Category Foster Friendly Podcast

Episode 68 – Building a Church With a Heart for Foster Care and Birth Families with Kelly and Tracie Ward

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Travis engage with Kelly and Tracie Ward, a couple deeply involved in foster care and adoption. They share their personal journey, the challenges and joys of fostering, and how their church has embraced a mission to support families in crisis. The Wards emphasize the importance of community involvement, the need for churches to open their homes, and the profound impact of fostering on both children and families. They discuss the I Belong Project and the significance of reaching out to biological parents, highlighting that true ministry involves loving and supporting families in need.
Takeaways
  • The Wards have been married for 29 years and have eight children, including adopted and foster children.
  • They have fostered 29 kids in the past two years and recently became grandparents.
  • Their church's mission evolved to focus on foster care and adoption care.
  • Fostering is not just about the children; it's also about supporting their biological parents.
  • The church community can play a vital role in supporting foster families and children.
  • Fostering can change the trajectory of lives, both for children and their families.
  • The I Belong Project helps connect children in need with potential adoptive families.
  • Churches should open their homes to foster children and their families.
  • True ministry involves meeting families where they are and providing support.
  • Fostering creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to get involved. 

Episode 67 – Go Upstream: The Social Wounds Sex Trafficking, Addiction, and Poverty in Foster Care

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Courtney and Brian Mavis delve into critical social issues affecting foster youth, including sex trafficking, addiction, and poverty. They discuss the alarming realities of sex trafficking in the U.S., particularly how foster youth are disproportionately affected. The conversation shifts to the cycle of addiction, exploring how trauma leads to substance abuse among youth in care. Finally, they address the economic challenges faced by former foster youth, emphasizing the importance of family support and community involvement in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Takeaways
  • Sex trafficking is a significant issue in the U.S., often overlooked.
  • Foster youth are particularly vulnerable to trafficking due to lack of family support.
  • Addiction often stems from trauma experienced in childhood.
  • The majority of youth in foster care have experienced some form of addiction.
  • Poverty is a major issue for former foster youth, often linked to lack of education and support.
  • Continuity in care and relationships is crucial for the well-being of foster youth.
  • Predators often pose as family figures to exploit vulnerable youth.
  • Community involvement is essential in supporting foster families and youth.
  • Teaching life skills, such as budgeting, can help foster youth succeed after care.
  • Connection and support can significantly reduce the risk of addiction and poverty.

Episode 66 – Foster Parenting and Electronics: Navigating the Challenges of Smartphones, Screens, and Social Media

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis discuss the challenges of parenting in the digital age, particularly focusing on the impact of electronics on children and foster youth. They explore the complexities of managing technology access, the implications of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, and the importance of establishing rules for electronics in the home.

The conversation also delves into the dangers of technology for kids in foster care, the significance of location tracking, and the necessity of open communication about online safety. The episode concludes with resources for foster parents to navigate these challenges effectively.

Bark: Parental controls and device monitoring tool
https://www.bark.us/

Takeaways
  • Parenting is inherently challenging, and electronics add complexity.
  • Electronics can affect children's focus and attention.
  • The Foster Youth Bill of Rights grants kids access to technology.
  • Establishing rules for electronics is crucial for safety.
  • Location tracking can pose risks for foster youth.
  • Open communication about online dangers is essential.
  • Foster parents should be proactive in discussing technology use.
  • It's important to balance freedom and safety in technology access.
  • Foster youth may have different experiences with technology than biological children.
  • Resources and support are vital for foster parents managing electronics.

Episode 65 – From Foster Care to Bestselling Author: An Inspiring Conversation with Kate Angelo

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview bestselling author Kate Angelo, who shares her inspiring journey from foster care to becoming a successful writer. Kate discusses the impact of her traumatic childhood experiences on her writing and the themes of belonging and family in her work. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, relationship skills, and mentorship for foster youth, and how her own experiences have shaped her mission to help others. The conversation also touches on the significance of breaking generational cycles and the need for emotional support in navigating life's challenges.

Follow Kate, subscribe to her newsletter, and checkout her best selling books:

Takeaways
  • Kate Angelo's journey from foster care to bestselling author is inspiring.
  • Writing has been a therapeutic outlet for Kate.
  • The importance of empathy in relationships is crucial for foster youth.
  • Foster care experiences shape one's understanding of family and belonging.
  • Kate's book 'Girl Lost' explores themes of trauma and redemption.
  • Mentorship can significantly impact the lives of foster youth.
  • Breaking generational cycles is essential for personal growth.
  • Emotional support is vital for navigating life's challenges.
  • Foster youth need relationship skills to thrive in adulthood.
  • Dreaming beyond trauma is possible with the right support.

Episode 64 – Go Upstream: The Social Wounds Trauma, Physical Illness, and Suicide in Foster Care

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Courtney and Brian Mavis delve into the critical social wounds affecting youth in foster care, focusing on trauma, physical illness, and suicide. They discuss the complexities of trauma experienced by foster youth, the link between trauma and physical health issues, and the alarming rates of suicide among this vulnerable population. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these issues to foster healing and support for these children.
Takeaways
  • The term 'trauma' is often overused and misunderstood.
  • Foster youth experience complex trauma that can lead to various mental health issues.
  • Physical health is significantly impacted by trauma and neglect in foster care.
  • Many foster youth enter care with pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Neglect can be as harmful as abuse, often leading to long-term effects.
  • Suicide rates among foster youth are alarmingly high compared to their peers.
  • Healing relationships are crucial for the recovery of foster youth.
  • Community support is essential for foster families and youth.
  • Understanding the root causes of behaviors in foster youth can lead to better support.
  • Hope and belonging are vital for the mental health of foster youth.

Episode 63 – Practical Tips and Patient Perseverance in Dealing with Challenging Behaviors with Danny and Ashley Smith

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams welcome Danny and Ashley Smith, who share their journey as foster parents and their experiences working with children in foster care in various settings. They discuss the importance of consistency, understanding root causes of behaviors, and the challenges faced by foster parents.

 They also have some really practical tips to help navigate difficult behaviors. They remind foster parents to focus on the big picture and have patience to know that they may not always see dramatic changes in their kids at the time. However, that doesn't mean foster parents aren't making a huge impact in their lives.

Danny and Ashley have lots of encouragement for future and current foster parents and share some of what they've learned and experienced talking to the kids (previously in their care) who are now adults. The conversation really highlights the transformative power of relationships and in the lives of kids in foster care.

Listen to their music from their band Wasperjaws

Empowered to Connect Training

Takeaways
  • Foster care can start as a job but evolve into a calling.
  • Understanding children's behaviors requires patience and training.
  • Consistency is key in fostering relationships with children.
  • It's important to regulate your own emotions before addressing a child's behavior.
  • Building relationships through challenges can lead to deeper connections.
  • Children in foster care need to feel cared for and valued.
  • Consequences should be addressed after emotions have settled.
  • Foster parents should seek community support and mentorship.
  • Children often test boundaries to see if adults will remain consistent.
  • The way we communicate with children shapes their self-perception.

Episode 62 – Representing All Parties Involved in Foster Care with Ryan O’Donnell

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams engage with Ryan O'Donnell, a tech entrepreneur and former foster parent, who discusses his journey from organizing a record-breaking food drive to creating a technology platform aimed at improving communication and collaboration within the foster care system.

Ryan shares his personal experiences as a foster parent, the challenges he faced, and how these experiences inspired him to develop 'Your Case Plan', an app designed to streamline communication among all parties involved in a child's welfare. The conversation also touches on the importance of legal representation for families, the need for affordable housing solutions for foster youth, and the broader implications of technology in enhancing the foster care system.

Takeaways
  • Ryan O'Donnell is a tech entrepreneur and former foster parent.
  • He organized a record-breaking food drive during high school.
  • His experiences as a foster parent highlighted communication issues in the system.
  • 'Your Case Plan' was developed to improve collaboration in foster care.
  • The app is free for families and aims to streamline communication.
  • Ryan emphasizes the importance of legal representation for families in the system.
  • Affordable housing solutions are crucial for youth aging out of foster care.
  • The foster care system often lacks transparency, leading to poor outcomes.
  • Ryan's work aims to break the cycle of families entering the system.
  • The conversation highlights the need for multifaceted solutions in foster care.

Episode 61 – Go Upstream: A Powerful Book About Foster Care and 10 Social Wounds

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams, Travis Vangsnes, and Brian Mavis discuss Brian's new book, 'Go Upstream,' (releasing soon) which explores the connection between foster care and various social issues such as homelessness, addiction, and trafficking. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early intervention in children's lives and the role of family in healing social wounds. Brian outlines ten social wounds that often affect youth in foster care and shares his vision for a future where every child feels loved and cared for. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to get involved in supporting foster care and the families that provide it.

Checkout all the resources and ways you can get involved fostering, adopting from foster care, or supporting foster families.
https://americaskidsbelong.org/

Takeaways
  • The book 'Go Upstream' addresses the connection between foster care and social issues.
  • Early intervention is crucial for healing children's trauma.
  • Foster care is often overlooked in discussions about social wounds.
  • Good families can provide better outcomes than programs alone.
  • The ten social wounds include trauma, physical illness, and homelessness.
  • Every child deserves to feel loved and cared for.
  • The system is a response to harm, not the cause of it.
  • Not everyone is called to foster, but everyone can care.
  • Communities play a vital role in supporting foster families.
  • Awareness and understanding of these issues can lead to change.

Episode 60 – Transformed: From Foster Care to Miss Kentucky with Ariana Rodriquez

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview Ariana Rodriguez, Miss Kentucky 2025. Ariana shares her inspiring journey from being a homeless child in foster care to winning the title of Miss Kentucky! She discusses her advocacy work through The Lucky Ones Foundation, which aims to empower youth in foster care and educate the public about the foster care system.

Ariana emphasizes the importance of amplifying the voices of children in care and the need for social support. The conversation also touches on the role of pageantry in advocacy and the life skills necessary for youth aging out of foster care. They also discuss the critical importance of equipping kids in foster care with crucial life skills. This is a great conversation and Ariana's resiliency and drive to dream big while amplifying the voices of others is really inspiring.

Checkout Ariana's nonprofit, The Lucky Ones, which provides essential resources and support for kids in foster care.

She also has a podcast--The Lucky Ones

Takeaways
  • Ariana's journey from foster care to Miss Kentucky is inspiring.
  • The importance of social support for youth in foster care.
  • Advocacy for children's voices in the foster care system is crucial.
  • The Lucky Ones Foundation aims to educate and empower foster youth.
  • Life skills education is essential for youth aging out of foster care.
  • Ariana's podcast amplifies the voices of those in the foster care system.
  • Social workers need to listen to children to make effective changes.
  • The pageant platform can be a powerful tool for advocacy.
  • Ariana's initiatives focus on both foster care and agricultural education.
  • Community support is vital for the success of initiatives like The Lucky Ones.

Episode 59 – Fostering to Adoption to Advocacy: Building Stronger Communities with Greg and Valerie Buccola

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian and co-host Travis welcome Greg and Valerie, a couple who have made a significant impact in the foster care community. They share their journey of becoming foster parents, the challenges and joys of raising four adopted children, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation touches on the importance of sibling relationships, the chaos of parenting, and the resilience required in foster care. Greg and Valerie emphasize the need for compassion and understanding in their home, creating a supportive environment for both their children and the foster kids that come through their doors. In this conversation, Greg and Valerie share their journey in foster care and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of community support and engagement. They discuss their experiences with fundraising, the role of faith in fostering, and how businesses can contribute to the cause. Their insights highlight the ripple effect of advocacy and the need for more families to step up and support children in need.
Takeaways
  • Valerie is the driving force in their household.
  • Fostering involves taking risks for the sake of children.
  • Every yes to something means a no to something else.
  • Horses teach us about beauty and unpredictability, similar to parenting.
  • The couple went from zero to four children in under a year.
  • Chaos in a large family can lead to happiness and bonding.
  • Their children learned compassion through welcoming foster kids.
  • The dynamics of fostering can be complex, especially with biological children.
  • It's important to remember the trauma that foster kids have experienced.
  • Creating a stable environment helps foster kids feel secure. Foster care requires community support and advocacy.
  • Fundraising events can significantly impact foster care initiatives.
  • Corporate support is crucial for fostering awareness and funding.
  • Faith communities have a unique opportunity to engage in foster care.
  • Normalizing foster care can encourage more families to participate.
  • Building relationships is essential for successful foster care outcomes.
  • Awareness is as important as recruiting new foster families.
  • Foster care impacts various societal issues, including homelessness and mental health.
  • Every individual can contribute to foster care in meaningful ways.
  • The journey of fostering can be rewarding despite its challenges.

Episode 58 – Creating Safe Spaces of Belonging for Every Youth with Kim Botto

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian and co-host Travis welcome Kim Botto, an author and advocate for children in foster care and those with disabilities. They discuss the importance of trauma-informed care, the need for inclusive spaces in churches, and the role of hope and belonging in the lives of children. Kim shares her experiences and insights on how to create environments where every child can thrive, emphasizing the need for safe adults who believe in them. The conversation highlights practical strategies for churches and communities to better support children facing challenges, ultimately aiming to foster a sense of belonging and hope.
Takeaways
  • Every child deserves to belong in a safe environment.
  • Trauma-informed care is essential for supporting children.
  • Churches need to change their mindset to be more inclusive.
  • Hope is the expectation that something good will happen.
  • Belonging is about being accepted for who you are.
  • Children with trauma need safe adults who believe in them.
  • Behavior is a form of communication for children in distress.
  • Visual schedules can help children feel secure and prepared.
  • It's important to connect with children before correcting their behavior.
  • Creating inclusive spaces benefits all children, not just those with visible disabilities.
Checkout Kim's resources including her book and podcast:
https://kimbotto.com/

Episode 57 – Fostering Front Door: An Exciting New Initiative From America’s Kids Belong with Laura Mobley

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Laura Mobley, who shares her extensive experience in the foster care and adoption space. They discuss the launch of the Fostering Front Door initiative, aimed at providing a curated resource for individuals interested in foster care. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the differences between fostering and adoption, and the need for accessible information to guide potential foster parents on their journey.

They also discuss the challenges and needs of the foster care system, emphasizing the importance of providing resources and support for potential foster parents. They explore the necessity of creating a space for individuals to learn about fostering, the role of continuing education, and the significance of relationships in the lives of children in foster care. The introduction of FosterCon as an educational initiative is highlighted, along with the various support options available for those involved in the foster care system.

Foster Front Door website:
 https://americaskidsbelong.org/lp/fostering-front-door-program