Let's Talk: A Foster Adopt Minnesota Podcast

Thank you to our listeners for getting us to our 100th episode! Hear from FAM staff about how Let’s Talk started and how we got to this point. Classic FAM presenters Deena McMahon, Rick Delaney, Charley Joyce, Krista Nelson and Brenda Benning will share how the Foster Care and Adoption world has changed throughout their professions. (86 mins) July 31, 2024 This podcast is eligible for a Certificat...

Please join us as we talk about the frantic pace of today’s families and the decision fatigue that can result.  We’ll validate and normalize decision fatigue and identify ways we can keep ourselves and our families healthy and joyful. Our guest is Hillary Langfeld . Hillary is a licensed independent clinical social worker and a partner at Strong Self Mental Health located in Fergus Falls, Minnesot...

In this episode, we are joined by Sue Tate , who, along with her husband Randy, provided foster care for 20 years and cared for over 30 children. Sue shares what (16minsinterested them in becoming foster parents, things they didn’t expect and had to learn along the way, and advice to those who are considering or just starting out as foster parents.   (16mins) July 3, 2024 The post Lessons Lea...

Transitioning to adulthood is a challenging time for any person. For children who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, or neglect, moving into independence can be even more complex. They may have some delays in social skills, emotional regulation, or development. Meeting children where they are at, honoring their desires to be independent, and helping them build skills are just some of the way...

Minnesota legislature made significant changes to laws governing access to original birth record information for adult adopted persons. On July 1, 2024, Minnesota will become the fifteenth state in the United States to affirm or restore the right of all adopted people to request and obtain their own original birth certificates (OBC). Join us as we welcome Gregory Luce and Erin Merrigan to share th...

In Part 2 of Stories Connect, we are joined by Dan and Emily, who share about the importance of a network of support when becoming foster and adoptive parents. They also share valuable insights and answer commonly asked questions to help inform those considering becoming foster or adoptive parents. (36mins) June 5, 2024 The post Stories Connect (Part 2) appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota .

May is National Foster Care Month. To show appreciation for the care foster parents provide and encourage others to consider fostering, we are hearing the foster care journey of Dan and Emily. In part 1 of this two-part series, Emily will join us and share their experience of providing foster care for over 15 years, adopting three children from foster care, and raising their six biological childre...

I’m too old, I’m too young, I live by myself, I don’t own a home…. Googling your commonly asked questions about adoption and foster care in Minnesota can lead you down the rabbit hole of confusion. Join us to hear the correct answers from Foster Adopt Minnesota staff as they share frequently asked questions from those interested in adoption and foster care. (32 mins) April 24, 2024   The post...

In part two of this two-part series, we will focus on high school youth and how transition planning is crucial with this age group.  Just like part one, we’ll help make sure special education surrogates and foster parent voices, ideas, concerns are heard at special education meetings. (30 mins) April 10, 2024 The post The Overlooked Child (Part 2) appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota .

In part one of this two-part series, we will focus on elementary – middle school age children.  Don’t feel intimidated and disregarded!  Here’s how to make sure special education surrogates and foster parent voices, ideas and concerns are heard at special education meetings. (47 mins) April 27, 2024   The post The Overlooked Child (Part 1) appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota .

Join us to hear how Amy Wilkerson , LICSW, helps individuals find the courage to live their lives authentically while staying in connection with themselves and others.  Amy is a transracial and international adoptee as well as licensed clinical social worker.  Through her private practice specializing in complex trauma, adoption, attachment, reunion, race, and identity building, Amy works with ado...

Join us to learn how UMOJA MN inspires families to reflect on the beautiful ways African Americans have contributed to the development of humanity.  Our guest, Queen Jacobs , is the program director at UMOJA MN and will share how the only culture camp of this nature in Minnesota (one of only four nationwide) helps springboard families into a lifelong pursuit of cultural competency; equipped to add...

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities face barriers from racism, discrimination, cultural insensitivity, and cultural stigma. Hear from Tatiana Bergum and Tatianna Kirk how the work they do transforms the lives of BIPOC underserved youth and young adults to support and empower them to take intentional steps to reach their full potential and ultimately reach back and help other...

Please join us for a thought-provoking conversation with two human trafficking experts committed to achieving social justice. Our webinars cover sensitive topics such as grief, trauma, abuse, neglect, and sexual behaviors. We acknowledge these topics may be triggering or uncomfortable for some individuals. Please be mindful of your own boundaries and needs. (49 mins) January 30, 2024 The post Huma...

Please join us for a discussion on how we can support the regulatory systems of those supporting and regulating children. We have many offerings for children to learn regulation, but not many to support the school professionals or teachers in the trenches. Let’s change that and walk alongside the caregivers of our youth today. (33 mins) January 17, 2024 The post How to Regulate the Regulator...

Martha Lippitt , Char Matheson , and Norma Graham (2023 Distinguished Service Award recipient) will share how they ensure quality and meaningful education for children under state guardianship through the services of Special Education surrogates. Learn how volunteers appointed by school districts or the courts serve and advocate for a free and appropriate education in place of the child’s parents....

Please join us for a podcast conversation with TJ Hewett , a licensed independent clinical social worker. We will discuss how can we prepare our youth for the holidays and be mindful of transitions: love, connection, and tradition are gifts we can give. (33 mins) December 20, 2023 The post The Gifts We Can Give Our Youth Over the Holidays appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota .

Make your list and check it twice before the holiday season approaches!  Learn from two school based mental health providers how to keep silent nights where all is calm and bright during your holiday break. (24 mins) December 6, 2023 The post ‘Twas the Night Before Holiday Break appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota .

Hear from a parent who adopted through foster care while working within Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) guidelines. Samantha and her family developed an incredibly close bond with her child’s birth mother, and large extended family, while continuing to champion and support birth mom and their culture….sounds simple, right?! (33 mins) November 8, 2023 The post Open Your Mind and Heart appeared firs...

Please join us for an important discussion about the ways in which adults can support trans youth and all trans people. Join us for Kristen Datta ‘s Fall Forum webinar, Using LGBTQ History to Support LGBTQ Kids on November 8, 2023. (37 mins) October 25, 2024 The post Adults Supporting Trans Youth appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota .

Isaac Etter grew up with very few Black people. His only reference for Black people was through television and the media. Transracial adoptees need parents who support their racial identity development in positive ways. In this episode, we will learn from Issac and his mother, Julie, about how to discuss bias and racial identity for adoptees, hear about their upcoming webinar Inside Transracial Ad...

Since aging out of foster care in Colorado in 1985, Michelle Chalmers has been passionate about the need for system reform and the essential role that young people can take in leading child welfare to more effective, youth- and family-focused strategies.  She has worked in several aspects of out-of-home care and permanency, and has been a consistent advocate for youths’ rights to be connected to r...

We’re going Behind-the-Scenes of FAM’s Back-to-School shopping event.  Kim Sacay from FAM will share how it all got started.  Emily, a Child Specific Recruiter, and Kim will share how it all works… and Emily will provide the youth’s perspective. (16 mins) September 13, 2023 The post BTS of BTS Event! appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota .

We’ll get the inside scoop from a school teacher in Greater MN about how you can prepare for the upcoming school year. Maureen has been a teacher for 20-years, is an adoptive and foster parent, and ready to share how to get your family settled for school! (33min) September 5, 2023 The post Homework for Parents appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota .

Brenda Benning has five things to keep in mind as you help your child transition back-to-school. Brenda works with families individually in home and group settings. Her primary focus is adoptive families with children healing from trauma histories and attachment issues. Brenda not only has extensive professional experience, but has real-life experience as an adoptive parent and family. (38 mins) A...