Podcast Library

Our Podcasts are filled with valuable resources for prospective and current adoptive and foster families, as well as professionals.  They are packed with information to help you navigate the complexities and needs of foster care and adoption.

Find us on ITUNES, SPOTIFY & GOOGLE PLAY.  Search “MN ADOPT” on your phone’s podcast app and subscribe. Or listen below!

2022

Know Your Rights: Kinship

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)

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Zero Kids Waiting Series: Episode 2: Commonly Asked Questions

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)

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Autism: What You Need to Know

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)

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Disruption/Dissolution of Adoptions

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)

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Zero Kids Waiting Series: Episode 1: Recruitment

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)

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Family Matters: A Conversation About Transracial Families and Kinship Care

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)

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Foster Care 101 – Part 13: Family Impact on Foster Care

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

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Foster Care 101 – Part 12: Children’s Mental Health

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)

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Foster Care 101 – Part 11: Trauma 101

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)

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Parental Postadoption Depression: Reframing Expectations

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)

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Foster Care 101 – Part 10: Grief & Loss in Foster Care

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)

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Foster Care 101 – Part 9: Navigating Complex Relationships in Foster Care

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

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Foster Care 101 – Part 8: The Many Moves of Foster Care

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)

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LGBTQ+: Understanding and Support

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)

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LGBTQ+: Understanding and Support

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)

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Foster Care 101 – Part 7: Foster Care & Court

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

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Partnerships for Permanence: Developing Young Leaders

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)

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2021

Put on Your Air-mask: Self Care Through the Holidays

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)

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Foster Care 101 – Part 6: Foster Care Licensing: Agency vs County (2)

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)

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Foster Care 101 – Part 5: Foster Care Licensing: Agency vs County (1)

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)

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Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 6)- Strengthening Families Who Adopted an Infant through an Open Adoption

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)

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Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 5)- Strengthening Families Who Adopted Internationally

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)

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Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 4)- Strengthening Foster Families

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)

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Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 3)- Strengthening Kinship Families

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)

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Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 2)- Strengthening Families Who Adopted through MN Foster Care

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)

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Conversations with the HELP Program (Part 1)- Services to Strengthen Your Family

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)

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Foster Care 101 – Part 4: Current Foster Care Need

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)

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The 30 Days After: Adjusting to Life and Family After Placement

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)

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The 30 Days Before: Counting Down to Adoptive/Foster Placement

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)

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Anxiety!

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)

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Back to School: Ideas to Create Your New Normal

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)

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Foster Care 101 – Part 3: Q & A

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)

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Foster Care 101 – Part 2: Licensing

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)

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Foster Care 101 – Part 1: The Need

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)

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All Behavior Has Meaning with Adrian McLemore

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)

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2020

Help for Your Child with Sensory Processing Challenges - 4-part Series

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)

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De-Bunking the Myths of Foster Care

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)

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Interview with a Foster Mom: Back-To-School Shopping Experience

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

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The Reel Hope Project

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)

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MN ADOPT’s Fostering Network Program

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)

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Sensory Interventions to assist children in achieving greater regulation

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)

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Finding Compassion and Space for children and caregivers during COVID-19

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)

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Helping Foster Parents Address COVID-19 with Their Children

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)

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Coping with Covid: A Conversation with Brenda Benning

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)

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