The Call to Foster

Shasta, Jessica and Ashton chat with Abby Pancoast about her foster parenting journey. Abby admits that they became foster parents with the intention to adopt and discusses the heartbreak that can come with reunification. She also shares some insight into what it might look like to be a foster parent during the holiday seasons.  If you're considering becoming a foster parent, don't hesitate to vis...

In this episode of The Call to Foster, Ashton sits down with Angie Swarnes, Deputy Director of Children's Division over Permanency, and Marcy Bursac, local author and founder of the Forgotten Adoption Option. We were honored to get to hear Marcy's story firsthand. The impact Marcy is making with her nonprofit is undeniable and we look forward to working with her more in the future. To learn more a...

In honor of National Adoption Month, we spoke to adoptive parent and Southwest Regional Director for the Children's Division, Pam Alston. Pam brings a unique perspective to our podcast as an employee of the Children's Division. Her story is a perfect example of how children might find you and their permanent home through foster care. While this podcast is usually focused on reunification, as that...

We had the privilege of speaking with Dave and Patty Hedrick this month about their journey with foster care. They stress how important it is to pour into the kids and find common interests. Eager to care for more kids, the Hedricks want potential foster parents to know that age doesn't count you out and that these kids will keep you young. If you're considering becoming a foster parent, visit our...

In this episode, hosts Shasta Miller, Jessica Huckstep, and Ashton Kever, had the privilege of talking with Miss Black Missouri, USA, Eugenia Doreen. Eugenia was previously a foster youth in Missouri and shares her experience in the foster system. Now, a successful college graduate working at a law firm, Eugenia has built a platform supporting and encouraging foster youth to follow their dreams, g...

Join Shasta and Jessica as they talk with Mary Bailey, an experienced foster parent in Missouri. Mary touches on a lot of great topics, but one thing she is clear about in this discussion is the importance of knowing your boundaries. As a potential foster parent, it is okay for you to have a preference of the children you will care for and it is especially helpful when you can be open about those...

Brandon and Liz Matthews share their moving story of their journey into foster parenting and many inspiring stories of their experiences. This pair is full of passion and we are proud to have them as Foster Parent Ambassadors for the State of Missouri.  If this heartwarming story inspires you to look into fostering, don't hesitate to reach out to your nearest Children's Division office or email fo...

Listen as Amanda Kane, a foster parent, and Colleen Mulhollan, a biological mother, share their story of reunification. Their relationship went from strangers to sisters over the span of the case. Now, like sisters, they spend time together regularly and share holidays as one big family unit. 

In celebration of National Foster Care Month, The Call to Foster invited special guests, Darrell Missey, Director of the Missouri Children's Division, and Lauren Masterson, Permanency and Foster Care Licensing Manager, to join Shasta in interviewing Missouri foster parent, Rebecca Kadlez. Rebecca has an incredible story that begins with her own experience as a foster child and her ability to use t...

In this episode, Shasta and Jessica chat with Elliot and Mandy Nohr. This couple is passionate and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the children AND families in their care. They cover big topics like staying in contact with some of the children who've moved on from their home, ways they help children adjust to their home, and the importance of working with the biological families t...

In this episode, Jessica and Shasta talk to Stephanie Reese, a passionate single parent fostering in Missouri. Stephanie confronts the issue of attachment, reunification, and debunks the myth that foster parents have to be married or stay at home parents. As a full time employee herself, Stephanie has adopted two children and continues to foster children in her area in hopes to break the cycle of...

In this episode of "The Call to Foster," Jessica and Shasta talk with Mickey and Amanda Goodwin. The Goodwin's share stories from their foster family journey covering topics like attachment, common misconceptions about foster care, and ways Children's Division can better support their foster families.

Join Jessica Huckstep and Shasta Miller as they interview Norma Hahn about her experience as a foster parent. Hear first-hand about what it is like to be a foster parent and listen as Norma shares her experiences.

The Missouri Department of Social Services is proud to present The Call to Foster, a heartwarming new podcast series that features inspiring stories from foster parents across the state. Each episode will highlight their unique experiences and perspectives, how they overcame hesitations, and provide helpful advice for anyone considering becoming a foster parent. Prepare your heart as you hear firs...