Category Foster Friendly Podcast

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.

Episode 82 – A Soldier’s Big Heart: Jackson’s Gift to Foster Youth with Sarah Davis and Andrea Forringer

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Andrea Forringer and Sarah Davis, from Jackson's Gift, an organization dedicated to supporting youth aging out of the foster care system who are enlisting in the military. The conversation explores the life of Andrea's adoptive son, Jackson, who faced numerous challenges in his early life, including entering foster care at a young age. 

The discussion highlights Jackson's aspirations to serve in the military, his experiences in foster care, and the founding of Jackson's Gift to honor his legacy by providing financial support to foster youth transitioning to military life. The episode emphasizes the importance of community support, mentorship, and advocacy for these young individuals.

Checkout their website:
https://jacksonsgift.com/

Takeaways
  • Jackson's Gift honors the legacy of Andrea's son, Jackson.
  • The organization supports youth aging out of foster care who enlist in the military.
  • Jackson faced significant challenges in his early life, including foster care and adoption.
  • He aspired to be a Marine and wanted to help others in similar situations.
  • The importance of mentorship and community support for foster youth is emphasized.
  • Jackson's experiences in foster care prepared him for military life.
  • The organization provides monetary awards to eligible youth.
  • Advocacy for foster youth navigating military enlistment is crucial.
  • The founders aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by foster youth.
  • Jackson's Gift is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

Episode 81 – Replay: How to Best Navigate the Holidays as a Foster Family with Bethany Hall

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis and Courtney, along with guest Bethany Hall, discuss the complexities of navigating the holidays for children in foster care. They explore the emotional challenges, the importance of managing expectations, and strategies for preparing both parents and extended family for the unique dynamics that arise during this time.

The conversation emphasizes the need for trauma-informed approaches and the significance of creating supportive environments for children. This conversation delves into the complexities of navigating holidays for families involved in foster care. It highlights the emotional challenges faced by children, the importance of preparing them for new experiences, and the need for understanding from extended family members. The speakers share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for creating a supportive environment during the holidays, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage and empowering birth families. The discussion also touches on the role of education in fostering awareness and compassion within the community.

Visit Chosen.care to learn how Chosen’s services and training can make a difference in your family’s life.

Episode 80 – Digital Safety for Foster Homes: Insights from Cybersecurity Experts

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams engages with cybersecurity experts Chad Rychlewski and Kae David to discuss the critical importance of protecting children in the digital age. They explore various topics including digital footprints, the risks associated with social media, and the necessity of open communication between parents and children. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents, especially foster parents, to be proactive in safeguarding their children's online presence and understanding the technology they use. The episode also highlights practical tips and resources for parents to navigate the complexities of digital safety.

Checkout their website:
www.cybersecurityparents.com

Takeaways
  • Understanding digital footprints is crucial for child safety.
  • Parents must teach children about online risks.
  • Open communication is key to building trust with children.
  • Cyber bullying is a significant risk for kids online.
  • Locking children's credit can prevent identity theft.
  • Foster parents can set rules for technology use.
  • Conducting tech audits helps ensure safety.
  • Behavior contracts can clarify expectations around technology.
  • All devices with internet access need to be monitored.
  • Staying updated on technology changes is essential for parents.

Episode 79 – The Alarming Connection Between Foster Care and Sex Trafficking with Hollie Strand

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Hollie Strand, a forensic examiner with extensive experience in child safety and trafficking. The conversation delves into the complexities of sex trafficking, the grooming process used by predators, and the alarming connection between foster care and trafficking. Hollie shares insights on the importance of internet safety for children, the role of parents in protecting their kids, and the necessity of building a supportive community for vulnerable children. The episode emphasizes the critical need for foster care as a proactive measure to prevent trafficking and offers practical advice for parents and foster families.
Takeaways
  • Hollie Strand has 26 years of experience in child safety and trafficking.
  • Sex trafficking is often misunderstood; it involves the exchange of goods for sexual acts.
  • Victims of trafficking may not see themselves as victims due to psychological manipulation.
  • Grooming involves breaking down a person's spirit to make them compliant.
  • Foster care can create vulnerabilities that lead to trafficking.
  • Internet safety is crucial for children to prevent exploitation.
  • Parents must actively supervise their children's online activities.
  • Building a safety net of supportive adults is essential for at-risk youth.
  • Foster parents can play a significant role in preventing trafficking.
  • Community involvement is vital in supporting foster care and child safety.