Upwardly Dependent

Kayla and Lauren have been online friends for 10 years, writing and mothering in similar spaces. This conversation takes a deep dive into the relationships parents have with others who mothered our children both before and after they joined our families. Kayla writes heartfelt prayers for parents who are in need of a ministry of words in seasons of deep grief or spiritual dryness. Her top-rated Substack newsletter offers weekly breath prayers, playlists, and encouragement for raising safe and whole families.  Kayla is also the author of “Every Season Sacred” and “To Light Their Way.” With a background in journalism, she hopes to bring curiosity and compassion to how she shows up not only as a writer and podcaster but also as a neighbor, friend, and parent. She considers herself a contemplative extrovert and is the creator of the popular Liturgies for Parents Instagram and Podcast. Her wonder-shaped writing has been featured in a vast array of books, devotionals, and Bible studies. She lives in a former convent with her pastor husband, four kids, and two dogs in her Iowa hometown. ... Episode Highlights Kayla Craig Introduction (1:52) Parenting and how motherhood changes you (11:15) The formation of women in our lives (12:50) Parenting adopted children (17:52) Expanding the network of safety and influence outside the home (26:44) Recognizing the importance of people in the lives of our kids before we met them (31:40) Kayla’s second book “Every Season Sacred” and spiritual rhythms (36:40) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links Kindred Exchange - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission Think Orphan - Learn more and listen to the podcast Emmaus House - Learn more about their work with orphaned youth in Haiti  Kayla’s Personal InstagramLiturgies for Parents Instagram Liturgies for Parents Podcast - Tune into Kayla’s podcast for a moment of peace in the chaos of life. “Every Season Sacred” - Reflections, Prayers, And Invitations To Nourish Your Soul And Nurture Your Family Throughout The Year “To Light Their Way” - A Collection of Prayers & Liturgies for Parents Liturgies for Parents Top Substack - Follow along with Kayla’s weekly newsletter, playlists, and breath prayers ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Kayla Instagram / Facebook / Substack

Once you see how institutionalizing children can be harmful to their development, how do you continue to be involved with the care of orphans and vulnerable children? Brent Phillips, CEO and Programs Manager at Cherish Uganda, shares how this organization has evolved over the years to best center families within their care strategy. Brent speaks candidly and truthfully about the unique challenges of this transition, and how the posture of programming organizations is critical to the success of marginalized communities. ... Episode Highlights Introduction to Brent (2:31) Brent’s work with Cherish Uganda (3:08) Pushback to the switch to family based care (6:57) Donors reactions to organization’s narratives about orphan care (10:56) Story behind the short film from Cherish Uganda (16:07) Pastoring donors and inviting them into the story (23:17) How Cherish Uganda differentiates themselves from other organizations in Uganda (25:06) Encouragement to make the shift to pivoting approach to orphanages (30:46) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Emmaus House⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Learn more about their work with orphaned youth in Haiti ⁠Konbit Haiti⁠ - See how a group of people is transforming communities in Haiti Cherish Uganda - Learn more about the work they do with children with HIV/AIDS.  World AIDs Day video - Walk in the shoes of a person living with HIV, to increase awareness of the stigma and treatment. ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Brent Linkedin / Instagram / Facebook

It is critical to center the voices of lived experience experts in any human rights conversation. This episode is sure to give you pause at different moments, as David Sanon shares his experience growing up in a boarding school in Haiti, where American donors sponsored his education. After meeting Steph DeLuca Robinson and other trusted partners, he found an opportunity to lead and develop his fellow Haitians into independent, sustainable solutions that promoted their freedom from foreign money.  If you are currently sponsoring an ‘orphan’ or an ‘orphanage’ somewhere in the world, don’t listen to this episode unless you are open to having your perspective rattled by the childhood experience of institutionalized care. ... Episode Highlights How David and Steph met and eventually founded Konbit (4:35) What is misunderstood about Haiti + David’s story (10:00) How the phrase “White Saviors” relates to David’s Story (15:30) A formal apology from Lauren in the way she engaged with Haiti in the past (20:48) Attachment issues with institutionalized care (22:09) The cost of orphanages > Supporting parents (29:10) Sexual abuse in orphanages and sex trafficking once a kid ages out (33:18) Isolation and the prevalence of suicide after youth exit care (26:16) Why Konbit supports families instead of children (38:05) David’s hope for Haiti (42:43) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Emmaus House⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Learn more about their work with orphaned youth in Haiti Konbit Haiti - See how a group of people is transforming communities in Haiti ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Steph Linkedin / Instagram / Facebook Connect with David Konbit Haiti's Website

Eric Gott began working with kids who hold difficult narratives as a play therapist in Nashville, Tennessee. He then became a foster dad, and after 3.5 years of courtroom appointments, he and his wife, Leah, became the legal parents of four young children. Eric now serves as a Children’s Minister in Birmingham, Alabama, where he has brought trauma-infused thought to the way the church creates inclusive spaces for kids who may need help regulating emotions and behaviors. And, you’ll hear him admit that their new sensory room is a huge hit for adults who may need a change of scenery, too. In this episode, you’ll hear how one therapist’s philosophies of best practice were challenged when his home also needed to become a therapeutic environment, and how the ways his commitment to his children has been infused into the ways he perceives holistic care for vulnerable kids. Whether you are a therapist, a parent, a church member, or simply a curious listener, you are SURE to take tangible wisdom from this conversation. ... Episode Highlights Guest Introduction for Eric and his professional journey (2:20) How to find the right therapist for your family (4:15) Therapists choose a specialty or theory that leads their practice (6:10) A deeper conversation of play therapy and Lauren’s experience with Eric’s sandbox (8:30) Age ranges for certain types of therapeutic modalities (13:19) Attachment-based play and developmental trauma vs. DSM diagnoses (15:00) Practicing “Delight” in our kids, even in the midst of chaos (18:47) Treating our children as their emotional age rather than their biological age (23:39) Where American churches should grow in meeting the needs of kids (32:58) Communicating your needs to your community (40:36) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Emmaus House⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Learn more about their work with orphaned youth in Haiti “The Explosive Child” by Ross Greene, PhD “The Connected Child” by Karyn Purvis, PhD, et al. “You Should be Grateful” by Angela Tucker “What White Parents Should Know about Transracial Adoption” by Melissa Guida-Richards ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jamie Finn is no stranger to the attachment journey for children and families. Having shared her life as a foster mother for a decade, Jamie knows the beauty and the sorrow of loving kids with difficult beginnings. In this episode, you’ll hear Jamie share the ways her heart posture has changed over the years. If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, if you’re currently walking through the attachment journey yourself, or if you’d like to learn how to better support families wrapped up in the foster system, this episode is for you! ... Episode Highlights Introduction to Jamie and her journey with caring for kids in foster care (2:26) The reality of being complicit in trauma (7:13) Redefining ‘home’ in terms of attachment (10:21) Co-regulation when a child does not feel safe (14:34) Trauma-informed, gospel-centered parenting (20:22) What can I do? Identifying needs and gifts and neighboring well (32:45) How to engage with Jamie and her work (42:58) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Think Orphan ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Emmaus House⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Learn more about their work with orphaned youth in Haiti Foster the Family Website - Learn more about the organization, dive into the blog, and tune into the podcast today Foster the Family Book - Order your copy of Jamie’s book today ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Jamie Instagram

In a law-oriented society like the United States, it is critical to engage legal professionals who frame our understanding of adoption and foster care policies in the field of child advocacy. Elizabeth Kirk, who holds a doctorate in law from Notre Dame, is passionate about adoption policy because of the way her own life started and the way she and her husband have grown their family. As a leading voice in both the legal community and the Catholic pro-life movement, Dr. Kirk sheds light on the interpretation of abortion legislation and the way forward after the Dobbs decision. ... Episode Highlights Elizabeth Kirk and her work (1:49) Society’s focus on infant adoption (8:29) Equality and gender roles in abortion law and other areas of society (13:24) Misconceptions of adoption (25:05) Possibilities for the future of foster care and adoption policies (30:52) What does it mean to be pro-life? (36:53) How could government funding support adoption? (40:09) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Think Orphan ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Emmaus House⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Learn more about their work with orphaned youth in Haiti ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Elizabeth Email / X

Dr. Nicholas Darby obtained his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and is a distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.  He is a managing partner of Florence Medical Associates, where he practices primary care in Florence, Alabama.  He served as chief resident during his time at Cahaba-UAB Family Medicine Residency and has also enjoyed roles as a clinical professor for nurse practitioner and medical students.   Dr. Darby and his wife are passionate advocates for embryo adoption and the responsible use of assisted reproductive technology after being blessed with their daughter through embryo adoption. This episode will provide technical language around embryo adoption, advanced reproductive technologies, and Christian frameworks for these conversations. ... Episode Highlights Introduction to Dr. Darby & his story with embryo adoption (1:56) Infertility, marriage, ethics and the will of God (14:17) Medical professionals and medical ethics (24:44) Discussing ethics and the IVF process (31:53) Dr. Darby’s process of embryo adoption and advice for others in the process (42:27) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Think Orphan ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠Emmaus House⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Learn more about their work with orphaned youth in Haiti National Embryo Donation Center - Learn more about embryo donation/embryo adoption ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

As medicine continues to advance, reproductive technologies provide more options to hopeful parents. Lauren’s sister, Ansley, shares her journey to motherhood with great vulnerability. This episode provides a frame for those who have wandered through ethical questions of in vitro fertilization. The things Ansley discusses here offer both challenge and hope in the midst of family planning. ... Episode Highlights An introduction to Ansley Smith (3:34) Ansley’s health and family journey (8:15) What is endometriosis? (14:42) The options and conversations for Ansley and her husband (19:14) Ethics and IVF (24:53) Ansley’s IVF journey (29:40) Impacts of sharing her story (35:28) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Think Orphan ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠Emmaus House⁠⁠⁠ - Learn more about their work with orphaned youth in Haiti ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Ansley ⁠⁠⁠Instagram

As the mother of four children who joined her family through adoption, Shannan Martin shares how loving and walking alongside the marginalized of her community not only revolutionized her faith, but also made her an unapologetic ally with those who are negatively impacted by the U.S. prison system.  Shannan, whose husband is a chaplain in their local jail, shares what she has learned by living with and loving the incarcerated. In this episode, you’ll hear about how Shannan accesses the promise of the Gospel through the lives of her neighbors. Be sure to read Shannan’s books or sign up for her Substack for more conversations like this. ... Episode Highlights Introduction to Shannan Martin (1:52) Critical lessons in community (6:28) Stories of injustice in the justice system (11:05) Shannan’s views on involvement in government (25:20) What is the Church in America missing? (31:07) Trauma, marginalization, and the relationship to the justice system (36:09) Resources and learning more (40:33) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Think Orphan ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast ⁠⁠Emmaus House⁠⁠ - Learn more about their work with orphaned youth in Haiti Start with Hello - Shannan’s latest book The Ministry of Ordinary Places - by Shannan Martin Falling Free - by Shannan Martin Death Row Support Project - Sign up to mail letters ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Shannan ⁠⁠Instagram / X / Website

Since her release in 2019, Cyntoia Brown Long has been able to travel the U.S. speaking about her experience within the criminal justice system where she was tried as an adult and placed in a womens’ prison at the age of 16. Her story started long before her arrest, however, and long before she found herself fearing for her life in the home of a man who offered to pay her for sex.  Cyntoia shares about her journey out of early childhood foster care and into a loving adoptive family–a journey that was still weighed down by crises of identity and belonging. Her story is one of resilience and faith, and shows  how the prison system in the United States should evolve in order to consider the trauma histories of children in the courts. ... Episode Highlights Introduction to Cyntoia (1:49) Behavioral presentations of children in the classroom (8:40) Cyntoia’s story and relationship with the criminal justice system (15:53) Clemency & redemption (26:17) Advocacy and interactions with the criminal justice system (30:51) What’s at stake if things don’t change? (36:34) Where should people of faith spend their time and energy? (41:40) What’s giving Cyntoia hope? (49:00) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Think Orphan ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast ⁠Emmaus House⁠ - Learn more about their work with orphaned youth in Haiti ⁠Free Cyntioa Book⁠ - Get an autographed copy of Cyntioa’s book ⁠Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown Story⁠ - Watch the Netflix documentary  ⁠Soap & Water Organics⁠ - Shop Cyntoia’s handmade organic soaps ⁠The JFAM Foundation⁠ - Learn more about their work to broaden understanding and awareness of issues concerning marginalized populations by creating a platform for affected individuals to serve as thought leaders. ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Cyntoia ⁠Instagram⁠ / ⁠X⁠ / ⁠Facebook

In this episode, Dr. Patt van Eys provides an incredible foundation of understanding about psychiatric illnesses and the U.S. system for diagnosing and treating mental health concerns. Listeners will find this conversation SO helpful as Dr. Patti connects child development, attachment, and dissociation to the critical ages of neurological growth for babies 0-3 years of age. For those parenting or teaching children who are neurodiverse, this episode will bring clarity to new research around “developmental trauma” and how this phenomenon can manifest in adults. Dr. Patti regularly visits prison residents with death sentences, and works to explain how trauma, dissociation, and the brain’s protective instincts should be considered when assessing criminal behavior. ... Episode Highlights An introduction to Dr. Patti van Eys (2:58) DSM-5 and language evolution around developmental trauma (14:20) Early brain development and attachment (26:28) Understanding dissociation and developmental trauma disorder (35:39) Understanding children with adverse childhood experiences (53:17) Trauma, justice, and healing (1:01:36) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Think Orphan ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast ⁠What Happened to You by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey - the trailblazers in the work of development trauma for the last 30 years Dr. Patti van Eys - Learn about her work and request a consultation Neurosequential Network - A biologically respectful approach to treating children ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Dr. Patti Linkedin / Website

Angela Tucker has been a long-time trusted voice in the space of transracial adoption. As an advocate for children growing up in foster and adoptive homes, she shares her own experience of finding her safest place amongst others who were raised apart from their birth families.  Angela facilitates the connection of a vibrant adoptee community full of teens and adults who share a unique journey to finding themselves and their identity. This episode is a critical listen for any parents who have adopted or fostered children of a racial heritage different from their own. ... Episode Highlights An introduction to Angela Tucker (2:00) Blindspots for adoptive parents and for society (4:46) Angela’s book title and the language of “should” (9:55)  Expansive family and community models (12:02) Entering spaces of racial majority and considering identity (19:53) Angela’s experience in finding her birth family (26:48) Exploring a sense of belonging and “third culture” (31:19) The love and trauma realities of adoption (34:48) Angela’s work with adoptees (40:34) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠⁠Think Orphan ⁠⁠⁠⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast Angela’s Website⁠⁠ - Learn more about Angela's work ⁠You Should Be Grateful Book⁠ - Order Angela's book today ⁠Adoptee Mentoring Society⁠ - Virtual mentorship for adoptees — by adoptees ⁠Angela’s podcast⁠ - Tune into Angela's podcast as she interviews adoptees from all backgrounds in an effort to shift societal perceptions ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Angela ⁠⁠⁠Instagram / X / Facebook

***This episode contains themes of self harm, some mild language, and other concepts that may be sensitive to listeners.*** ... Milton Washington leads a number of ventures as he shares a powerful narrative of an identity formed through transnational and transracial experiences. In this episode, he sheds light on the unique origin to his story, and how he learned to grow into his own identity with pride. Listeners will be challenged in this episode as Milton bravely gives testimony to the parts of his adoption narrative that allowed him to find his place in his family. This episode provides excellent context to the complexities of the human experience, and offers an invitation for parents to understand their children as they best receive security and love.  ... Episode Highlights An introduction to Milton Washington and his story (1:53 ) Exploring identity and value as a transracial adoptee (11:15) Family culture and fitting in (19:28) Milton’s advice for adoptive parents (27:17) What it might mean to help vulnerable children (35:10) Follow Milton’s projects (44:55) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠Think Orphan ⁠⁠⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rokmil Studios - Check out Milton's work ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Milton ⁠⁠Instagram

Kimberly and Lauren discuss the particular landscape of orphanages in Thailand, where $40M is donated to homes in 2 of the 76 provinces alone. Kim, a veteran advocate for reformed care led by Thai churches and families, shares how she’s seen practices shift over the years, and where donor churches still need to evolve in their understanding of child development and attachment. Kimberly leads StepAhead Thailand, an organization that offers training on scriptural frameworks for care as well as extensive guidelines for family strengthening. ... Episode Highlights Introduction to Kimberly & Lauren’s relationship (1:55) Kimberly’s story of moving to Thailand (8:11) The effects of the American Church in Thailand (12:55) Redefining the term “orphan” in the context of scripture (22:15) The industrialization of the orphan care system (25:44)  Owning our past ill informed practices around orphan care (39:04) Kimberly’s research with Lumos & resources for churches moving forward (47:02) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠⁠Think Orphan ⁠⁠⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast Step Ahead - Learn more and find resources for family-based care ⁠CAFO2024 Summit⁠ - Sign up for the conference happening September 18-20, 2024 in Nashville, TN World Without Orphans Conference - Sign up for the global forum taking place in Chaing Mai, Thailand February 29 - March 3, 2024 Rabbit Proof Fence - Watch the movie about three aboriginal girls who were forcibly taken from their families in 1931 to be trained as domestic servants as part of an official Australian government policy.  Safe Families - Learn more about the work they do to keep children safe and families together. ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Kimberly Linkedin / X

As the President of CAFO (Christian Alliance for Orphans), Jedd Medefind invites people with any skill set or particular burden to care for the needs of vulnerable children and families. Whether that is through offering prepared meals, financial support, intercessory prayer, physical space, or emotional respite, there are things anyone in the Church can offer in the ecosystem of family-based care. Lauren and Jedd set the stage for the rest of this season, and offer a guide to posturing our hearts to place the lived experience of adult children from orphanages or foster care to guide our actions and thoughts around the issue. ... Episode Highlights An introduction to Jedd Medefind and CAFO (1:50) Engaging the hurt and beauty of the Gospel (7:40) Accurately communicating with the Church (15:34) The Church abroad and orphan care (19:10) Moving the work forward and growth in a time of critique (26:14) Jedd’s work and CAFO 2024 (32:39) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠⁠. ... Links ⁠⁠Kindred Exchange⁠⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠⁠Think Orphan ⁠⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast ⁠CAFO Best Practices Research - Learn about the leading recommendations in improving care CAFO2024 Summit - Sign up for the conference happening September 18-20, 2024 in Nashville, TN ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Jedd ⁠Linkedin

When Lauren was in graduate school, she committed herself to bringing research and data to inform the ways Christians engage with humanitarian issues. Dr. Kristen Cheney is an incredible resource for Churches to understand the psychology of attachment, best practices around child protection, and the need for excellent qualifications in the field of child development in order to appropriately work in the field of care. As you listen to this episode, consider the years of research that has been done to help us better meet the needs of children in vulnerable places. ... Episode Highlights An introduction to Dr. Kristen Cheney and her research (3:13) Adult adoptees’ perspectives on orphan care (8:38) Understanding familial systems (15:12) Orphan industrial complex: the monetization of everything “orphan” (28:00) The attachment experience (44:55) A better way to support children with your donor dollars (59:58) The importance of being qualified before doing this work (1:02:35) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit ⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes⁠. ... Links ⁠Kindred Exchange⁠ - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission ⁠Think Orphan ⁠- Learn more and listen to the podcast Dr. Cheney’s Bio & Publications - Learn more about Dr. Cheney’s work and research Hopeland - Learn more about the global initiative to end orphanage tourism   Crying for Our Elders - Order Dr. Cheney’s book today  ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠Email⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠ Connect with Dr. Kristen Email / Linkedin

Like many guests on this season, Megan Boudreaux found herself swept up into the church industry or orphanages. The longer she stayed in Haiti, the more she noticed that something was awry with the North American approach to placing children in institutionalized care. Megan and Lauren discuss the crisis of children aging out of orphanages with no connection to their city, their family, or their culture. This episode is an invitation for Christians to consider the large how the conversation around orphan care in the Global South needs to shift. ... Episode Highlights An introduction to Megan Boudreaux (1:53) Megan’s work and the truth about orphanages in Haiti (5:50) Why are American churches building and supporting orphanages? (17:58) What is the call as followers of Christ? (22:09) What does positive support look like? (24:43) Megan’s organization Respire Haiti (27:38) Response to Megan’s organization and continuing the conversation (31:02) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit upwardlydependent.com/shownotes. ⁠⁠... Links ⁠⁠Kindred Exchange - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission Think Orphan - Learn more and listen to the podcast Respire Haiti - Learn more about the work they are doing to empower the next generation of Haitians ... Connect with Lauren ⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Dr. Megan Instagram / Website

If there is a good place to start this conversation for our season on Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Brandon Stiver is the right person to set the tone. With years of experience in this space, Brandon helped Lauren curate this episode through his knowledge and his connections to voices in this space. He is a co-host of the Think Orphan podcast, and has dedicated his work and his research to family preservation and family-based care for vulnerable children. Listen to Brandon and Lauren discuss the difference between family preservation and child protection, and why it is critical for the Church to revisit our approach to orphan care. ... Episode Highlights Introduction to Brandon Stiver and his work (1:53) The Evolution of the conversation around orphan care (9:49) A look at systems of international orphanages: child protection and family preservation (15:45) Brandon’s biggest question: Illuminating empathy for children (24:02) How does being a father impact your work? (30:11) Long term effects of adverse childhood experiences (33:26) Brandon’s hope for orphan care (36:00) ... For more information, details, and episode transcriptions, visit: upwardlydependent.org/shownotes. ... Links Kindred Exchange - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission Think Orphan - Learn more and listen to the podcast One Million Home - Learn more about how they are revolutionizing orphan care ... Connect with Lauren ⁠Email⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / ⁠Leave a Review⁠ Connect with Brandon Linkedin / Email

Lauren is back with another season exploring the complexities of a global issue that engages many churches, but not always with a cohesive impact. As we follow the mandate of ‘pure religion’ outlined in James 1:27, what does it really mean to care for orphans and widows? What is the invitation to this work, and why isn’t it as simple as a few words in a New Testament epistle? Hear the purpose behind this season, and how the conversations will address not only global orphanages, but also how vulnerable children should be guiding our thoughts and actions around criminal justice, infertility treatments, transracial families, and human trafficking. You will need to be Upwardly Dependent to hold these discussions well… Join us here on Mondays and Wednesdays this season as we seek to place children and their flourishing back at the center of our care. Hosted by the ⁠Kindred Exchange⁠ Podcast Network View show notes for this episode at ⁠upwardlydependent.com/shownotes/season-two⁠.

For this episode, Lauren spills her heart (and a bit of her life history) to explain the purpose behind this season’s episodes. She discusses how her biblical worldview has changed over time, shares stories from experiences with churches spotted across the world, and offers a hope for a future faith community that stewards responsible Gospel messaging. ... EPISODE SHOW NOTES EPISODE TRANSCRITPION ... Links Kindred Exchange - Learn more and support ethical missions Shop ABLE - Get 15% off your order with the code UPWARD15 ... Connect with Lauren Email / Instagram / Leave a Review