Wards of the State

Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Penny who was Transracially adopted into an older Caucasian family. Her parents came from a generation of Jim Crow but did not see color, and that ended up being detrimental for her. She also shared her experience with reunification with her biological family and how that process was. Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.pa...

Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Valeria, who only has experience in group homes both open and closed facilities. The facilities were St Johns home in Grand Rapids and Wedgwood’s residential home in Grand Rapids. At Wedgwood, a friend in there un-alived themselves and their mother wasn’t much better. We speak about how their time in these facilities has affected their life. Watch...

Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Issac, a transracial adoptee. Isaac has used his story of being adopted and growing up in a white world to curate deep conversations about race in America. With his unique insight on racial tensions between the white and black communities, they have been able to curate impactful conversations where everyone learns to value each other and their experie...

Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Nina an adoptee. We talk about her adoption and her journey reunifying with her biological family! Watch the video of episodes only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1v7bvzVA12m64Ujr-I9eQcR5UKO8vOIMjDdNic0YYLFg/prefill Pl...

Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Josh, a former ward of the state who is currently a foster parent. We speak about his lived experience in the Indiana foster system, Teens in the system, black trash bags, the system in general. There is a beautiful special surprise so make sure you tune in! Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_l...

What’s good light shiners! In this episode, we get Shahems lived experience in kinship care. We discuss how similar foster care and kinship care is and the effects it’s had. Shahem is a licensed therapist and social worker and focuses on advocating for the Black and brown youth in his community. Teaching about the disparities they face. We also discuss Tiktok and how it is a useful tool to educate...

Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Monique, a former Crown Ward who is currently involved in a lawsuit against The Crown for failure to inform foster children of their rights to sue for abuses. We discuss the similarities and differences between being a foster child in Canada vs the USA as well as the ongoing battles of former foster children to secure housing, education, employment, a...

Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Crystael a former foster youth who was transracially adopted by Black people. We talk about how it was difficult being the only White person in her family growing up and how that has been as an adult. Be sure to follow Crystael on social media @crystaelcorbin Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&...

Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by author and former foster youth Brittany. We speak about her lived experience in foster care and her memoir. A Suitcase and a Dream is the story of a 9-year-old girl faced with the atrocities of abuse, hunger, homelessness, abandonment finally ending up in the foster care system. Grab a copy here! https://www.amazon.com/Suitcase-Dream-Brittney-Sher...

Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Bennett a former foster youth who was in and out of the foster system 3 times! Bennett shares his lived experience being a first-generation American whose father struggled to keep custody. His story is captivating and profound. Be sure to follow Bennett on social media @bennettknows. Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon...

Hey hey, Light Shiners! This is a VERY special episode for me. I am joined by Jasmine a former foster youth and my sisters' foster sister. I first met her when I was visiting my sister when I was 8 years old at their foster home. Jasmine shares her experience in the foster system and how it overall was a positive experience. You won't want to miss this episode! Be sure to follow Jasmine on social...

Hey Light Shiners! In this week's episode, I am joined by Katie, a young person that has been greatly affected by the foster care system. They discussed how child protective services lied to them and their biological mom and how foster care robbed them of their chidlhood. Be sure to follow Katie on social media! @themillerfamily2030 Please be sure to leave a 5-star rating and review to keep more a...

Hope all of you light shiners are having an amazing week. In this episode, Ellery shares the incredible story of her life in and out of the foster system. We speak about abuse in the foster care system and the fog it creates. The lack of adult supervision to foster parents and the system treating kids as pawns. Be sure to follow Ellery on social media @ElleryMalmgren If you would like to be on the...

Hey Light Shiners! In this week's episode, I am joined by Davon, a twin, former foster youth, and adoptee. He speaks on how the system is failing foster kids. We also talk about his lived experience and what we can do to make a change as former foster youth Be sure to follow Davon on Tiktok! @woodstwins1 Please be sure to leave a 5-star rating and review to keep more amazing episodes coming!

Hey Light Shiners! Welcome to Wards of the State Podcast, a safe place for former foster youth to share their lived experience and others to learn. In this episode, I am joined by Brandi, a mother, sister, and former foster youth. She speaks about the use of psychopharmacology on minors in the late 90s-early 00s. Abusive foster parents and group homes and how foster care destroys family bonds Be s...

Hey Light Shiners! Welcome to Wards of the State Podcast, a safe place for former foster youth to share their lived experience and others to learn. In this episode, I am joined by Jamerika Haynes-Lewis, a former foster youth adoptee, and Miss Evergreen State 2020. She speaks about her experience being a Black girl in Foster Care, financial literacy, and aging out. Be sure to follow Jamerika on IG...

Tune in for the first Episode on 7/15/21. If you can't wait you can see the video interview on my Patreon (Karlos Dillard). Always Shine Your Light