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.

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

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

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

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 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 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.

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

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

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

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 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, 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.

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

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

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

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 AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.