Fostering Voices Podcast cover logo

Episode 160: Real Talk - Parents of Foster Care

35m · Fostering Voices Podcast · 27 Jun 04:00

Summary:

At just 25 years old, Lindsey found herself pregnant and the parent of two children in the custody of the Department of Child Safety. She endured a heartbreaking struggle with homelessness, residing in motels and even living on the streets, surrounded by others in similar desperate circumstances. Desperate for change, Lindsey discovered a lifeline—a housing program for pregnant women with substance use disorders. This pivotal moment led her to the Family Involvement Center, igniting her path to healing and the reunion of her fractured family.

Now, Lindsey is an active force in her city, advocating for change through various organizations such as the Parent Advisory Board, the Prevention Advisory Collaborative, and the Family Navigation Action Team. Her passion for improving child welfare has brought her before community audiences, the governor's office, and dependency judges. Lindsey's dedication to serving her community is truly inspiring.

Join us as we delve into Lindsey's extraordinary journey, her triumphs, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact and becoming a beacon of hope and change in foster care.

 

Resource Links:

Family Involvement Center

Birth-Foster Family Connections • Bright Spots

RiseIssue_35_Parent-Advocacy.pdf

 

Connect with us!

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

IG: @FosteringVoices

www.fosterarizona.org

 

Chapters:

00:01 - Open

00:34 - Welcome Lindsey Shine

02:09 - Lindsey's Story

03:47 - Going to the Wrong Attorney

04:21 - Leaving with Nothing

06:21 - Getting Help

07:05 - 5 Months and 3 Years

08:00 - Keeping Hope Alive

09:11 - Homelessness

10:27 - A Fork in the Road

12:19 - One More Shot

14:06 - Severance Trial

15:51 - Transition from Visitation

16:54 - A Traumatic Space

17:54 - A Glorified Babysitter?

19:11 - Being Friends with the Fosters

19:53 - A Broken System Challenge

22:13 - Choosing a Solution

23:38 - Choosing Responsibility

25:07 - Advocating in a Meaningful Way

27:18 - Normalizing Relational Support

28:28 - Deficiencies are Opportunities

30:45 - The Takeaway

32:30 - Being the Change

32:54 - Resources

34:25 - Wrap Up

34:56 - Thank You!

The episode Episode 160: Real Talk - Parents of Foster Care from the podcast Fostering Voices Podcast has a duration of 35:25. It was first published 27 Jun 04:00. The cover art and the content belong to their respective owners.

More episodes from Fostering Voices Podcast

Episode 183: A Single Mom’s FosterAdopt Journey

Summary:

In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month, join us for an inspiring episode featuring a heartfelt conversation with my sister-in-law, Tara Armstrong. Tara played a pivotal role in our family's foster care journey, guiding us as we transitioned from having two kids to seven. Now, she has embarked on her own remarkable path. As a single mom of two, Tara opened her heart and home, adopting two children from the foster care system who were searching for their forever family. This episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of fostering and adoption, offering real talk and personal insights that highlight the profound impact one person can make. Tune in to hear Tara's story of love, resilience, and the transformative power of family.

Resource Links:

Foster Arizona | Foster & Adobt

Foster Cooperative

Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents

ASA Now

Families | Arizona 1.27

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Episode 182: Life-Changing Connections in Foster Care

Summary:

In today's episode, we explore the profound impact of connections on well-being, particularly in the context of foster care. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the pivotal role of social connections in fostering healthy choices and better mental and physical health outcomes. However, many children entering foster care face profound disconnection from their familiar support networks, exacerbating challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression.

In Arizona, where the average foster child experiences two or more placements, the need for stable, nurturing relationships is starkly evident. Our guest, Freddie Hernandez, a former foster youth, shares his remarkable journey of resilience and transformation. With a degree in Digital Film and Video Production from The Art Institute of Phoenix, Freddie defied the odds, emerging as a beacon of hope in his community.

Join us as Freddie sheds light on how one caring adult can alter the trajectory of a young person's life. Through his passion for digital storytelling and filmmaking, Freddie exemplifies the power of connection and the ripple effect of mentorship. His story serves as a testament to the transformative potential inherent in human connection. We extend our gratitude to Freddie for lending his voice and invaluable experience to today's conversation. Tune in as we explore the profound impact of connection and the pathways to support and empower those navigating the foster care system.

Resource Links:

Foster Arizona | Foster & Adobt

Child Welfare Statistics: Arizona Children in Out-of-Home Care

Voices for CASA Children

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona

Get Involved

How Does Social Connectedness Affect Health? | CDC

Volunteer at Family Involvement Center

Book: Tattoos on the Heart

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Episode 181: It's OK to Say, "I'm Not OK."

Summary:

Today, it’s just the two of us, engaging in a candid conversation about mental health. Ironically, we find ourselves easing into a month dedicated to both mental health and foster care awareness. For those who have experienced life within the foster care system, the intricate connection between these two realms becomes evident. So, let’s dive into the spaces where our mental well-being has been profoundly affected and the valuable lessons we’ve gleaned along the way. With that, let’s begin this authentic conversation. 🌟

Resource Links:

Your Mental Health Today Test / Quiz

31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health

11 Ways to Find and Make Friends as an Adult

Foster Cooperative

The Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Episode 180: How Caregiver Stress Impacts Our Bodies

Summary:

In honor of Stress Awareness Month, our podcast delves into the crucial topic of stress reduction and self-care. While this is important for everyone, it holds even greater significance for caregivers of children with special needs and those working in social services fields. The toll of constant stress can adversely affect our health, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, inadequate sleep, lack of physical activity, and imbalanced diets. These factors increase the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

But how do we address this challenge? Today, we’re thrilled to welcome back Dr. Jaime Parker, a seasoned expert with over 25 years of experience in health and wellness. Dr. Jaime wears multiple hats as a holistic health coach, fitness instructor, certified personal trainer, nutrition educator, and certified Pilates instructor. She has personally triumphed over numerous health obstacles.

Recently, I sought Dr. Jaime’s guidance in my own healing journey. The years of accumulated stress have taken their toll on both Brian and me. Dr. Jaime’s genuine empathy and understanding resonate deeply as she navigates the delicate balance between caring for others and prioritizing self-care. Her remarkable ability to meet people where they are, infused with love and encouragement, is something we’re excited to share with you today. Tune in as we explore simple yet impactful changes that can lead to stress relief and better health. 🎙️🌟

Resource Links:

Caregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself - Mayo Clinic

Bali Blue Wellness (Dr. Jaime Parker)

Products:

Amazon.com : Sunbutter Sunflower Butter Variety Pack 16 Oz, 3 Jars | Creamy, Crunch & ChocoIate | Bundled with ONDAGO Sandwich Spreader

https://shop.sprouts.com/search?search_term=honey%20mamas%20chocolate&search_is_autocomplete=true

https://yogiproducts.com/teas/herbal-teas/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmaxprospecting&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqdqvBhCPARIsANrmZhOQUZHc7GJqW4AHKachYwKxwcdQXtEDPT64YbD-Lq7t7o9YOtFz9uIaAkd-EALw_wcB

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Episode 179: What is Critical Memory Integration and How Can it Help?

Summary:

Today, we’re delving into an exciting new therapy modality called Critical Memory Integration. This groundbreaking approach focuses on healing trauma by exploring unresolved critical memories and integrating them with neutral memories, fostering resilience in individuals.

At the forefront of this creation, our incredible team of panelists joins us today. You might recognize one of our team members—Estefana Johnson—who shared her insights in our Valentine’s episode. Estefana is a cherished friend of Foster Arizona. Alongside Estefana, we have two remarkable psychologists: Dr. Brian Livesay and Dr. Diego Hernandez. Both experts bring extensive backgrounds in trauma care and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Over the past two years, I’ve eagerly followed the progress of this project, and it’s truly remarkable to witness its practical implementation locally and globally.

Resource Links:

Critical Memory Integration (CMI) - ARISE Alliance Institute

The trajectory of PTSD among youth in foster care: A survival analysis examining maltreatment experiences prior to entry into care.

How We Feel

Atlas of the Heart - Brené Brown

Lighthouse Psychiatry

Lt. Col Mann TEDx on Generosity of Scars

The Generosity of Scars | Scott Mann | TEDxSantaBarbara

Elizabeth Feldmann Barrett How Emotions are made

How Emotions are Made (Cinematic Lecture)

Luiz Pessoa: “The Entangled Brain: Integration of emotion, motivation, and cognition”

Luiz Pessoa: “The Entangled Brain: Integration of emotion, motivation, and cognition”

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Chapters:

00:00 - Opening

00:33 - Intro

02:03 - Dr. Brian Livesay

03:40 - Connection is Fundamental

04:35 - Dr. Diego Hernandez

05:23 - Did I Make a Difference?

06:38 - We Did Everything Together

08:07 - Estefana Johnson

09:57 - You were Made to Fly!

10:46 - It Starts with the Therapist

13:20 - Clinicians are more than Technicians

15:42 - Survival is not Enough

16:34 - Critical Memory Integration

18:24 - The Deepest Conversations

19:00 - We are Designed for Play

19:47 - Getting Through the Bad Feelings

21:54 - Recognizing the Signals

22:59 - Tactical Disclosure

25:02 - Power in Relatability

28:55 - Where does CMI Fit?

32:20 - Integrating CMI

35:08 - Critical Memories

36:14 - The Stories Movies Tell

37:15 - Full Access to your Emotions

40:21 - Teaching Kids to Experience Emotions

43:33 - Stories are Wisdom

44:18 - How to get this new Therapy

47:10 - New Understanding

48:03 - A Hub for Training

50:18 - Resources

51:15 - Final Thoughts

55:10 - Conclusion

55:40 - Thank You!

Every Podcast » Fostering Voices Podcast » Episode 160: Real Talk - Parents of Foster Care