Let’s Talk – Lessons Learned Along the Way
In this episode, we are joined by Sue Tate, who, along with her husband Randy, provided foster care for 20 years and cared for over 30 children. Sue shares what interested them in becoming foster parents, things they didn’t expect…
Let’s Talk – Navigating Transitions to Adulthood in Adoption
Transitioning to adulthood is a challenging time for any person. For children who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, or neglect, moving into independence can be even more complex. They may have some delays in social skills, emotional regulation, or…
Let’s Talk – Minnesota Law Change: Adoptee Access to Original Birth Records
Minnesota legislature made significant changes to laws governing access to original birth record information for adult adopted persons. On July 1, 2024, Minnesota will become the fifteenth state in the United States to affirm or restore the right of all…
Let’s Talk – Stories Connect (Part 2)
In Part 2 of Stories Connect, we are joined by Dan and Emily, who share about the importance of a network of support when becoming foster and adoptive parents. They also share valuable insights and answer commonly asked questions to…
Let’s Talk – Stories Connect (Part 1)
May is National Foster Care Month. To show appreciation for the care foster parents provide and encourage others to consider fostering, we are hearing the foster care journey of Dan and Emily. In part 1 of this two-part series, Emily…
Let’s Talk – FAQ’s of Adoption and Foster Care in MN!
I’m too old, I’m too young, I live by myself, I don’t own a home…. Googling your commonly asked questions about adoption and foster care in Minnesota can lead you down the rabbit hole of confusion. Join us to hear…
*Let’s Talk – [Spring Summit Series] From Freud to Elisabeth KĂĽbler-Ross to Keiran Vitek…
…Many of us recognize the names and overarching theories in grief. We will have Keiran join us to talk about grief, and help us cope and carry our own individual and collective losses. We will get a preview of her…
Let’s Talk – *The Making of “Flipping the Script” – Segment 1
Please join us for a chat with Daisy and Coco as they relay their experiences of going back to their birth countries on a ten-month journey. Their long-term goal is to create and share “Flipping the Script” – a wellness…
Let’s Talk – To Finalization and Beyond!
Finally, we have reached the final segment of our 5-part series for adoptive parents. Now that we have come to the point of finalization, we will make sure you have the resources you need for your family after the child’s…
Let’s Talk – It’s Placement Time!
Our series moves on to adoption placements. You are not alone in navigating the complexities of having a youth join your family. Learn from an experienced adoptive parent how you can advocate for your child and get the support you…
Let’s Talk – What Goes into an Adoptive Transition?
Join us for part 3 of our 5-part series geared toward families who are licensed and starting the adoption process. We will hear from a Child Specific Recruiter (CSR) about what goes into transitioning a youth to an adoptive home.…
Let’s Talk – Adoption Matching 101: A County’s Perspective
Learn from Becker County social workers about how they search for the best match for youth in their care. We will talk about how they review home studies, what happens at collateral meetings, how they prepare to tell a youth…
Let’s Talk – While You’re Waiting (and still waiting) for an Adoptive Placement
“I’m licensed and there are hundreds of children in Minnesota who need adoptive families immediately. Why is this taking so long!” Many adoptive families find themselves asking this question after becoming licensed. The first of this five-part series will provide…
Let’s Talk – An Intro to Defiance & Disrespect: Battles with Homework and Chores
We’re back with Brenda Benning discussing topics we’ll cover in our September 13th webinar:  Defiance & Disrespect: Battles with Homework and Chores. Listeners, be sure to register for the webinar on our website: mnadopt.org. Brenda Benning works with families individually…
Let’s Talk – The Back-to-School Transition
With school days just around the corner, families would like more than just a back-to-school supply list to help them prepare. For the first of our two-part series, we will discuss how to get ready for the school days transition.…
Let’s Talk – Know Your Rights: Kinship
Join us to learn more about the law for relatives or kin who are a permanency resource for a child in foster care. Â Â MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube:Â https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt
Let’s Talk – Zero Kids Waiting Series: Episode 2: Commonly Asked Questions
Join our Q&A to hear what adoptive families are asking, resources available for potential adoptive parents and those inquiring about waiting children. Â Â MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube:Â https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt
Let’s Talk – Autism: What You Need to Know
What is Autism? How is it diagnosed? Why is it so prevalent? These questions will be addressed by an expert on the topic. Dr. Reeve is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and has worked for HealthPartners for over 30 years.…
Let’s Talk – Disruption/Dissolution of Adoptions
Join us for the very complex and difficult topic of disruption and dissolution of pre-adoption or adoptive families. We’ll look at the grief, trauma, and how to hold compassion for all members of the family. Amber Morrighan, MA, LMFT, has…
Let’s Talk – Zero Kids Waiting Series: Episode 1: Recruitment
Join ZKW Recruitment Coordinator, Kim Sacay, to learn more about the many Minnesota children waiting for safe, loving, and permanent families. Kim will fill us in about the need, the path to more information, and the many ways that you…
Let’s Talk – Family Matters: A Conversation About Transracial Families and Kinship Care
Nefertiti Austin, author of the bestseller Motherhood So White joins us today to discuss the complications and nuances of providing kinship care and caring for children of color in white spaces. Author and memoirist, Nefertiti Austin writes about the erasure…
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 13: Family Impact on Foster Care
Join us as Brandon Jensen helps foster parents navigate the impact of foster care on their relationships. MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube:Â https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt Twitter:Â https://twitter.com/zerokidswaiting
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 12: Children’s Mental Health
Children and youth coming into out of home care often have deep experiences of trauma which can lead to or exacerbate underlying mental health concerns. Join us to learn more about how to identify and address mental health concerns in…
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 11: Trauma 101
When caring for children in foster care, it is important that foster parents understand trauma. Join us as Kirsten Langerman helps us unpack the basics of trauma in foster care. MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt
Let’s Talk – Parental Postadoption Depression: Reframing Expectations
In this podcast, featuring Karen J. Foli, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, an expert on parental postadoption depression (PAD), the discussion will include a description of PAD symptoms, and the research conducted by Dr. Foli. Findings reveal that parental expectations are…
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 10: Grief & Loss in Foster Care
Grief is part of the foster care journey. Dr. Kathryn Markell and Dr. Marc Markell will help us explore how grief impacts foster children, foster parents, and families of origin including how to support the children and families experiencing grief.…
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 9: Navigating Complex Relationships in Foster Care
Join us as Brandon Jensen talks about the complicated relationships in the foster care community. MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube:Â https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 8: The Many Moves of Foster Care
Learn what happens when a child is removed from their home, how it impacts children, and how we as foster parents can help them navigate these moves more effectively. Wendy Wolff, MS, is an expert on family visiting and maintaining…
Let’s Talk – LGBTQ+: Understanding and Support
This podcast will inform and inspire our thought processes regarding the unique impact of LGBTQ+ identity on many aspects of development and relationships in foster and adoptive families. Â MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube:Â https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 7: Foster Care & Court
Joins us as we talk with Kirsten Langerman, LICSW about the court process involved in foster care in MN. MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube:Â https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt
Let’s Talk – Partnerships for Permanence: Developing Young Leaders
Lola Adebara will explain how Partnerships for Permanence is dedicated to bringing formerly fostered young adults together to raise awareness and work to improve the child welfare system.   MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt
Let’s Talk – Put on Your Air-mask: Self Care Through the Holidays
Self-care for foster & adoptive parents is needed year-round, but during the holidays it is particularly important to create space to care for ourselves. Amy Bailey, LMSWÂ is a child welfare program director for Arbor Circle, based in Michigan. She is…
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 6: Foster Care Licensing: Agency vs County (2)
When considering foster care in MN, you have the option of licensing through your county of residence or though an agency. Join us as we navigate the different options to help determine which option may be best for you. In…
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 5: Foster Care Licensing: Agency vs County (1)
When considering foster care in MN, you have the option of licensing through your county of residence or through an agency. Join us as we navigate the different options to help determine which option may be best for you. In…
Let’s Talk – Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 6)- Strengthening Families Who Adopted an Infant through an Open Adoption
Description: In the final episode, Program Manager Heather Van Brunt and HELP Specialist Andrea Brubaker explore common themes, concerns and challenges that may bring a family who adopted through open adoption to reach out for some assistance and what that…
Let’s Talk – Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 5)- Strengthening Families Who Adopted Internationally
Description: It’s part 5 of Conversations with the HELP Program. Program Manager Heather Van Brunt joins HELP Specialist Andrea Brubaker to explore common themes, concerns and challenges that may bring a family who adopted internationally to reach out for some…
Let’s Talk – Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 4)- Strengthening Foster Families
Description:Â In this episode, we bring you part 4 of Conversations with the HELP Program. Program Manager Heather Van Brunt joins HELP Specialist Amy Turgeon to explore common themes, concerns and challenges that may bring a family who is providing…
Let’s Talk – Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 3)- Strengthening Kinship Families
Description:Â We bring you part 3 of Conversations with the HELP Program. Program Manager Heather Van Brunt joins HELP Specialist Danielle Lewis to explore common themes, concerns and challenges that may bring a family providing kinship care to reach out…
Let’s Talk – Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 2)- Strengthening Families Who Adopted through MN Foster CareÂ
Description: In this episode, we bring you part 2 of Conversations with the HELP Program. Program Manager Heather Van Brunt joins HELP Specialist Gail Swenson to explore common themes, concerns and challenges that may bring a family who adopted through…
Let’s Talk – Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 1)- Services to Strengthen Your Family
Description: We kick-off the HELP Program Podcast Series by bringing you part 1 of Conversations with the HELP Program. Program Manager Heather Van Brunt joins us to provide an intro regarding the HELP Program and its services to strengthen your…
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 4: Current Foster Care Need
On today’s podcast, Jessica Brogger from DHS joins us to have a conversation about the need of foster care in MN. Jessica will share with us the common reasons youth come into care, the need for more foster families across…
Let’s Talk – The 30 Days After: Adjusting to Life and Family After Placement
In this podcast, we'll discuss the first thirty days following an adoptive or foster placement. What happens when your best laid plans get torn up and tossed to the wind? Join us for the second part of this two-part series…
Let’s Talk – The 30 Days Before: Counting Down to Adoptive/Foster Placement
In this podcast, we'll discuss the final stages of preparing for a foster/adoptive placement. We’ll explore some of the most common hopes, fears and questions families have, as well as the conversations, reflections and preparations that can best support you…
Let’s Talk – Anxiety!
Join in this podcast to learn more about what contributes to your toxic stress and how it impacts you. Dr. Tami DeCoteau, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) will share strategies for self-care and managing stress.  If you like this podcast, consider joining Dr. DeCoteau for a live webinar…
Let’s Talk – Back to School: Ideas to Create Your New Normal
Join Christina Haddad Gonzalez and Chantelle Vaughn, education professionals experienced with supporting children and families, for a conversation filled with ideas and strategies to smooth back to school stress in these challenging and unprecedented times. MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT…
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 3: Q & A
We are finishing our Foster Care 101 podcast series with Kim Young and Brenda Sandquist. If you missed Part 1 and 2, we encourage you to listen. We are going to finish our conversation with Kim & Brenda by answering…
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 2: Licensing
We are continuing our Foster Care 101 podcast series with Brenda Sandquist & Kim Young.   if you missed the Foster Care 101: Part 1, we highly encourage you to check out Part 1 from July 21. If you have already…
Let’s Talk – Foster Care 101 – Part 1: The Need
In this episode we are joined by Brenda Sandquist and Kim Young to learn what it means to be a foster parent. They help us answer the most commonly asked questions about starting the licensing process. MN ADOPT Website:…
Let’s Talk – All Behavior Has Meaning with Adrian McLemore
Adrian McLemore is back with us! He highlights strategies & techniques parents can use who are struggling with behavior at home and ways to communicate with youth. MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/fosteradoptmn
Let’s Talk – Help for Your Child with Sensory Processing Challenges – 4-part Series
A conversation with Maude Le Roux on her upcoming series, describing OT and the impact of the senses on life skills and attachment. Maude Le Roux, OTR/L, an internationally acclaimed occupational therapist and expert on sensory integration and human development.…
Let’s Talk – De-Bunking the Myths of Foster Care
Common myths can make the prospect of fostering/adopting more intimidating than it should be. We go over 5 common myths about foster care. If you are interested in fostering, complete our foster care inquiry form: https://fostercare.mnadopt.org/v2/?c=fc_inquiry Foster Care information: https://fosteradoptmn.org/fostering-network/…
Let’s Talk – Interview with a Foster Mom: Back-To-School Shopping Experience
We chat with Lisa, a foster & adoptive mom, about her and her children’s experience with the Back-to-School Shopping Event last year! Learn more about this event:  https://mnadopt.networkforgood.com/projects/82148-back-to-school-shopping-for-foster-kids-2020 MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt
Let’s Talk – The Reel Hope Project
Description: Kaycee Stanley joins us! Kaycee is an adoptive mom and founder & director of The Reel Hope Project. Reel Hope makes videos of kids in foster care in MN who are waiting to be adopted, partnering with counties and faith…
Let’s Talk – MN ADOPT’s Fostering Network Program
We chat with Kim Young: our Foster Care & Kinship Specialist. In honor of National Foster Care Month, we wanted to have Kim on to tell us more about our Fostering Network program and how families can get started with…
Let’s Talk – Sensory Interventions to assist children in achieving greater regulation
Amie Summers, LGSW, SEP will introduce Sensory Motor Arousal and Regulation Treatment, a technique that teaches caregivers how to use sensory interventions to help children regulate, create stronger attachment bonding and heal trauma. Join Amie Summers & Mariah Rooney in…
Let’s Talk – Finding Compassion and Space for children and caregivers during COVID-19
In this podcast, we welcome Mariah Rooney to talk about how caregivers can find compassion and spaciousness for themselves and the children in their care. MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube:Â https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt
Let’s Talk – Helping Foster Parents Address COVID-19 with Their Children
In this podcast, we talk to Marc Markell, who teaches at St. Cloud University and at Worsham College of Mortuary Science. Marc is certified in Death and Grief Studies from Colorado State University through the Center for Loss and Life…
Let’s Talk – Coping with Covid: A Conversation with Brenda Benning
In this podcast episode HELP Specialist Andrea talks with adoptive parent and therapist Brenda Benning on the common experiences families are having with the unique challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic. In this conversation Andrea and Brenda explore topics of…
