In this final episode of the "Aging Out" series on the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Kristen Allender welcome Adrienne Caldwell, author of 'Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines.' Adrienne shares her gritty and powerful journey through foster care, detailing her experiences with trauma, resilience, and the importance of supportive relationships. She reflects on her time in a therapeutic foster home and the contrasting experience of living with a host family in Germany, emphasizing the need for better support and understanding within the child welfare system.

Adriene and the hosts discuss the challenges faced by foster youth, the importance of education and training for foster parents, and her journey of writing a book to raise awareness and provide resources. The discussion highlights the need for better support systems for kids in care, especially as they age out of the system, and emphasizes the importance of community engagement and ongoing training for foster families.

Grab a copy of Adriene's book Unbroken:
https://a.co/d/0chJ20XA

Takeaways:

• Adrienne's mother was untreated schizophrenic and physically abusive.
• She was placed in foster care at 12 years old.
• Adrienne experienced severe emotional and psychological abuse in foster care.
• She won a congressional scholarship for a foreign exchange program to Germany.
• The host family in Germany provided a healthy and respectful environment.
• Adrienne emphasizes the importance of therapy for children in foster care.
• She critiques the profit-driven foster care system.
• Oversight of foster care programs is critically needed.
• Adrienne's experiences highlight the long-term effects of trauma.
• She advocates for better support systems for aging out foster youth. Only 3% of foster kids go on to college, highlighting a significant gap in educational support.
• Foster parents often lack adequate training to handle the complexities of foster care.
• Adriene's book aims to serve as a resource for training foster families.
• Therapy should be mandatory for all foster children to address their emotional needs.
• A comprehensive action plan is essential for foster youth aging out of the system.
• Foster care experiences can vary widely, and many youth desire independence.
• Community engagement is crucial for supporting foster youth post-care.
• Writing about her experiences was a triggering but necessary process for Adriene.
• Foster families need to understand the trauma that children in care have experienced.
• There is a need for better vocational training and support for 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, Tristian Smith shares his profound journey through the foster care system, detailing the challenges he faced, including multiple placements and the emotional toll of transitioning between homes. He reflects on the impact of these experiences on his personal development and academic success, as well as the importance of supportive foster parents.

Tristian emphasizes the need for understanding and patience from foster parents, highlighting the significance of ordinary moments in building relationships with children in care. He also discusses his memoir, 'Against All Odds,' which details his journey through loss, abuse, and resilience. The conversation emphasizes the need for foster parents to be more engaged and the significance of mundane experiences in a child's life. Tristian advocates for a system that prioritizes lasting relationships and the emotional well-being of children in foster care.

Pickup a copy of his book "Against All Odds"
https://a.co/d/01AHVF7K

Takeaways

• Tristian entered foster care at age seven after his mother's death.
• He experienced nearly 30 foster homes and 13 different schools.
• Abandonment and attachment issues were significant challenges for him.
• Many foster parents lacked the training to support children effectively.
• Positive experiences with foster parents can have a lasting impact.
• Academic success was achieved despite frequent school transitions.
• Foster parents should not take children's behavior personally.
• Building rapport with children is crucial for their emotional well-being.
• Ordinary moments can create meaningful connections with foster children.
• Children in foster care often long for simple, everyday family interactions. Kids miss out on mundane experiences with families.
• It's the little things that become the big things.
• Tristan's memoir aims to inspire foster youth.
• Support systems need to understand their impact.
• Retention of good foster parents is essential.
• Stability and relationships are crucial for youth.
• A court order alone doesn't provide belonging.
• Foster youth need consistent adults in their lives.
• Education is vital for children in foster care.
• Tristian's journey highlights resilience and hope.

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 Kristin Allender and Travis Vangsnes interview Sophia Pantoja who shares her experiences growing up in the foster care system. Sophia discusses her journey from entering care at age ten due to her parents' drug addiction to her experiences in various foster homes and a group home. She reflects on the challenges she faced, including behavioral issues, feelings of isolation, and the impact of her upbringing on her maturity.

Sophia also shares a harrowing experience with sex trafficking after running away from a group home, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support for vulnerable youth. The conversation concludes with Sophia offering valuable insights for foster parents on how to create a safe and open environment for their foster children. She also reflects on her transition from nursing to social work, driven by her desire to help others. The conversation concludes with insights into the I Belong project, which aims to support foster children in finding adoptive families.

Checkout the I Belong Project:
https://americaskidsbelong.org/meet-the-kids/

Takeaways

• Sophia entered foster care at age ten due to parental drug addiction.
• She experienced multiple placements, including a group home.
• Behavioral issues stemmed from feeling misunderstood and isolated.
• Coping mechanisms included seeking independence and maturity.
• Sophia's experiences shaped her perspective on adulthood.
• She emphasizes the importance of not feeling alone in struggles.
• Trafficking can occur when youth feel they have no safe options.
• Foster parents should create an open and supportive environment.
• Many foster homes are not safe spaces for children.
• Building trust is crucial for foster youth to share their experiences. It's important to help foster kids see their self-worth.
• Foster children need a sense of normalcy and freedom.
• Shared experiences can empower foster youth.
• Love and stability are essential for foster children.
• Foster alumni can provide valuable insights to current foster kids.
• Transitioning from nursing to social work can be fulfilling.
• Foster care has both positives and negatives.
• Encouragement is vital for foster alumni.
• Compassion is crucial in the field of social work.
• The I Belong project helps connect foster kids with families.

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.

This episode kicks off the Foster Friendly Podcast’s "aging out" series with Sensei Dave Armstrong, a foster care and juvenile justice alum, former Air Force veteran, mentor, author, and advocate. Dave shares how instability, trauma, and survival shaped his early years, and how two consistent adults helped redirect his life toward service, discipline, and purpose.

Travis, Kristin, and Dave discuss what foster parents need to understand about trust, why youth from foster care often gravitate toward the military, and how authentic, steady adult support can change a child’s trajectory. Dave also explains the thinking behind his book, his nonprofit work, and why he believes every caring adult should pick one kid and stay with them.

Book Sensei Dave to speak and checkout his books and resources:
https://www.upna.net/speaking

Takeaways

• Sensei Dave's background and journey from foster care to military service
• The importance of authentic relationships and trust-building with foster youth
• The role of mentorship and consistent adult presence in youth development
• The impact of martial arts on discipline, respect, and personal growth
• The significance of understanding trauma and individual needs in foster care
• Strategies for foster parents to build trust and resilience
• The connection between military service and life skills for foster youth
• The importance of hope and positive identity in overcoming adversity
• Authentic relationships and consistency are crucial for foster youth to build trust.
• Martial arts can teach discipline, respect, and humility, transforming lives.
• Foster parents should avoid expecting immediate trust; trust is earned over time.
• Every child is unique and requires tailored support and understanding.
• Mentors and caring adults can significantly alter the trajectory of foster youth.
• Building a safe, supportive environment is essential for healing and growth.
• Foster youth need to feel that their lives matter and that they have agency.
• Resilience can be cultivated through hope, purpose, and positive relationships.
• The military provides structure, discipline, and a sense of belonging that can benefit foster youth.
• Impacting even one child's life can be a profound and lasting legacy.

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 Kristen Allender reflect on the impactful leadership of Brian Mavis (co founder of America's Kids Belong) who is taking on a new ministry role and stepping out of the organization and the podcast. They share his memorable quotes and leadership principles that have shaped AKB's work in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of community support, family over programs, and the need for asset-based approaches to community change.

The conversation shifts to the Foster Friendly initiative, highlighting its recent achievements in Tennessee, including an innovation award and the activation of over a thousand businesses to support foster families! They also delve into the Foster Friendly app, explaining its purpose and how it connects foster families with community resources. Finally, they look ahead to upcoming conversations and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories and experiences from those who have experienced foster care.

Download the Foster Friendly App:
https://americaskidsbelong.org/foster-friendly-communities/foster-friendly-app/

Pickup a copy of Brian's book- Go Upstream: Diving Into Foster Care To Heal 10 Social Wounds
https://a.co/d/04kn7GW0

Learn more how your business can become Foster Friendly:
https://americaskidsbelong.org/foster-friendly-business/

Takeaways

• Brian Mavis transitioned to a local pastoring role, leaving a significant impact on America's Kids Belong.
• Personal hobbies, like horseback riding, can provide essential self-care and stress relief.
• The right people in an organization matter more than impressive credentials.
• A great family is more beneficial than any program for children in need.
• Real community change should focus on existing assets rather than deficits.
• Leadership should prioritize retention of current supporters before recruiting new ones.
• Humility in leadership includes acknowledging past mistakes and learning from them.
• Community support systems are crucial for fostering families.
• Equine therapy can be a valuable resource for emotional well-being.
• Collaboration among sectors is essential for effective community change. Trust is essential in the nonprofit sector.
• Collaboration can lead to greater impact.
• Brian Mavis was a visionary leader.
• Foster Friendly has activated over a thousand businesses.
• The Foster Friendly app connects families with resources.
• Community support is crucial for foster families.
• Innovative solutions can emerge from unexpected partnerships.
• Recognizing the contributions of individuals is important.
• Future conversations will focus on aging out of foster care.
• National Adoption Awareness Month will bring new resources.

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, Travis and Courtney celebrate the show’s 100th episode while welcoming Kristin Allender as the podcast’s new cohost. As Courtney prepares to step away, Kristin shares her background as an adoptee, social worker, longtime Executive Director of Tennessee Kids Belong, and now CEO of America's Kids Belong. She reflects on a career that has taken her from child abuse investigations in Los Angeles to helping build foster-friendly communities across the country.

The three look back on memorable episodes, lessons learned, and the perspectives that have shaped the podcast over its first 100 episodes. Courtney shares how hearing from foster parents, former foster youth, adoptees, and other voices has encouraged her even after 20 years of fostering. The conversation also explores the importance of keeping children at the center of foster care decisions and creating communities that support foster families rather than simply recruiting more of them.

Kristin shares an inspiring example of what it means for everyone to find their role in foster care. She tells the story of a Tennessee car dealership that began helping foster families access larger vehicles so siblings could remain together—and how that simple idea inspired other dealerships to get involved. The episode closes with a look at what’s ahead for the podcast, including an upcoming series featuring former foster youth who have aged out of care, and Courtney offers a final message of gratitude to listeners who have supported the show through its first 100 episodes.

Takeaways

• The Foster Friendly Podcast celebrates its 100th episode.
• Kristin Allender is joining the podcast as its new cohost.
• Kristin’s experience as an adoptee helped lead her toward a career in social work.
• Her career has included child abuse investigations, adoption work, and leadership within America’s Kids Belong.
• Courtney reflects on the encouragement and practical tools she has gained from the podcast while fostering.
• Listening to different perspectives can help even experienced foster parents continue learning and growing.
• Children must remain the priority in every part of the foster care system.
• Foster families need strong communities of support if they are going to thrive.
• Recruiting foster families without simultaneously building support around them can contribute to burnout and attrition.
• Everyone can play a role in foster care, even if they never become a foster or adoptive parent.
• Businesses can use their unique resources and expertise to remove practical barriers for foster families.
• A Tennessee car dealership helped foster families access larger vehicles so sibling groups could stay together.
• Small acts of community support can create ripple effects far beyond a single family.
• The podcast has worked to elevate the voices of former foster youth and others with lived experience.
• Upcoming episodes will include a series focused on young adults who have aged out of foster care.
• Courtney encourages listeners to continue supporting the podcast as it enters its next chapter.
• Every child deserves to have a voice, to be loved, and to be seen.

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, the team bids farewell to Courtney, who is stepping down from her role as cohost of the podcast and being on staff at America's Kids Belong. The conversation reflects on her contributions, the new chapter in her life, and the impact she has made on the podcast and the foster care community. Travis and Brian share their memories and surprise tributes (including from her husband Bobby), highlighting Courtney's leadership and dedication to fostering and parenting.

The three also discuss the importance of community support for foster families, the challenges of navigating the foster care system, and the need for businesses to engage with and support these families. Courtney shares her personal journey, the significance of emotional vulnerability, and the lessons learned from her experiences in fostering and adopting children. The conversation culminates in a tribute from Courtney's husband, Bobby, highlighting her dedication and passion for the work she does.

Takeaways

• Courtney is stepping down from the podcast but will remain involved as a guest.
• She will continue her work in foster care and help her husband with their construction company.
• Courtney's experience has provided her with a well-rounded perspective on parenting and foster care.
• She has made a significant impact on the podcast and the community.
• Travis and Brian reflect on their experiences working with Courtney.
• Courtney's children are well-behaved and respectful, showcasing her parenting skills.
• The podcast has been a platform for Courtney to share her insights and experiences.
• Courtney's transition is bittersweet, filled with both excitement and sadness.
• The team expresses gratitude for Courtney's contributions and leadership.
• Courtney's journey is a testament to her dedication to foster care and family. Emotional vulnerability is a key aspect of human connection.
• Foster parents need to be resource finders.
• It's important to let go of expectations in foster care.
• Businesses can play a crucial role in supporting foster families.
• The foster care system must prioritize the needs of children.
• Adoption requires understanding the perspectives of adoptees.
• Being present in the messy middle is essential for foster parents.
• Community support can significantly impact foster care outcomes.
• Foster care is a way to influence future generations positively.
• Keep pressing on in the mission of supporting children.

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 Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes engage in a heartfelt conversation with Judy Wright, a foster parent who, alongside her late husband, fostered 55 children, many of whom were medically fragile. Judy focuses on telling the incredible story of fostering Jaden, a two month old medically fragile baby who Judy was told would not survive, born with severe complications and later found to have no pancreas.

Judy's story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the impact of fostering on both the children and the caregivers. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of caregiving and navigating the foster care system, emphasizing the importance of love and attachment in fostering. The conversation also highlights the significance of advocacy for children in care and the legacy of love through the John and Judy Wright Scholarship, aimed at supporting youth from foster care in their pursuit of education.

Buy the book "Just Hold Her" or book Judy to speak:
https://justholdher.com/index.html

Takeaways

• Judy and her husband fostered 55 children over 12 years.
• They were named Michigan Foster Parents of the Year in 2012.
• Judy's memoir is based on her experiences with a medically fragile child.
• Fostering can start with short-term or respite care.
• The importance of community support in caregiving.
• Breast milk was crucial for Jaden's survival.
• Judy faced significant challenges in caring for Jaden.
• The emotional connection between Judy and Jaden was profound.
• Jaden's diagnosis of being born without a pancreas was shocking.
• The journey of fostering is filled with both challenges and triumphs. I have no idea how long.
• This really is a miraculous story.
• NICUs are awesome, but they don't have time.
• This baby just never had that opportunity.
• Love gives you eyes.
• We don't get to decide where they land.
• You don't hold back on that attachment.
• Children deserve to have a voice.
• It's love in abundance.
• You need to advocate for them.

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.