The Foster Friendly Podcast

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Kayla Moffitt, a dedicated mother of five and a TBRI practitioner. The conversation begins with Kayla sharing her journey from being a youth pastor to becoming a foster parent, highlighting the challenges and joys of welcoming five siblings into her home overnight. Kayla discusses the emotional complexities of parenting children from traumatic backgrounds, particularly the grief she experienced when her father passed away just as her new children were moving in. The hosts and Kayla delve into the importance of understanding trauma-informed care and the necessity of regulating one's own emotions as a parent to create a safe environment for children who have faced significant hardships.As the discussion progresses, Kayla emphasizes the need for community support for foster families, sharing her experiences with both helpful and unhelpful forms of assistance. She stresses that love alone is not enough; foster parents must also be equipped with knowledge and resources to effectively support their children. The episode concludes with Kayla offering practical advice for future foster parents, urging them to meet children where they are emotionally and to be patient as they navigate the complexities of building trust and relationships. This heartfelt conversation is a testament to the resilience of foster families and the importance of community in the foster care journey.Follow Kayla on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/makingthemoffitts/Checkout our free trauma training workshop:https://americaskidsbelong.org/lp/trauma-sensitivity-workshop-training/Takeaways:Love is not enough; understanding is crucial.Meet children where they are emotionally.Community support is vital for foster families.Regulate yourself before attempting to regulate a child.Foster parents need tangible help, not just good intentions.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Travis Vangsnes and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Jeanette Yoffee, a clinical psychologist and advocate for foster care and adoption. Jeanette shares her personal journey through foster care and adoption, emphasizing the importance of understanding grief and loss in children. She discusses the significance of open adoption, the need for connection, and the various interventions she has developed to help children cope with their experiences. Jeanette also introduces her book, 'The Traumatized and At-Risk Youth Toolbox,' which provides practical tools for parents and caregivers. The conversation highlights the importance of mattering and connection for children in foster care, encouraging foster parents to create a safe and supportive environment for their children.Checkout her website and all her tools and resources:https://www.jeanetteyoffe.com/TakeawaysJeanette Yoffe shares her personal journey through foster care and adoption.Understanding grief and loss is crucial for children in foster care.Open adoption allows children to maintain connections with their birth families.Children need to know they matter and are valued.Interventions like the 'sad bag' help children cope with grief.Foster parents should lean into the discomfort of children's feelings.Jeanette's book provides practical tools for parents and caregivers.Children often recycle questions about their past as they develop.It's important to separate a child's behavior from their identity.Creating a safe environment helps children thrive. 

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams interview Jamie Finn, a prominent figure in the foster care community. Jamie shares her personal journey into foster care, the impact on her biological children, and the importance of self-care for foster parents. They discuss her book 'God Loves Kids', the need for supportive communities, and the challenges foster parents face, including burnout and the reasons many quit. Jamie emphasizes the importance of saying yes to children in need and the eternal impact of foster care.Pickup Jamie's new book--God Loves Kids: A Gospel Centered Book About Foster Carehttps://a.co/d/052zNuJ9Checkout her org: Foster the Familyhttps://www.fosterthefamily.org/Instagram:@fosterthefamilyblogTakeawaysJamie Finn is a well-known advocate in the foster care community.Foster care can significantly impact biological children in positive ways.Self-care is crucial for foster parents to avoid burnout.Foster parents need to feel supported and seen in their roles.The goal of foster care is often reunification, which can be challenging for foster parents.Children in foster care need families, not just temporary homes.Every moment spent with foster children can have lasting effects.Foster parents should be trauma-informed to better support the children in their care.Community support is essential for the sustainability of foster care.The journey of foster care is filled with both challenges and rewards.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Tyler Hunter shares his profound journey through foster care and adoption. He reflects on the challenges he faced, the coping mechanisms he developed, and the importance of community and support in his life. Tyler emphasizes the transformative power of foster care, the significance of forgiveness, and the need for advocacy in the child welfare system. His story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the impact of unconditional love and support.TakeawaysFoster care can be a life-saving experience.Masking feelings is a common coping mechanism for children in care.School can provide a safe haven for foster children.Finding a sense of normalcy is crucial for foster youth.Forgiveness is essential for personal healing.Community support is vital for children in foster care.Foster parents play a critical role in a child's life.Vulnerability is a challenge for many who have experienced trauma.Positive affirmations can significantly impact a child's self-worth.Advocacy is necessary to improve the foster care system.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis welcome listeners to 2026 and discuss the new rhythm of the podcast. They reflect on the importance of understanding foster care, the emotional journey of becoming a foster parent, and the realities of handling goodbyes. The conversation emphasizes the need for a support system, the reasons families may quit fostering, and how communities can better support foster families. They also touch on the challenges faced by youth who age out of the foster care system and highlight the mission of America's Kids Belong.Takeaways:You’ll never feel “fully ready” to foster — and that’s normal. Nervousness and discomfort don’t mean you aren’t called or capable; they often mean you’re taking the responsibility seriously.Saying “no” to a placement can be the most loving decision. New foster parents often feel pressured to say yes immediately, but the wrong yes can lead to burnout, disrupted placements, and quitting altogether.Good matches matter more than good intentions. Asking detailed questions about a child’s needs, visitation schedule, trauma history, and daily demands helps protect both the child and your family.Fostering impacts your whole household — not just you. If you have kids, their ages, personalities, and emotional capacity matter, especially when placements are similar in age or gender.Goodbyes are inevitable — and they’re supposed to hurt. Healthy goodbyes include honoring the relationship, marking the transition, allowing grief, and prioritizing the child’s emotional needs over your own.You don’t have to perform grief the same way every time. Some goodbyes will break your heart; others may bring relief — both responses are valid if the child was cared for well.Most foster families quit within the first year due to preventable factors. Lack of preparation, support systems, realistic expectations, and trauma-informed training are the biggest reasons families burn out early.Support systems are non-negotiable. Foster families need practical, consistent help — especially with transportation, meals, childcare, and schedule flexibility.If you’re not fostering, don’t wait to be asked — step in proactively. Foster parents are often helpers who don’t ask for help; specific, concrete offers (“I’ll take kids to practice Tuesdays”) make a real difference.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Andrea Forringer and Sarah Davis, from Jackson's Gift, an organization dedicated to supporting youth aging out of the foster care system who are enlisting in the military. The conversation explores the life of Andrea's adoptive son, Jackson, who faced numerous challenges in his early life, including entering foster care at a young age. The discussion highlights Jackson's aspirations to serve in the military, his experiences in foster care, and the founding of Jackson's Gift to honor his legacy by providing financial support to foster youth transitioning to military life. The episode emphasizes the importance of community support, mentorship, and advocacy for these young individuals.Checkout their website:https://jacksonsgift.com/TakeawaysJackson's Gift honors the legacy of Andrea's son, Jackson.The organization supports youth aging out of foster care who enlist in the military.Jackson faced significant challenges in his early life, including foster care and adoption.He aspired to be a Marine and wanted to help others in similar situations.The importance of mentorship and community support for foster youth is emphasized.Jackson's experiences in foster care prepared him for military life.The organization provides monetary awards to eligible youth.Advocacy for foster youth navigating military enlistment is crucial.The founders aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by foster youth.Jackson's Gift is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis and Courtney, along with guest Bethany Hall, discuss the complexities of navigating the holidays for children in foster care. They explore the emotional challenges, the importance of managing expectations, and strategies for preparing both parents and extended family for the unique dynamics that arise during this time. The conversation emphasizes the need for trauma-informed approaches and the significance of creating supportive environments for children. This conversation delves into the complexities of navigating holidays for families involved in foster care. It highlights the emotional challenges faced by children, the importance of preparing them for new experiences, and the need for understanding from extended family members. The speakers share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for creating a supportive environment during the holidays, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage and empowering birth families. The discussion also touches on the role of education in fostering awareness and compassion within the community.Visit Chosen.care to learn how Chosen’s services and training can make a difference in your family’s life.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams engages with cybersecurity experts Chad Rychlewski and Kae David to discuss the critical importance of protecting children in the digital age. They explore various topics including digital footprints, the risks associated with social media, and the necessity of open communication between parents and children. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents, especially foster parents, to be proactive in safeguarding their children's online presence and understanding the technology they use. The episode also highlights practical tips and resources for parents to navigate the complexities of digital safety.Checkout their website:www.cybersecurityparents.comTakeawaysUnderstanding digital footprints is crucial for child safety.Parents must teach children about online risks.Open communication is key to building trust with children.Cyber bullying is a significant risk for kids online.Locking children's credit can prevent identity theft.Foster parents can set rules for technology use.Conducting tech audits helps ensure safety.Behavior contracts can clarify expectations around technology.All devices with internet access need to be monitored.Staying updated on technology changes is essential for parents.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Hollie Strand, a forensic examiner with extensive experience in child safety and trafficking. The conversation delves into the complexities of sex trafficking, the grooming process used by predators, and the alarming connection between foster care and trafficking. Hollie shares insights on the importance of internet safety for children, the role of parents in protecting their kids, and the necessity of building a supportive community for vulnerable children. The episode emphasizes the critical need for foster care as a proactive measure to prevent trafficking and offers practical advice for parents and foster families.TakeawaysHollie Strand has 26 years of experience in child safety and trafficking.Sex trafficking is often misunderstood; it involves the exchange of goods for sexual acts.Victims of trafficking may not see themselves as victims due to psychological manipulation.Grooming involves breaking down a person's spirit to make them compliant.Foster care can create vulnerabilities that lead to trafficking.Internet safety is crucial for children to prevent exploitation.Parents must actively supervise their children's online activities.Building a safety net of supportive adults is essential for at-risk youth.Foster parents can play a significant role in preventing trafficking.Community involvement is vital in supporting foster care and child safety.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Travis Vangsnes welcome Callie Priest, the director of strategic partnerships for WindShape Homes. They discuss the mission of WindShape Homes, which was founded by the founders of Chick-fil-A to support children in foster care. Callie shares her unique journey into the foster care space, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing local churches to engage in foster care and provide support for vulnerable families. The conversation also covers the various programs and services offered by WindShape Homes, including their group care model and partnerships with churches to create supportive communities for foster families. Additionally, they introduce the new WindShape Homes podcast, aimed at raising awareness and sharing stories related to foster care. In this conversation, Callie discusses the barriers to awareness in foster care, the importance of collaboration among organizations, and the challenges of competition in the nonprofit sector. She emphasizes the need for a redemptive narrative in foster care and highlights the essential needs of children in the system, particularly the importance of Christ in their lives. The discussion also touches on the role of organizations in creating a supportive ecosystem for foster care and the necessity of working together to improve outcomes for children.Checkout WinShape Homes' resources and services:Listen to The WinShape Homes Podcast:TakeawaysWindShape Homes was founded to support children in foster care.Callie Priest has a background in nonprofit leadership and church ministry.The importance of mobilizing local churches to engage in foster care.WindShape Homes offers a group care model and foster care services.The organization partners with churches to create a supportive community for foster families.Callie emphasizes the need for clinical care in foster care programs.WindShape Homes has expanded its services to include a child placing agency.The organization aims to provide stability and support for vulnerable families.Callie highlights the complexity of the foster care system.The launch of the WindShape Homes podcast aims to raise awareness and share stories. Awareness is a significant barrier in foster care.A redemptive narrative is needed in foster care discussions.Collaboration among organizations is crucial for success.Competition among nonprofits can hinder progress.Foster care requires a community effort for better outcomes.Children in foster care need stable families and access to the gospel.Organizations should focus on collective impact rather than individual branding.The foster care system is complex and requires diverse expertise.Healthy ecosystems in foster care can lead to better care.Generosity and cooperation are essential in the nonprofit sector.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Greg and Sam Hollback, a couple who have adopted two Native American daughters through the I Belong Project. They discuss their life in Daytona Beach, their community engagement, and their professional backgrounds in youth advocacy and education. The Hollbacks share their adoption journey, including the challenges and joys of finding their daughters, the importance of cultural considerations in adoption, and how they incorporate Lakota heritage into their family life. They reflect on their experiences as a multicultural family and the significance of belonging and identity for their children.Checkout our free webinars on practical and relevant foster care and adoption topicsFosterCon.orgLearn more about Youth Advocate Programs:https://www.yapinc.org/TakeawaysLiving in Daytona Beach offers a unique lifestyle for families.Adoption processes can take time and require patience.Cultural understanding is crucial in the adoption journey.Incorporating a child's heritage can enrich family life.Community engagement is important for personal fulfillment.Children need time and attention to adjust in new environments.Adopting cross-culturally requires sensitivity and awareness.Language learning can strengthen family bonds and cultural identity.The importance of being accepted as a family in diverse communities.Adoption is about love and connection, not perfection.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney and Travis engage in a deep conversation with Isaac Etter, a transracial adoptee and social entrepreneur. They explore the complexities of adoption, particularly transracial adoption, and the grief that often accompanies it. Isaac shares his personal journey, highlighting the importance of open conversations about race and identity within adoptive families. The discussion also touches on cultural differences, code switching, and the concept of ghost kingdoms, emphasizing the need for unconditional love and understanding in the adoption process.Checkout Isaac's website with helpful parenting tips, tools, and resources:https://www.parentingdifferent.com/TakeawaysIsaac was adopted at age two and faced challenges in understanding his identity.Adoption is complex and often involves grief and loss.Conversations about race should be normalized in transracial families.Grief in adoption can manifest during significant life transitions.Cultural differences play a crucial role in shaping identity for adoptees.Code switching is a common experience for transracial adoptees.Ghost kingdoms represent unexpressed curiosity about birth families.Unconditional love is essential for adopted youth.Adoptees often need compassion and grace as they navigate their identities.Open dialogues about race can help adoptees feel secure in their identities.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Pam Bauer, a mother of 14 adopted children, to discuss the complexities of adoption, grief, and parenting. Pam shares her insights on the challenges of raising a large family, the importance of addressing grief in adopted children, and the need for open conversations about their birth families. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding loss, building connections, and providing emotional support to adopted children as they navigate their unique journeys.TakeawaysAdopted children often experience grief related to their biological families.Grief can be an opportunity for attachment and healing.Open conversations about adoption are crucial for children's understanding.Children may feel divided loyalties between adoptive and biological parents.Rituals can help children process their grief and loss.Understanding emotions and body language is essential in parenting adopted children.Grief is a lifelong journey that evolves over time.Adoptive parents should encourage their children to express their feelings.Children need to know they are loved and valued regardless of their background.It's important to recognize the mixed emotions surrounding adoption.Whether you’re considering becoming a foster parent or just want to better understand the adoption ecosystem, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and practical insight from someone who’s lived it out for decades.

In this kickoff to National Adoption Month, host Brian Mavis sits down with his cohosts (and adoptive parents) Courtney and Travis to discuss the real-world challenges and beauty of adoption. Together they unpack common myths about adoption, share their own powerful stories—from fostering to international adoption—and explore the ethical and emotional complexities that come with saying “yes” to a child.Key topics covered:Their family stories: international adoption, adoption through foster care, and breaking “birth order”The biggest myths about adoption—cost, home ownership, and who’s eligibleWhy “foster to adopt” isn’t the right mindsetThe ethical advantages of adoption through foster careThe “marriage of adoption” and the lifelong commitment it representsWhat support (and lack thereof) adoptive families can expectThe I Belong Project and how it’s helping connect waiting kids with forever familiesPractical, heartfelt advice for those considering adoptionWhether you’re just exploring adoption or already in the process, this episode offers honest insight, encouragement, and direction from those who’ve lived it.Resources MentionedAmerica’s Kids Belong – www.americaskidsbelong.orgLearn more about the I Belong Project and watch videos of kids waiting for adoptionExplore “The Fostering Front Door” to learn about ways to get involved

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Brian Mavis discuss the themes of foster care and adoption as outlined in Brian's book, Upstream. They explore the importance of self-assessment for potential foster parents, the preparation needed for welcoming a child, and the realities of transitioning from foster care to adoption. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, the role of businesses and faith communities in fostering a supportive environment, and the introduction of the Foster Friendly app as a resource for families. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to take their next steps in supporting foster care and adoption efforts.Grab a copy of Go Upstream: Diving into Foster Care To Heal 10 Social WoundsTakeawaysSelf-reflection is crucial before becoming a foster parent.Creating a safe and welcoming environment is essential for children.Adoption is a journey that involves ongoing support and understanding.Community support is vital for the success of foster families.Businesses can play a significant role in supporting foster care initiatives.Faith communities can provide essential resources and support for foster families.The Foster Friendly app connects families with local resources and support.Every small action can contribute to a larger impact in foster care.Understanding trauma is key to supporting children in foster care.Flexibility in approach is important for foster and adoptive families.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams and co-host Travis Vangsnes welcome Liz Sutherland, a former foster youth and author. Liz shares her journey through foster care, the challenges of aging out, and the importance of resilience and support.She discusses her experiences of finding family in unexpected places, the power of education, and the impact of her memoir, 'No Ordinary Liz.' Liz also highlights the need for kindness and unconditional love for children in foster care, and her hopes for her children's book, 'The Extraordinary Story of No Ordinary Liz,' to foster understanding and compassion.Checkout her books: The Extraordinary Story of No Ordinary LizNo Ordinary Liz: Surviving and Thriving After Foster CareTakeawaysLiz Sutherland is a former foster youth and author.She entered foster care at age 13 after an abusive home life.Aging out of foster care means turning 18 and becoming independent.Support from strangers was crucial for Liz during her transition to adulthood.Education became a key focus for Liz to build a better future.Liz found a sense of family and belonging while working at Walmart.Reuniting with her siblings was a pivotal moment in Liz's life.Writing her memoir was a therapeutic process for Liz.Liz aims to inspire others through her story and advocacy.Unconditional love is essential for children in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Travis Vangsnes engage with Jason Weber, a seasoned advocate for foster care and co-founder of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). They explore Jason's journey into fostering, the challenges faced in the foster care system, and the importance of community collaboration. Jason emphasizes the need for unconditional love and support for children in foster care, while also discussing the vision of 'More Than Enough' to ensure every child has a safe and loving environment. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships and working together to create effective solutions for vulnerable children and families.Checkout all the great resources at More Than EnoughGrab a copy of Jason's book: Until There's More Than EnoughTakeawaysJason Weber has been working with vulnerable children and families for 28 years.Foster care is about restoring families, not just caring for children.The journey into fostering often begins with a personal commitment to serve.Collaboration among community members is essential for effective foster care solutions.The Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) was formed to unite organizations working in foster care and adoption.More Than Enough is a vision to ensure every child has an ideal placement.Children in foster care need unconditional love and support from their communities.The government alone cannot solve the foster care crisis; it requires community involvement.Building relationships is key to successful collaboration in foster care.Love is defined as doing what is best for another person, regardless of the cost.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney and Brian Mavis delve into the critical social issues surrounding foster care, including homelessness, incarceration, teen pregnancy, and generational foster care. They discuss the alarming statistics related to these social wounds and emphasize the importance of family connections and mentorship in preventing these issues. The conversation highlights personal stories and insights, aiming to raise awareness and encourage community involvement in supporting foster youth.Grab a copy of Go Upstream: Diving into Foster Care To Heal 10 Social WoundsTakeawaysOne in five youth aging out of foster care become homeless immediately.Connections and relationships are crucial for preventing homelessness.Teen pregnancy among foster youth is often a desire for family.Generational foster care perpetuates cycles of disadvantage.Mentorship can provide essential life skills to foster youth.Foster care is a significant predictor of future incarceration.Housing alone does not solve the problem; connection is key.Support for foster youth should include practical life skills training.Community involvement can make a difference in the lives of foster youth.Wisdom and worth are essential in preventing teen pregnancy.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Travis Vangsnes and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Jason Salamun, the mayor of Rapid City, South Dakota. They discuss Jason's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a community leader. Jason has a profoundly unique lens of seeing foster career and ways to support foster families having been in foster care, to later being a pastor, and then eventually a mayor galvanizing his city on the many ways to become involved. Jason shares insights on the growth of Rapid City, the beauty of the Dakotas, and the need for qualified foster families. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of social issues, the importance of resilience in youth, and the vital role faith communities can play in supporting foster families and foster care initiatives. This conversation is encouraging and inspiring! TakeawaysJason Salamun emphasizes the beauty and hospitality of the Dakotas.Rapid City is experiencing significant growth, attracting families.The importance of community support for children in foster care.Resilience is key for youth facing challenges.Faith communities can play a crucial role in foster care.Foster families are essential for providing stability and love.Every child deserves a place to belong.Community engagement is vital for addressing social issues.Jason's personal story highlights the impact of family support.The need for qualified foster families is critical.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Travis engage with Kelly and Tracie Ward, a couple deeply involved in foster care and adoption. They share their personal journey, the challenges and joys of fostering, and how their church has embraced a mission to support families in crisis. The Wards emphasize the importance of community involvement, the need for churches to open their homes, and the profound impact of fostering on both children and families. They discuss the I Belong Project and the significance of reaching out to biological parents, highlighting that true ministry involves loving and supporting families in need.Travis's That's So Rad! PodcastCheckout out our resources for Faith CommunitiesTakeawaysThe Wards have been married for 29 years and have eight children, including adopted and foster children.They have fostered 29 kids in the past two years and recently became grandparents.Their church's mission evolved to focus on foster care and adoption care.Fostering is not just about the children; it's also about supporting their biological parents.The church community can play a vital role in supporting foster families and children.Fostering can change the trajectory of lives, both for children and their families.The I Belong Project helps connect children in need with potential adoptive families.Churches should open their homes to foster children and their families.True ministry involves meeting families where they are and providing support.Fostering creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to get involved.