Category Foster Friendly Podcast

Episode 94 – Tumbleweeds to Triumph: Advocacy and Hope for Foster Youth with Paula Yost

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, co-hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Paula Yost, an attorney and licensed clinical medical health clinician, who shares her journey of advocacy for children in foster care and those with special needs. The conversation explores the impact of personal experiences, such as preeclampsia, on advocacy work, the complexities of navigating the foster care system, and the importance of education and support for both children and their advocates.

Paula emphasizes the need for unconditional love and the power of hope in transforming the lives of kids in foster care, while also addressing the hidden traumas they face and the systemic failures that often hinder their progress. The episode concludes with a call to action for foster parents to see themselves as advocates and to provide the love and support that these children desperately need.

Pickup a copy of her book: "Tumbleweeds: How to Be an Advocate for Your Children and Yourself in a Failing System"
https://a.co/d/07naKZEL

Takeaways
  • Paula Yost blends legal advocacy with therapeutic support.
  • Preeclampsia changed Paula's perspective on health and advocacy.
  • Foster parents need to be informed about children's backgrounds.
  • The foster care system often fails to support children's needs.
  • Advocacy is essential for navigating educational systems.
  • Unconditional love is crucial for foster children.
  • Trauma impacts foster children's development and relationships.
  • Education and support can change the trajectory of foster kids' lives.
  • Building trust with foster children is vital for their healing.
  • Hope is a powerful tool in advocating for foster children.

Episode 93 – Keeping it Real: What Every Foster Parent Needs to Know with Dr. John DeGarmo and Jen Lilley

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis speaks with Dr. John DiGarmo and Jen Lilley about their experiences in foster care and advocacy. They discuss their personal journeys, the challenges faced in the foster care system, and the importance of community support. The conversation also highlights their upcoming book, 'Called to Foster,' which aims to provide an honest guide for those considering fostering. 

The episode emphasizes the need for awareness and advocacy in the foster care system, as well as the emotional and practical realities of fostering children in crisis. The discussion also touches on the fears potential foster parents may have, the significance of community, and the transformative experiences that come from loving and caring for children in need.

Pickup a copy of their book "Called to Foster?: An Honest Guide to Getting Started"

https://a.co/d/0e6BFfwp

Dr. John DeGarmo's website: Foster Care Institute
https://www.drjohndegarmofostercare.com/

Jen Lilley's website:
https://www.jenlilley.com/

Takeaways
  • Foster care is a unique lifestyle full of sacrifices.
  • Advocacy for foster children is crucial, especially during crises.
  • Personal experiences shape the understanding of foster care.
  • Community support is essential for foster parents.
  • Awareness can lead to increased involvement in foster care.
  • Not everyone is called to foster, but everyone can help.
  • Fostering requires a different parenting approach due to trauma.
  • The book 'Called to Foster' offers insights and guidance.
  • Foster care can be more challenging than anticipated.
  • Humor can be found in the toughest fostering moments. Fostering is both challenging and rewarding.
  • Family support is crucial in the foster care journey.
  • Taking an orientation class can provide valuable information.
  • Foster parents need to love children unconditionally.
  • Children in foster care need stability and structure.
  • Foster care can lead to personal growth and empathy.
  • Respite homes are essential for supporting foster families.
  • Fostering can positively impact biological children.
  • Every child deserves love and attention.
  • Foster care can strengthen one's faith and sense of purpose.

Episode 92 – Foster Parenting Success: Pro Tips and Practical Advice with Laura, Foster Parent Partner

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome back Laura, the Foster Parent Partner, a well-known figure in the foster care community, to discuss her new book, 'First Time Fostering.' The conversation explores the complexities of foster care, the importance of realistic expectations for prospective foster parents, and the balance between honesty and recruitment. Laura shares insights on preparing for new placements, the unique challenges faced by single foster parents, and essential items that can aid in fostering.

The episode concludes with a discussion on learning from mistakes in foster care, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the needs of children in care. The three also discuss the complexities of foster care, focusing on how to communicate with children about their circumstances, the impact of trauma on behavior, and the importance of resources and training for foster parents. They emphasize the need for empathy and understanding in dealing with children who have experienced trauma, and provide practical advice for those considering becoming foster parents.

Pickup a copy of Laura's new book "First Time Fostering: A Practical Guide for Supporting Kids in Foster Care"

https://a.co/d/0hKa3tjW

Takeaways
  • Foster Care Awareness Month is a time to highlight the need for families.
  • Laura's book provides practical advice for new foster parents.
  • It's important to balance honesty with the need to recruit foster families.
  • Single foster parents play a crucial role in the foster care system.
  • Preparation for foster children includes both physical and emotional readiness.
  • Therapeutic toys can help children communicate and process their experiences.
  • Documentation and organization are key for single foster parents.
  • Convertible furniture can save money and space for foster families.
  • Sensory items are essential for helping children regulate their emotions.
  • Learning from past mistakes is vital for growth in foster care. Parents should answer children's questions about foster care age-appropriately.
  • Children may come into foster care with fears and misconceptions.
  • Books about foster care should be chosen carefully to avoid misleading outcomes.
  • Foster care is about stepping in to help families in need.
  • Conversations about foster care should evolve as situations change.
  • Trauma can manifest in various behaviors in children.
  • Empathy and compassion are crucial in supporting children in care.
  • Training and resources are essential for effective foster parenting.
  • There will always be an element of uncertainty in foster care.
  • Being open to learning and adapting is key to successful foster parenting.

Episode 91 – Innovating Child Welfare Systems with Felicia Curcuru

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Felicia Kakura, CEO and co-founder of Binti, a technology platform designed to streamline the foster care licensing process. Felicia shares her personal connection to the foster care system, stemming from her sister's challenging experience in adopting two children. This motivated her to create a solution that simplifies the licensing process for families and social workers alike. 

Felicia discusses the transformative impact of Binti on the child welfare system, emphasizing how their software solutions streamline processes for agencies and improve outcomes for children. Binti currently serves over 550 agencies across 36 states, significantly improving the efficiency of family approvals and reducing the administrative burden on social workers.

Binti functions like TurboTax for foster and adoptive families, allowing them to complete applications online, e-sign documents, and upload necessary paperwork. The platform also provides social workers with a user-friendly dashboard to track families' progress, manage background checks, and automate reminders. With measurable results showing a 30% increase in family approvals and an 18% reduction in processing time, Binti is making a significant impact in the child welfare sector. 

She emphasizes the importance of reducing the number of children in care and increasing family placements, aligning with federal initiatives. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the need for unconditional love and support for children in foster care, showcasing Binti's commitment to improving the foster care experience for both children and families.

Learn more about Binti:
https://binti.com/

Takeaways
  • Binti serves over 550 agencies in 36 states.
  • The platform improves family approval rates by 30% and reduces processing time by 18%.
  • Felicia's motivation stemmed from her sister's difficult adoption experience.
  • Binti automates administrative tasks for social workers, allowing them to focus on family engagement.
  • AI is used to streamline processes without making decisions about families. Agencies using Binti are 18% faster on average.
  • Binti allows for paper applications to accommodate non-tech-savvy families.
  • The goal is to reduce the number of children in care while increasing family placements.
  • Binti's software aims to streamline processes for social workers and improve outcomes for children.
  • Unconditional love and support are essential for children in foster care.

Episode 90 – From Foster Care to Flourishing: An Actor, Author, and Advocate with Charell Star

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian and Courtney welcome Charell Starr, a former foster youth and advocate. Charell shares her personal journey through the foster care system, discussing the challenges she faced, her reunification with her mother, and her experiences in boarding school. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique circumstances of each child in foster care and the need for empathy towards families. 

Charell also discusses her transition into advocacy, sparked by her desire to raise awareness about the needs of foster youth, leading to her participation in a documentary series that highlights various foster care experiences. She emphasizes the role of mentors, like CASAs, in helping youth navigate their challenges and highlights her memoir, 'Trash Bag Tales,' which details her journey and the significance of community and trust in healing from trauma.

Pickup a copy of her book "Trash Bag Tales":
https://a.co/d/0eP3OiC1

Takeaways
  • Charell's journey through foster care began at a young age.
  • She experienced six different homes in six years.
  • Reunification with her mother was a challenging process.
  • Education provided a grounding force in her life.
  • Every child's experience in foster care is unique.
  • Advocacy can stem from personal experiences and feelings.
  • Empathy towards families is crucial in foster care.
  • Documentaries can raise awareness about foster care issues.
  • Charell's story is part of a larger docu-series on foster care.
  • Understanding trauma is essential for supporting youth in care. No youth in foster care deserves to be in foster care.
  • Stereotypes about foster youth often stem from misconceptions.
  • Support from mentors can significantly impact a youth's success.
  • Charell credits her success to her great grandmother and supportive teachers.
  • Writing her memoir was a way to share her story and inspire others.
  • Healing from trauma requires community and trust in others.
  • CASAs play a crucial role in advocating for foster youth.
  • Youth with CASAs are more likely to reunify with families and graduate high school.
  • Everyone deserves someone who believes in them.
  • Charell's story illustrates the power of empathy and understanding. 

Episode 89 – Creating Belonging: Inspiring Stories From Our I Belong Project

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis discuss the I Belong Project, a program aimed at helping children in foster care find families. This is a unique episode because some of the stories shared on this episode come from our staff on the ground in various states across the country. The hosts listen and react and also share their own personal stories and insights from their experiences in foster care and adoption, highlighting the importance of storytelling and social media in raising awareness and engaging potential adoptive families. The conversation emphasizes the need for better matching of children with families and the challenges faced by kids in the foster care system.

The hosts discuss the challenges faced by hard-to-place children in the foster care system, the importance of creative advocacy in finding families for these children, the significance of sibling bonds in the adoption process, and the complex emotions surrounding grief and loss in adoption. They emphasize the need for awareness and compassion in addressing the needs of these children and the families that support them. 

Learn more about about our I Belong Project and meet kids waiting for adoptive families:

https://americaskidsbelong.org/meet-the-kids/

Takeaways
  • Courtney has been a foster mom for 18 years.
  • The I Belong Project helps children find families through storytelling.
  • Social media plays a crucial role in raising awareness.
  • Many families inquire about children they see in videos.
  • The project has filmed over 4,258 kids without turning anyone down.
  • Kids in foster care often wait years for adoption.
  • The best advocates for children are the children themselves.
  • Matching families to children is a critical process.
  • The project has led to increased inquiries from first-time foster parents.
  • There is a family for every child, and connections can be biological.  Kids who are hard to place often wait a long time for families.
  • Reunification efforts may fail, leading to the need for adoption.
  • Many hard-to-place kids have special needs or siblings they want to stay with.
  • Creative advocacy can change perceptions and outcomes for children.
  • Siblings being separated in adoption is a common but challenging issue.
  • Keeping siblings together can provide emotional support during adoption.
  • Adoption comes with grief for biological families and foster families.
  • Understanding the grief involved in adoption is crucial for adoptive families.
  • Adoptive parents often face their own grief while supporting their children.
  • The journey to adoption can lead to unexpected family connections.

Episode 88 – Overcoming Fatherhood Wounds and Being Better Fathers and Father Figures with Patton Dodd

In this conversation, Patton Dodd discusses the importance of understanding poverty and inequality in San Antonio through storytelling and community engagement. He shares insights from his memoir about fatherhood, exploring his relationship with his father and the impact of father figures in one's life. The discussion emphasizes the need for awareness and connection in addressing social issues and the complexities of familial relationships. In this conversation, Patton Dodd shares his insights on fatherhood, exploring the complexities of father figures, personal expectations, and the importance of presence in parenting. He discusses his own journey of becoming a dad, the emotional challenges he faced, and the significance of being fully present for children. Dodd emphasizes that fatherhood is an evolutionary role that requires intentional engagement and nurturing, and he provides resources for dads looking to deepen their connections with their children.
Takeaways
  • We wanted to talk to people about poverty and inequality.
  • We use stories to facilitate conversations.
  • We've generated an audience who care about these issues.
  • We're not pushing towards particular policy outcomes.
  • We're trying to get people to become more aware.
  • I was haunted by my dad's story.
  • I felt a little bit of boldness to write.
  • I didn't really know my father until I researched him.
  • You don't become the way my dad was without trauma.
  • Father figures aren't just mentors, you create them. I gave him a lot; I expected him to be something he was never going to be.
  • Part of the answer to anxiety is just listening to the stories of other dads.
  • What’s needed is not to feel like you know how to do it, but to keep showing up.
  • Presence comes from deep within; you have to choose to be attentive.
  • You can do a lot of dutiful stuff and be completely absent-minded about it.
  • Fathers play an essential role that can't just be replaced.
  • We are wired for fatherhood; it's part of our evolution.
  • Little moments become the big moments in life.
  • You have to actually choose to be attentive to your children.
  • It's important to be all in during those moments with your kids.

Episode 87 – Love Isn’t Enough: The Honest Realities of Foster Parenting with Kayla Moffitt

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Kayla Moffitt, a dedicated mother of five and a TBRI practitioner. The conversation begins with Kayla sharing her journey from being a youth pastor to becoming a foster parent, highlighting the challenges and joys of welcoming five siblings into her home overnight. Kayla discusses the emotional complexities of parenting children from traumatic backgrounds, particularly the grief she experienced when her father passed away just as her new children were moving in. The hosts and Kayla delve into the importance of understanding trauma-informed care and the necessity of regulating one's own emotions as a parent to create a safe environment for children who have faced significant hardships.

As the discussion progresses, Kayla emphasizes the need for community support for foster families, sharing her experiences with both helpful and unhelpful forms of assistance. She stresses that love alone is not enough; foster parents must also be equipped with knowledge and resources to effectively support their children. The episode concludes with Kayla offering practical advice for future foster parents, urging them to meet children where they are emotionally and to be patient as they navigate the complexities of building trust and relationships. This heartfelt conversation is a testament to the resilience of foster families and the importance of community in the foster care journey.

Follow Kayla on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/makingthemoffitts/

Checkout our free trauma training workshop:
https://americaskidsbelong.org/lp/trauma-sensitivity-workshop-training/

Takeaways:

  • Love is not enough; understanding is crucial.
  • Meet children where they are emotionally.
  • Community support is vital for foster families.
  • Regulate yourself before attempting to regulate a child.
  • Foster parents need tangible help, not just good intentions.

Episode 86 – Transforming Trauma Into Triumph: Practical Tips and Tools with Jeanette Yoffee

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/

Takeaways
  • Jeanette 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. 

Episode 85 – How to Keep Going as a Foster Mom: Encouragement and Inspiration with Jamie Finn

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 Care
https://a.co/d/052zNuJ9

Checkout her org: Foster the Family
https://www.fosterthefamily.org/

Instagram:
@fosterthefamilyblog

Takeaways
  • Jamie 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.

Episode 84 – “Foster Care Saved My Life”: A Heartfelt Conversation with Tyler Hunter

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Tyler Hunter shares his profound journey through foster care and adoption. He reflects on the challenges he faced, the coping mechanisms he developed, and the importance of community and support in his life. Tyler emphasizes the transformative power of foster care, the significance of forgiveness, and the need for advocacy in the child welfare system. His story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the impact of unconditional love and support.
Takeaways
  • Foster care can be a life-saving experience.
  • Masking feelings is a common coping mechanism for children in care.
  • School can provide a safe haven for foster children.
  • Finding a sense of normalcy is crucial for foster youth.
  • Forgiveness is essential for personal healing.
  • Community support is vital for children in foster care.
  • Foster parents play a critical role in a child's life.
  • Vulnerability is a challenge for many who have experienced trauma.
  • Positive affirmations can significantly impact a child's self-worth.
  • Advocacy is necessary to improve the foster care system.

Episode 83 – A New Year of the Podcast and Some Great Listener Submitted Questions

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis welcome listeners to 2026 and discuss the new rhythm of the podcast. They reflect on the importance of understanding foster care, the emotional journey of becoming a foster parent, and the realities of handling goodbyes. The conversation emphasizes the need for a support system, the reasons families may quit fostering, and how communities can better support foster families. They also touch on the challenges faced by youth who age out of the foster care system and highlight the mission of America's Kids Belong.

Takeaways:
You’ll never feel “fully ready” to foster — and that’s normal. Nervousness and discomfort don’t mean you aren’t called or capable; they often mean you’re taking the responsibility seriously.

Saying “no” to a placement can be the most loving decision. New foster parents often feel pressured to say yes immediately, but the wrong yes can lead to burnout, disrupted placements, and quitting altogether.
Good matches matter more than good intentions. Asking detailed questions about a child’s needs, visitation schedule, trauma history, and daily demands helps protect both the child and your family.
Fostering impacts your whole household — not just you. If you have kids, their ages, personalities, and emotional capacity matter, especially when placements are similar in age or gender.
Goodbyes are inevitable — and they’re supposed to hurt. Healthy goodbyes include honoring the relationship, marking the transition, allowing grief, and prioritizing the child’s emotional needs over your own.
You don’t have to perform grief the same way every time. Some goodbyes will break your heart; others may bring relief — both responses are valid if the child was cared for well.
Most foster families quit within the first year due to preventable factors. Lack of preparation, support systems, realistic expectations, and trauma-informed training are the biggest reasons families burn out early.
Support systems are non-negotiable. Foster families need practical, consistent help — especially with transportation, meals, childcare, and schedule flexibility.
If you’re not fostering, don’t wait to be asked — step in proactively. Foster parents are often helpers who don’t ask for help; specific, concrete offers (“I’ll take kids to practice Tuesdays”) make a real difference.