In this episode of All Things Foster, host Matt Darrah welcomes Emily Bell, a dedicated foster mom and former sponsorship director at the Christian Relief Fund. Emily shares her journey into fostering, which began after years of working in orphan care and a pivotal conversation with her husband. She discusses the emotional and logistical challenges of fostering, including the licensing process and the complexities of navigating the foster care system. Emily emphasizes the importance of community support and the need for foster parents to advocate fiercely for the children in their care, highlighting the often-overlooked trauma that even infants can experience.

Throughout the conversation, Emily reflects on the joys and struggles of fostering, including the impact on her marriage and her biological children. She encourages listeners to embrace the present moment with foster children, acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with the territory. Emily's insights shed light on the realities of foster care, the importance of compassion for biological families, and the need for community involvement to support foster families. This heartfelt discussion aims to inspire and inform those considering fostering or seeking to understand the foster care system better.

Takeaways:

Fostering is a journey that requires community support.

Every child in foster care carries some form of trauma, even infants.

Advocacy for children in care is crucial and can awaken a fierce protective instinct.

The uncertainty in foster care can be overwhelming, but control is often an illusion.

Living in the moment is essential for foster parents to find joy amidst challenges.

Panhandle Orphan Care Network:

https://www.panhandleorphan.org/

Sponsor:

College Solutions LLC

806-373-2392

https://www.collegesolutionsllc.com/

Christian Relief Fund:

https://crf.com/

In this episode of All Things Foster, Matt Darrah speaks with Mike Wilhelm, the director of faith-based outreach at Boys Ranch. They discuss the mission of Boys Ranch, the importance of trauma-informed care, and the challenges faced by children in crisis. Mike shares his journey to Boys Ranch, the role of a chaplain, and the significance of building trust with children. They also explore the impact of trauma on behavior and the need for community support in fostering environments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of prayer, the role of house parents, and the necessity of self-care for staff in challenging environments.

Takeaways

Boys Ranch serves children and families in a Christ-centered atmosphere.

Building trust with children takes time and patience.

Trauma-informed care is essential for effective youth ministry.

The Arousal Continuum helps understand children's reactions to stimuli.

Predictability and structure are crucial for children from hard places.

Effective transitions can ease anxiety for children.

House parents play a vital role in the success of Boys Ranch.

Community support is essential for the sustainability of Boys Ranch.

Prayer is a powerful tool for staff and community involvement.

Self-care and intentional breaks are necessary for staff well-being.

Sponsor:

Short & Vlosich Family Dental

806) 374-8011

https://www.svfamilydental.com/

Cal Farley Boy's Ranch

https://www.calfarley.org/

In this episode of All Things Foster, host Matthew Darrah speaks with Jarah from CASA about the critical role of Court Appointed Special Advocates in the foster care system. They discuss the importance of CASA volunteers, the need for more advocates, and the impact these volunteers have on the lives of children in foster care. Jarah shares personal stories of success and the challenges faced by children in the system, emphasizing the need for community involvement and support. The conversation highlights the normalcy of foster children and the importance of treating them with compassion and understanding.

Takeaways

CASA volunteers dedicate about eight to ten hours a month to support children in foster care.

There is a significant need for more CASA volunteers, with about 100 more needed in the Amarillo area.

Foster children are normal kids who desire stability and support during difficult times.

Building relationships with children in foster care is essential for their well-being.

CASA volunteers often uncover critical information that can change a child's situation for the better.

The qualities of a great CASA volunteer include passion for helping children and a willingness to learn.

Success stories from CASA volunteers demonstrate the positive impact they can have on children's lives.

Community awareness and involvement are crucial in addressing the foster care crisis.

Foster care is a cycle that can be broken with the right support and advocacy.

CASA volunteers play a unique role in the court system, focusing solely on the best interests of the child.

https://www.panhandleorphan.org/

Sponsor:

The ER on Soncy

(806)340-0608

https://eronsoncy.com/

CASA:

https://pleasebeacasa.org/