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School Issues for Children in Foster Care

In this episode, Rick Delaney and Charley Joyce focus on the behavioral and emotional challenges children in foster care and families experience within the school system.  Tune in to learn how school-related issues impact foster parents and their interactions with…

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The Missing Puzzle Pieces

In this episode, we are joined by Holly Guyer, Mark Watkins and Sandi Falck. Holly, Mark and Sandi are siblings who were adopted at birth. They share their story--from what they were told by their parents in childhood, to the…

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Open Hearts, Persistence, and Love

Ellie Krug is a former civil trial attorney, nonprofit leader, radio/podcast host, author and national speaker on human inclusivity. Most of all, she is the parent of two Korean-born adult daughters, one of whom Ellie lost when she came out…

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Positive Childhood Experiences

In this episode, we are joined by award-winning science journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa. Donna is going to share with us the latest research on Positive Childhood Experiences, why they are so vital for us to understand and practical ways to…

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Adoption Literacy

In this episode, we are joined by author, clinician, and adoptee advocate Cam Lee Small. Cam will share an overview of what it means to be Adoption Literate, outlining how we can best support those impacted by adoption in our…

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Happy Enough Holidays

In this episode, we are joined by Beth Syverson, adoptive parent and founder of Unraveling Adoption, an organization that seeks to connect and support in growth and healing those who have been touched by adoption. The holidays can be a…

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Overstimulation in Caregiving

In this episode, we are joined by Jana Battagler, a licensed professional clinical counselor at Empower Counseling in Fargo, North Dakota. Jana is going to tell us all about overstimulation in parenting: what it is, how we got here, and…

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Connections, Compassion and Culture

Join Rosilynn Morris as she shares her reflections on working as a Therapist in an organization that primarily served Native American children, teens, and adults. Discover how she learned to integrate Indigenous knowledge with evidence-based treatment to create a holistic…

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Self Harm, How Do We Help?

In this episode, we will learn why self-harm, diagnoses, when they should stop, interventions and how understanding is the key.  Guest Bruce O’Leary shares how to be supportive without reinforcing the behavior.  Bruce is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist…

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From Wounds to Healing

If you have been brave enough to be a foster or adoptive parent, then you will agree that it comes with a cost. Yet many of us continue to put ourselves back into the battle zones willingly because the children…

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Decision Fatigue

Please join us as we talk about the frantic pace of today’s families and the decision fatigue that can result.  We’ll validate and normalize decision fatigue and identify ways we can keep ourselves and our families healthy and joyful. Our…

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The Overlooked Child (Part 2)

In part two of this two-part series, we will focus on high school youth and how transition planning is crucial with this age group.  Just like part one, we’ll help make sure special education surrogates and foster parent voices, ideas,…

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The Overlooked Child (Part 1)

In part one of this two-part series, we will focus on elementary – middle school age children.  Don’t feel intimidated and disregarded!  Here’s how to make sure special education surrogates and foster parent voices, ideas and concerns are heard at…

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Lived Experiences and Complexities of Adoption

Join us to hear how Amy Wilkerson, LICSW, helps individuals find the courage to live their lives authentically while staying in connection with themselves and others.  Amy is a transracial and international adoptee as well as licensed clinical social worker. …

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UMOJA [OO-mo-jah] is Swahili for unity!

Join us to learn how UMOJA MN inspires families to reflect on the beautiful ways African Americans have contributed to the development of humanity.  Our guest, Queen Jacobs, is the program director at UMOJA MN and will share how the…

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Human Trafficking in Minnesota and Beyond

Please join us for a thought-provoking conversation with two human trafficking experts committed to achieving social justice. Our webinars cover sensitive topics such as grief, trauma, abuse, neglect, and sexual behaviors. We acknowledge these topics may be triggering or uncomfortable…

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What is a Special Education Surrogate?

Martha Lippitt, Char Matheson, and Norma Graham (2023 Distinguished Service Award recipient) will share how they ensure quality and meaningful education for children under state guardianship through the services of Special Education surrogates. Learn how volunteers appointed by school districts…

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‘Twas the Night Before Holiday Break

Make your list and check it twice before the holiday season approaches!  Learn from two school based mental health providers how to keep silent nights where all is calm and bright during your holiday break. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website |…

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Open Your Mind and Heart

Hear from a parent who adopted through foster care while working within Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) guidelines. Samantha and her family developed an incredibly close bond with her child’s birth mother, and large extended family, while continuing to champion…

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Adults Supporting Trans Youth

Please join us for an important discussion about the ways in which adults can support trans youth and all trans people. Join us for Kristen Datta's Fall Forum webinar, Using LGBTQ History to Support LGBTQ Kids on November 8, 2023.…

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A Racial Identity Journey

Isaac Etter grew up with very few Black people. His only reference for Black people was through television and the media. Transracial adoptees need parents who support their racial identity development in positive ways. In this episode, we will learn from…

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Chat with Chalmers, A Voice for Change!

Since aging out of foster care in Colorado in 1985, Michelle Chalmers has been passionate about the need for system reform and the essential role that young people can take in leading child welfare to more effective, youth- and family-focused…

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BTS of BTS Event!

We’re going Behind-the-Scenes of FAM’s Back-to-School shopping event.  Kim Sacay from FAM will share how it all got started.  Emily, a Child Specific Recruiter, and Kim will share how it all works… and Emily will provide the youth’s perspective. FOSTER…

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Homework for Parents

We’ll get the inside scoop from a school teacher in Greater MN about how you can prepare for the upcoming school year. Maureen has been a teacher for 20-years, is an adoptive and foster parent, and ready to share how…

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Preparing for School—at School

Brenda Benning has five things to keep in mind as you help your child transition back-to-school. Brenda works with families individually in home and group settings. Her primary focus is adoptive families with children healing from trauma histories and attachment…

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Design Flaws

Join us for an adoption discussion centered around author Joe Golemo's life as an adoptee, and in his new book Design Flaws, a murder mystery set in the Twin Cities. Author Joe Golemo draws distinct parallels to his own life…

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Concepts of De-escalation

This podcast will explore frameworks for understanding escalation. In addition, we will discuss effective and corresponding interventions to match the level of escalation. Lastly, we will focus on self-management to enhance the de-escalation skills. You can register for Jimmie's webinar…

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Two topics, Three Spring Summit Guests in One!

Hear from child welfare professionals, Brianna Sigg and Stephanie Coleman, about their years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with marginalized identities.  They will also share the various types of safe care supports available in our communities.  You…

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FASD Through the Eyes of Barb Clark

We will take a deeper dive into Barb Clark’s personal passion, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  Learn how the world of FASD has changed throughout the years and what it means to parent those with FASD into adulthood.  We will also…

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Goodbye Again

Join us for a discussion of the memoir Goodbye Again. This book is the story of one birth mother's relinquishment, reunion, secondary loss, and journey to acceptance and healing. Her heart-wrenching book details how she lost her son - twice.…

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