December 21, 2022
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 workbook for young people. However, in order to help others achieve mental wellness, they will first deeply explore their own histories. We will follow them on their journey in uncovering and sharing their findings of the human condition, societal influences, and the stories we all hold.

Daisy and Coco of Minnesota are currently developing a new program on the power of story – as it shapes the lives of young people. Through their nearly completed emotional wellness workbook created specifically for youth (titled “Flipping the Script”), they will provide tools to help cultivate youth identity through their stories. Because Daisy and Coco were adopted from China and India, they understand the importance and urgency of their work – the deep emotional baggage that comes along with being adopted – the unanswered and unanswerable questions regarding their past. And yet, they continue to believe that owning our whole story lies at the crux of our identity, our mental well-being, and journey to self-actualization.

(37:52)

(Need credit toward your foster care license? If you watch a podcast with * symbol next to the title, you have the option of completing our Post Podcast Test to receive a Certificate of Completion.)

December 7, 2022
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 workbook for young people. However, in order to help others achieve mental wellness, they will first deeply explore their own histories. We will follow them on their journey in uncovering and sharing their findings of the human condition, societal influences, and the stories we all hold.

Daisy and Coco of Minnesota are currently developing a new program on the power of story – as it shapes the lives of young people. Through their nearly completed emotional wellness workbook created specifically for youth (titled “Flipping the Script”), they will provide tools to help cultivate youth identity through their stories. Because Daisy and Coco were adopted from China and India, they understand the importance and urgency of their work – the deep emotional baggage that comes along with being adopted – the unanswered and unanswerable questions regarding their past. And yet, they continue to believe that owning our whole story lies at the crux of our identity, our mental well-being, and journey to self-actualization.

(42:08)

(Need credit toward your foster care license? If you watch a podcast with * symbol next to the title, you have the option of completing our Post Podcast Test to receive a Certificate of Completion.)

November 23, 2022
Please join us for a chat with Daisy Leonard and Coco Leonard 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 workbook for young people. However, in order to help others achieve mental wellness, they will first deeply explore their own histories. We will follow them on their journey in uncovering and sharing their findings of the human condition, societal influences, and the stories we all hold.

Daisy and Coco Leonard of Minnesota are currently developing a new program on the power of story – as it shapes the lives of young people. Through their nearly completed emotional wellness workbook created specifically for youth (titled “Flipping the Script”), they will provide tools to help cultivate youth identity through their stories. Because Daisy and Coco were adopted from China and India, they understand the importance and urgency of their work – the deep emotional baggage that comes along with being adopted – the unanswered and unanswerable questions regarding their past. And yet, they continue to believe that owning our whole story lies at the crux of our identity, our mental well-being, and journey to self-actualization.

(47:19)

(Need credit toward your foster care license? If you watch a podcast with * symbol next to the title, you have the option of completing our Post Podcast Test to receive a Certificate of Completion.)

November 9, 2022
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 team exits. In this episode, we will discuss what typically happens at a finalization and more details about the HELP Post-Adoption Navigator program at MN ADOPT. This program is FREE and available to any family who adopted a child from Minnesota foster care within the past 12 months.

(22:30)

October 26, 2022
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 need to make the placement a success.

Jeremiah is an adoptive parent with years of experience with the foster care system and ICWA.

(39:11)

October 12, 2022
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. You will get a better understanding about the roles of a youth’s team during this time, the importance of a transition plan, what families can do to better prepare for the big day and how a CSR’s role is to find families for youth, not youth for families.

(25:33)

September 28, 2022
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 about a potential family, along with advice for families who are in the matching process.

Together, our guests have 14-years of experience working at Becker County Human Services.

Resources

People:
Barb Clark, JaeRan Kim
Angela Tucker (adult adoptee: many trainings, podcasts, documentary, etc.)
Megan Montgomery-The Baggage we carry: creating an awareness of how our past impacts our parenting and making it work
A.J. Zehner: Preparing Children already in home for new foster/adoptive siblings

Books:
Wounded Children, Healing Homes

Additional things waiting families can do:
Learn the court process

(30:32)

September 14, 2022
“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 adoptive families firsthand experience of what can be expected after the much-anticipated official licensing date.  Listen to our conversation with an adoptive parent to hear how this can be the hardest and most confusing part of the adoption process and for tips to get through the wait.  The series will continue down the road of the adoption process from matching to finalization and beyond!  Let’s start with While You’re Waiting….

Today we are joined by Amy Arntson, an adoptive parent who was selected by Voice for Adoption’s Family Portrait Project to represent Minnesota at the adoption awareness event in D.C.  Their story captured the attention of Adopt US Kids who filmed a short video about their experience.   Amy and her husband are often lovingly referred to as parents of the year by their three children.

https://blog.adoptuskids.org/firsts-with-the-arnston-family/

(19:09)

August 31, 2022
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 in home and group settings, both in person and virtually. Her primary focus is adoptive families with children healing from trauma histories and attachment issues. Brenda not only has extensive professional experience, but has real-life experience as an adoptive parent and family.

(18:12)

Aug 17, 2022
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.

In our follow-up podcast with Brenda Benning, we will discuss topics that Brenda will cover during her webinar titled, Defiance & Disrespect: Battles with Homework and Chores. Listeners can get a preview of Brenda’s Sept. 13th webinar to help better prepare for the start of the school season.

Brenda Benning works with families individually in home and group settings, both in person and virtually. Her primary focus is adoptive families with children healing from trauma histories and attachment issues.  Brenda not only has extensive professional experience, but has real-life experience as an adoptive parent and family.

(19:59)

Aug 3, 2022
Join us to learn more about the law for relatives or kin who are a permanency resource for a child in foster care.

Professor Natalie Netzel is an assistant professor at Michell Hamline School of Law where she serves as co-director of Clinics and Advocacy and Education Director for the Institute to Transform Child Protection.
(20:27)

July 20, 2022
Join our Q&A to hear what adoptive families are asking, resources available for potential adoptive parents and those inquiring about waiting children.
(14:26)

July 6, 2022
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. She has held a variety of positions in research, teaching, and administration in the past but is currently primarily involved in patient care.  Dr. Reeve has a special interest in children and adolescents with developmental disabilities.  She is the co-author of the “Survival Guide for Children on the Autism Spectrum.”
(21:52)

June 22, 2022
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 been working with children who have been adopted or are in the foster care setting, their families, and caregivers for 20 years. She is deeply committed to assist children and their caregivers in healing the impacts of trauma at any age.
(21:52)

June 8, 2022
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 can help!
(10:30)

May 25, 2022
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 of diverse voices in motherhood in the critically acclaimed Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender and Parenting in America. Nefertiti is the proud adoptive mother of two children and lives in Los Angeles, CA.(24:14)

May 11, 2022
Join us as Brandon Jensen helps foster parents navigate the impact of foster care on their relationships.
(21:25)

April 27, 2022
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 children you care for.

Heather Siek, Psy.D. LPCC is a licensed outpatient therapist. She primarily works with children, adolescents, and families. Her specialty is working with childhood trauma, anxiety, and children with behavioral difficulties. Heather is also an adoptive mom.

(17:28)

April 13, 2022
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.
(17:06)

March 30, 2022
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 associated with depressive symptoms in adoptive parents. Suggestions on how to reframe expectations of themselves as parents, of the child, of family and friends, and of society will be explored.
(20:40)

March 16, 2022
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.

Kathryn Markell has a Ph.D. in Psychology from Loyola University-Chicago.  She presently teaching in the psychology department of Anoka-Ramsey Community College, where she teaches Death and Dying and Child and Adolescent Development classes, in addition to many other courses.  She is the co-author of the book: The Children Who Lived: Using Harry Potter and Other Fictional Characters to Help Grieving Children and Adolescents.

Marc Markell teaches at St. Cloud State University in the Department of Special Education. He also teaches at Worsham College of Mortuary Science. In addition, Marc teaches an online class for a university in Korea. He is a certified Thanatologist through the Association of Death Educators and counseling and certified in Death and Grief Studies from Colorado State University through the Center for Loss and Life Transition. Marc has published three books on grief, book chapters, and numerous articles.
(32:43)

March 2, 2022
Join us as Brandon Jensen talks about the complicated relationships in the foster care community.
(24:00)

Feb 16, 2022
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 healthy birth family connections. She has consulted with county and private agencies about the complex relationships between primary families and resource families and has developed training for resource parents and social workers on best practices and strategies to overcome challenges in these relationships. She and her husband have three adopted children and 2 dogs.
(25:20)

Feb 2, 2022
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.

Brianna Sigg is a licensed social worker and therapist, dedicated to building awareness around the unique impact of identity and gender for those living their truth in marginalized identities. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, particularly with those who identify within the LGBTQ+ community.
(25:20)

Feb 2, 2022
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.

Brianna Sigg is a licensed social worker and therapist, dedicated to building awareness around the unique impact of identity and gender for those living their truth in marginalized identities. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, particularly with those who identify within the LGBTQ+ community.
(25:20)

Jan 19, 2022
Joins us as we talk with Kirsten Langerman, LICSW about the court process involved in foster care in MN.
(13:36)

Jan 5, 2022
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.
(16:23)

Dec 22, 2021
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, LMSW is a child welfare program director for Arbor Circle, based in Michigan. She is a licensed master’s level social worker and private practice clinician. Additionally, Amy is a foster parent and has worked in the child welfare field for over 20 years.
(21:58)

Dec 8, 2021
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 this two-part series, we are joined by Erin Etter (agency Social Worker) and Michelle Brown (county Social Worker).
(24:40)

Nov 24, 2021
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 this two-part series, we are joined by Erin Etter (agency Social Worker) and Michelle Brown (county Social Worker
(22:52)

Nov 16, 2021
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 support looks like from the HELP Program to help strengthen a family.
(23:30)

Nov 16, 2021
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 assistance and what that support looks like from the HELP Program to help strengthen a family.
(14:30)

Nov 16, 2021
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 foster care to reach out for some assistance and what that support looks like from the HELP Program to help strengthen a family.
(15:43)

Nov 16, 2021
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 for some assistance and what that support looks like from the HELP Program to help strengthen a family.
(11:51)

Nov 16, 2021
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 foster care to reach out for some assistance and what that support can look like from the HELP Program to help strengthen a family.
(15:28)

Nov 16, 2021
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 family.
(12:46)

Nov 10, 2021
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 the state, and how you can help meet that need.
(13:20)

Oct 13, 2021
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 to discuss crisis, adjustment, and adaptation.
(21:59)

Sept 28, 2021
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 and your growing family.
(28:30)

Sept 15, 2021
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. 
(11:25)

Aug 31, 2021
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.
(21:50)

Aug 17, 2021
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 questions that were submitted by potential & current foster providers.
(27:22)

Aug 4, 2021
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 listened to Part 1, welcome back!  We’ll continue our conversation with Kim and Brenda.  Today we focus on what it looks like to be a licensed foster provider.
(23:58)

July 21, 2022
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.
(28:03)

Jan 25, 2022
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.
(5:10)

Oct 8, 2020
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.
(4:21)

Sept 22, 2020
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/
MN ADOPT HELP Program:  https://fosteradoptmn.org/help-prog/
MN ADOPT Post-Adoption Navigator:  https://fosteradoptmn.org/pan-overview/
(4:21)

June 22, 2020
Interview with a Foster Mom: Back-To-School Shopping Experience
(7:41)

May 13, 2020
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 communities to help MN kids find forever families.
(12:46)

May 7, 2020
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 becoming foster parents even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn about our 2021 Back To School Shopping Event to help Minnesota kids in Foster Care.

You can contact Kim by calling 612-746-5133 or by email:  fosteringnetwork@mnadopt.org

The foster care inquiry form is also available:  https://fostercare.mnadopt.org/v2/?c=fc_inquiry
(6:21)

Apr 29, 2020
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.
(18:22)

Apr 20, 2020
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.
(18:34)

Apr 15, 2020
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 Transition.
Marc addresses strategies and suggestions for coping with the additional stress of COVID- 19, for both foster parents and foster children.
(9:51)

Apr 4, 2020
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 anxiety, self-regulation, self-care and more.
(13:35)