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The Kinship Crisis

The Kinship Crisis

Written by: Lenora Buckley
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About this listen

The Kinship Crisis, DFCS Denying Family Placement is a hard-hitting investigative podcast exposing how DFCS routinely denies family placement and prioritizes foster care and adoption over kinship care. Hosted by Veteran Nurse, Grandmother and Advocate Lenora Buckley, this podcast brings you real stories, legal insights, and expert interviews to hold the system accountable and elevate the voices of families fighting for their rights.


Disclaimer:


The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and any guests, and do not reflect the official policy or position of any government agency, court, or organization. The content provided is for informational and advocacy purposes only and is based on personal experiences, publicly available information, and general knowledge of the child welfare system.


This podcast does not disclose confidential information about any juvenile court proceedings or identify minors by full name. Efforts have been made to protect the privacy and identity of all parties involved, especially children.


Nothing said on this podcast should be construed as legal advice. Listeners seeking legal guidance should consult a qualified attorney licensed in their state.


While we advocate for family preservation and reform in child welfare practices, we do not intend to interfere with any active court case, investigation, or legal process.


By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that the host is exercising her First Amendment right to share her lived experience, and that all content is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and positive change in the child welfare system.


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Episodes
  • Legitimation: What Every Father Needs to Know

    Legitimation: What Every Father Needs to Know
    Jun 23 2025

    Episode 3 – Legitimation: What Every Father Needs to Know

    In this vital episode of The Kinship Crisis, we’re tackling one of the most misunderstood legal processes for fathers in Georgia: legitimation. If you're a biological father fighting for your rights or simply trying to understand your role in your child's life, this episode is for you.

    Join me, Lenora Buckley, alongside guest co-host Catherine Hayes—my daughter and the aunt of my grandson currently in foster care—as we break down what legitimation means, why it's necessary in Georgia, and how it impacts families involved with DFCS. We discuss:

    • Georgia state requirements for legitimation
    • The step-by-step filing process and common mistakes to avoid
    • What happens when the mother is married or contests the petition
    • DFCS policy and how it intersects with fathers' rights
    • Why legal representation is often critical in legitimation cases

    Whether you're a father trying to stay connected to your child or a family member supporting someone through the process, this episode offers real talk, practical advice, and the legal knowledge you need to navigate the system.

    Tune in and get empowered—because every child deserves family, and every father deserves a fair chance.

    Contact Us:
    If you have a story to share, would like to be a guest on The Kinship Crisis, or are a journalist or media outlet interested in featuring this issue, we’d love to hear from you.
    📧 Email: kinshipcrisis@gmail.com

    Let’s work together to bring these stories to light and demand accountability.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • The Missing Family: Diligent Search or Deliberate Silence?

    The Missing Family: Diligent Search or Deliberate Silence?
    Jun 4 2025

    In this episode of The Kinship Crisis, we uncover what DFCS is legally required to do when a child enters foster care—and how often those rules are ignored. We break down the diligent search mandate, explain both federal and state laws, and ask the hard question: are agencies truly searching for family, or pushing adoption instead? If you’re a relative or advocate, this episode is essential listening.


    Contact Us:
    If you have a story to share, would like to be a guest on The Kinship Crisis, or are a journalist or media outlet interested in featuring this issue, we’d love to hear from you.
    📧 Email: kinshipcrisis@gmail.com

    Let’s work together to bring these stories to light and demand accountability.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
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