We discuss the ways children receive supports in school and how to navigate the system as a parent. Whether it's an IEP, 504, a behavioral education plan, or other custom supports, listen in for an experienced perspective on how to advocate for your child. 

A panel of youth adopted from foster care share their perspective in this authentic and touching episode.

In today's podcast, Joe and Maurine talk SUMMER! How do you keep your kids occupied and, more importantly, use the summer well for connecting as a family? Joe and Maurine explore and take time to share potential resources for parents of children with special needs. Sarah Baldiga, Co-founder and Executive Director of Rise Above, also joins to talk about special services for kids in foster care.

Joe and Diane celebrate Pride month by talking about all the ways MARE supports LGBTQ youth and families. Special guest Richard Benoit also joins to talk about adoption and the LGBTQ community.

Joe and Maurine explore the world of mental health needs and some of the common mental health challenges that children in foster care may be faced with. Meri Viano, Associate Director of the Parent Professional Advocacy League, shares mental health resources available to adoptive families.

Joe and Diane explore all the ways volunteers make an impact for adoption from foster care, and provide ideas for ways you can volunteer to make a difference. Robert Case also joins to share about his experiences as an experienced adoptive family have led him to volunteer. 

Joe and Diane breakdown some of the basic types of adoption and the steps in foster care adoption. Also joining is special guest Heather Copelas from Jordan's Furniture.

In today's podcast Joe and Maurine will be talking about the journey of adoptive parents, and sharing some of their own adoption stories. Also joining is special guest Kate Milligan Cormier an adult adoptee who also works for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

Welcome to AdoptED! In our first episode we breakdown some of the organizations and resources available to you as you adopt from foster care and explain many of the basic terms you'll encounter as you start your adoption journey. Special guest Allison Weissman joins us to talk about the resources available to families through MSPCC KidsNet.