In this episode, Chad Benson interviews Ryan Adams about his journey from Norway to San Francisco, his work in residential care, and his efforts to strengthen family resource centers in Iowa. They discuss the challenges of the foster care system, the importance of community-based solutions, and the need for a paradigm shift in policy to support families more effectively.

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Our guest is Ryan Adams, the President and CEO of the Iowa Family Resource Collaborative. Drawing from his extensive experience in children's behavioral health and his time as a foster parent, Ryan is a passionate advocate for the belief that healing happens through connection and community. He champions a model where children and families are in the driver's seat of their own healing journey. His unique background also includes serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay and spending over two years in monastic Zen practice, all of which informs his dedicated work supporting Iowa's most vulnerable youth.

Key Takeaways:

• Residential care is often a 'band-aid' solution, not a cure.
• Community-based solutions are crucial for effective family support.
• Foster care often leads to poorer outcomes for children.
• Family resource centers empower local communities.
• Policy changes are needed to support community-led initiatives.
• Trust and partnership are key in community support systems.
• The current system is a patchwork that needs cohesive solutions.
• Scaling community programs requires careful balance and investment.
• Hope lies in the potential of families when given proper support.

residential care, foster care, community-based solutions, family resource centers, policy change, iowa, iowa mental health, mental health, mental health care, iowa policy

#FamilyEmpowerment #CommunitySolutions #FosterCareReform #PolicyChange #FamilySupport #CommunityStrength #InnovativeCare #ChildWelfare #FamilyResourceCenters #HopeForFamilies

Websites:

1. https://www.nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org/

2. https://momsconnectdbq.org/

3. https://www.iowafrc.org/

4. https://www.LetsTalkIowa.com