As we all know, the foster to adoption process doesn’t magically happen. We will hear from long-term social workers and colleagues from St. Louis County, Char Matheson and Katie Rodel about their day-to-day work. Char and Katie have reputations for…
In this episode, we are joined by Heather Simonich. Heather is the Director of the Center for Holistic Health at Concordia College in Moorhead. She has 8 years of experience as an operations director at PATH, a foster care and…
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…
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…
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…
In this episode, we are joined by Ariana Krecklau, who is a therapist at Empower Counseling in Fargo, North Dakota, and who has experience working as a treatment foster care case manager. She will share with us what attachment is,…
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…
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…
For many, back-to-school means sitting in a classroom for a majority of the day. Mya Zavaleta is checking in to see how the first few weeks of school are going! We will dive into the importance of getting children moving…
Daniela Coats, Licensed Masters Social Worker, joins us from Texas to talk about her personal experiences growing up in a home that fostered and adopted as well as her work as a therapist and trainer supporting the entire foster family.…
Greg Luce is back to share valuable information about intercountry adoption. Hear from Greg how Congress could fix a loophole that denies US citizenship to thousands of intercountry adopted people, what help is available for intercountry adoptees who have no…
In this episode, Meg Flynn joins us to talk about ways to incorporate joy into our family lives. As a therapist and trainer for over twenty-five years, Meg has a vast array of knowledge and experience in working with children…
Thank you to our listeners for getting us to our 100th episode! Hear from FAM staff about how Let’s Talk started and how we got to this point. Classic FAM presenters Deena McMahon, Rick Delaney, Charley Joyce, Krista Nelson and…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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. …
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…
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities face barriers from racism, discrimination, cultural insensitivity, and cultural stigma. Hear from Tatiana Bergum and Tatianna Kirk how the work they do transforms the lives of BIPOC underserved youth and young adults…
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…
Please join us for a discussion on how we can support the regulatory systems of those supporting and regulating children. We have many offerings for children to learn regulation, but not many to support the school professionals or teachers in…
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…
Please join us for a podcast conversation with TJ Hewett, a licensed independent clinical social worker. We will discuss how can we prepare our youth for the holidays and be mindful of transitions: love, connection, and tradition are gifts we…
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 |…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Please join us for a conversation between four Korean Adoptees from YangJu Orphanage who found each other after 50 years. They will candidly discuss transitioning from squalor to growing up as minorities within their own families while their subconscious and…
Please join us as we chat with two of FAM's Information and Referral team members about our new Foster Adopt Shop. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook | YoutubeÂ
Please join us as we chat with Tom Ewald and Joe Thom, partners and parents of a wonderful adopted son. They will openly share their opinions about the joys and challenges of raising a child with trauma history. Tom Ewald…
Please join us as we have a conversation with FAM's Jessica Miller, former foster youth and adoptive mother. Jessica will share her lived experience and reveal what she wishes her foster parents had known. Jessica joined the Foster Adopt Minnesota…
There are many ups and downs adopting through foster care. Pull up a chair and learn how two dads overcame additional challenges, barriers and stereotypes on their way to becoming a family of four. Our guest, Jeremiah, has been a…
Children coming from adoption are at a crossroads between being content with having a safe and loving environment and missing their biological parents. This podcast will give listeners a glimpse into what adoptees feel. Breanna will present ideas on how…
Strong team communication skills support a culture of collaboration. For part one in our communication series, hear about the importance of communication within child welfare teams. Our guest will be Stacy Gehringer, MSW, LICSW (she/her/hers), Director of Outreach for the…
We will pick Dr. Chasnoff’s brain and learn more about his upcoming webinar that takes a deeper dive into prenatal substance exposure in children. You can register for Dr. Chasnoff's webinar in April here. Ira J. Chasnoff, M.D., an award-winning…
…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…
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…
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…
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…
We are FAM-ily! MN ADOPT is now Foster Adopt Minnesota! As we start a new year, we are excited to also begin this chapter of our organization. Since 1980, we have focused on the goal of ensuring every Minnesota child…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
“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…
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…
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.…
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
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
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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.…
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
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…
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
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
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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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:…
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
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.…
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/…
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
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
Let’s Talk Podcast
Getting to Permanency with County Adoption/Kinship Social WorkersÂ