In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis is joined by his colleagues (who form the Executive Leadership Team), Nanette Kirsch and Phil Grizzle, to discuss the mission of America's Kids Belong (AKB) and the challenges faced in the foster care system. They emphasize the importance of family in improving outcomes for children in foster care and explore the persistent issues of recruitment and retention of foster families. The conversation highlights the need for community support, awareness, and innovative solutions like the I Belong Project, which aims to connect children in foster care with adoptive families through storytelling.

This conversation also delves into the importance of fostering connections within communities to support children in need. It highlights the innovative approaches taken by AKB to build trust with child welfare systems, create memorable experiences for children, and engage various community sectors, including businesses and faith groups, to foster a supportive environment for families. The discussion emphasizes the need for recruitment and retention of foster parents, showcasing successful initiatives like Foster Friendly Communities and the impact of storytelling through videos on adoption. Lastly, there's also some really practical ways shared of how you can directly impact the lives of kids in foster care by supporting the mission of America's Kids Belong.

More from America's Kids Belong:

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Please consider donating today to support our mission to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit https://americaskidsbelong.org/ and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

Darius Kawewehi, a former foster youth, shares his experiences and insights on being in foster care. He was born and raised in Hawaii and grew up surrounded by the Hawaiian culture. Darius shares the story of his viral video in high school where he read a thank you letter to his adoptive mom. He then delves into his journey of entering foster care at the age of four, the uncertainty and confusion he felt, and the traumatic experiences he went through. He highlights the importance of finding stability and a sense of belonging in a family, which allowed him to start healing and envision a future for himself.

Dairius reflects on the pivotal moments in his life and the importance of belonging and support. He emphasizes the role of community in the lives of foster children, highlighting the impact of teachers, therapists, and coaches who provided love and guidance. Dairius also discusses the challenges of feeling like a transactional figure in some foster homes and the disruption of birth orders. He shares his vision of creating a mentorship program for current and former foster youth and the importance of creating a safe space for them to connect and heal.

Some short videos featuring Dairius on various topics:

What makes a good foster parent?

Forgiveness and finding hope

Thoughts around adoption

Healing from abuse and trauma

More from America's Kids Belong:

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Please consider donating today to support our mission to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit https://americaskidsbelong.org/ and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode, Courtney and Brian interview Marcy Bursac, founder of the Forgotten Adoption Option, about her experience with foster care adoption. Marcy shares her personal journey of adopting two siblings from foster care and the challenges she faced along the way. She also discusses the need for more awareness and support for foster care adoption and how she started the Forgotten Adoption Option to provide resources and guidance to prospective adoptive parents. The conversation highlights the importance of intentionality, perseverance, and the power of sharing personal experiences to inspire and educate others. The conversation also explores the barriers and challenges of adopting through foster care.

Marcy Bursac shares her perspective on the universal barriers that adoptive parents may face, including fear, stigma, and difficulties with the system. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and addressing personal wounds before embarking on the adoption journey. The conversation also highlights the two main categories of children in foster care: those with the goal of reunification and those waiting for adoption. Marcy encourages prospective adoptive parents to remember their why and be open to where the need is. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of getting licensed and being ready to help when the opportunity arises.

More from America's Kids Belong:

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Please consider donating today to support our mission to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit https://americaskidsbelong.org/ and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

Jamie and Adriana Howard share their adoption journey of becoming an instant family of six through foster care. They initially planned for domestic infant adoption but felt drawn to foster care and older children. They emphasize the importance of learning as they go and being open to trying new strategies when it comes to parenting. They highlight the uniqueness of each child and the need to adapt parenting approaches accordingly. The Howards also discuss the significance of preserving sibling bonds and the sense of identity and stability it provides for children in foster care.

They unpack their experience of adopting four siblings and the importance of keeping siblings together in foster care. They discuss the challenges and rewards of parenting a sibling group and the unique bond that develops between siblings who have experienced similar hardships. Jamie and Adriana emphasize the need for support from the community and the power of having other adults in the children's lives. They also highlight the gratitude and resilience of their children and the transformative impact of the adoption journey.

Short video on the Howard's going from zero to four kids instantly and another video about their adoption journey.

More from America's Kids Belong:

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Please consider donating today to support our mission to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care.

Stats cited in this episode HERE:

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit https://americaskidsbelong.org/ and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Travis and Courtney interview Nicholas Kelley, a single foster dad who shares his journey into fostering and running a family-owned "Foster Friendly" restaurant, Kelley's Tavern and Grill, in Georgia. Nicholas talks about his experiences as a foster dad and the unique perspective he brings to the foster care system. He emphasizes the importance of finding a support system within the foster care community and being flexible in the face of challenges. Nicholas also discusses the stereotypes and assumptions he faces as a single foster dad and the rewards he experiences in his role.

Nicholas discusses the importance of having a support system as a foster parent and finding inspiration to keep going. He emphasizes the role of faith in his journey and the joy of seeing positive changes in the lives of the children he fosters. Nicholas also shares his experience as a foster-friendly business owner and the motivation behind supporting foster families. The conversation highlights the need for support and community involvement in the foster care system.

Short video of Nicholas' story and a short video story about his Kelly's Tavern being a Foster Friendly business:

More from America's Kids Belong:

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Please consider donating today to support our mission to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit https://americaskidsbelong.org/ and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis delve into the fundamentals of foster care, sharing personal stories and insights from their experiences. They discuss the definition of foster care, the statistics surrounding it, and the pressing need for more foster families. The conversation also addresses common myths and misconceptions about foster care, practical steps for those interested in becoming foster parents, and the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for children in care. The hosts emphasize the emotional and relational aspects of fostering, encouraging listeners to consider their motivations and the impact they can have on the lives of children and families in need.

More from America's Kids Belong:

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Please consider donating today to support our mission to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care.

Foster care stats mentioned in this episode:
https://cafo.org/foster-care-statistics/

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit https://americaskidsbelong.org/ and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode, Pastor Buddy Sampson discusses the importance of foster care from a church perspective and the biblical mandate to care for orphans. He shares how his church, Overland Durango, meets the requirements to be a foster-friendly faith community by teaching about foster care, supporting foster families, and providing trauma sensitivity training. Pastor Buddy also talks about the connection between aging out of foster care and homelessness, emphasizing the need for adoptive love and support to prevent homelessness.

He shares his interactions with homeless individuals and the importance of building relationships and showing care and compassion. The conversation explores the challenges and experiences of working with the homeless population and the importance of addressing the systemic issues that lead to homelessness. It emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and support for individuals struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and broken families. The conversation also highlights the role of churches in becoming foster-friendly and providing a safe and supportive community for foster families. The guests encourage pastors and church leaders to prioritize foster care and adoption as part of their ministry and to create a culture of love and acceptance for vulnerable children and families.

More from America's Kids Belong:

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Please consider donating today to support our mission to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit https://americaskidsbelong.org/ and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams interview Larry and Tammie May, a couple who adopted a child after their biological children had grown up. The conversation explores their decision to adopt, the challenges they faced, and the importance of being brave and stepping out of the norm. They discuss the partnership between them and how they supported each other throughout the adoption process. The Mays also share their experiences of raising a child from a hard place and how it differed from raising their biological children.

Overall, the episode highlights the importance of considering adoption at any stage of life and the rewards it can bring. Larry and Tammie May share their experience of becoming empty nesters and deciding to open their home to a child in need. They adopted internationally from El Salvador and were unaware of the crisis in the foster care system until they saw the staggering number of children in need. This realization led them to become CASA volunteers, advocating for children in the court system. They encourage others in the retirement stage of life to find ways to make a difference, emphasizing that retirement doesn't mean ceasing to work but rather finding the next adventure. They also highlight the importance of compassion and understanding for both the children and their biological parents in the foster care system. Through their work with Indiana Kids Belong, they raise awareness and engage businesses and faith communities to support children in foster care.

Takeaways

- Adoption is a viable option for couples at any stage of life, including empty nesters.

- Being brave and stepping out of the norm can lead to fulfilling experiences and making a difference in the lives of children.

- Having a strong partnership and supporting each other is crucial when considering adoption.

- Raising a child from a hard place can be challenging but also rewarding, and previous parenting experience can provide valuable insights.

- Adoption is a journey that requires thought, prayer, and openness to God's guidance. Becoming empty nesters can be an opportunity to open your home to a child in need and make a difference in their life.

- Retirement doesn't mean ceasing to work, but rather finding the next adventure and making a meaningful impact.

- Compassion and understanding are essential when working with children in the foster care system and their biological parents.

- There are various ways to support children in foster care, such as becoming a CASA volunteer or engaging businesses and faith communities to raise awareness and provide resources.

More from America's Kids Belong:

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Please consider donating today to support our mission to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit https://americaskidsbelong.org/ and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.