family. This episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of fostering and adoption, offering real talk and personal...
info_outline
Episode 182: Life-Changing Connections in Foster Care
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In today's episode, we explore the profound impact of connections on well-being, particularly in the context of foster care. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the pivotal role of social connections in fostering healthy choices and better mental and physical health outcomes. However, many children entering foster care face profound disconnection from their familiar support networks, exacerbating challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression. In Arizona, where the average foster child experiences two or more placements, the need for stable, nurturing...
info_outline
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:...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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....
info_outline
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...
info_outlineSummary:
Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast with Kim and Brian! In celebration of Adoption Awareness Month this November, join us for a special episode dedicated to all things adoption. Our guest, Ed Johnson, a revered local attorney deeply embedded in foster and adoption circles, brings a wealth of experience to the discussion.
In this insightful episode, Ed shares his years of knowledge, shedding light on crucial aspects of the adoption journey. If you're on the path to adoption in Arizona, don't miss the opportunity to connect with Ed—his contact information will be in the resource notes. As advocates for informed parenting, we emphasize the importance of understanding the unique spaces of loss associated with adoption. Education is key, and the more you empower yourself with knowledge, the better equipped you'll be to support your children, present or future.
We hope today's conversation sparks valuable insights and encourages ongoing discussions about adoption. Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of this meaningful journey.
Resource Links:
Ed Johnson - [email protected], 480-209-2847
Families Considering Foster Care and Adoption
The Primal Wound by Nancy Newton Verrier
Connect with us!
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Chapters:
00:03 - Intro
00:53 - Welcome!
01:42 - Ed's Story and Work
02:25 - Having a Voice in the Court System
03:53 - Ed's Experience with Adoption
05:39 - Kids Need to be Remembered
06:09 - Appreciating RAD
07:54 - The Joy and Reality of Adoption
10:12 - FIrst Hand Experience with Trauma
12:18 - Relating to One Another
12:46 - Support Leads to Successful Adoptions
15:56 - Resilience Leads to Successful Adoptions
17:51 - Those who Stick Around
18:54 - It's a Family Affair
19:25 - Who's Your Favorite Child?
20:24 - Other People's Perceptions
23:08 - To Foster or To Adopt?
27:03 - Talking about Severence
28:24 - Talking about Cost
30:24 - Subsidies for Fostering
35:23 - The Practical Support of Subsidy
36:56 - The Courtroom Process
40:03 - After the Courtroom is Over
42:08 - The 30-dollar Staple
44:29 - Freedom After Adoption
46:39 - Extended Family
47:35 - The Takeaway
48:59 - Resources
51:01 - Connect with Us!
51:24 - Thank you!