Episode 6

The Foster Medina podcast is meant to help potential foster parents learn answers to questions that might be causing fear or uncertainty as they make decisions about the future for themselves, their families, and potential foster kids whose lives they could impact.

Summary

In this episode, host Bryan Lefelhoc interviews Alex Hedden, the biological child of a foster parent, about his experience growing up with foster siblings. 

Alex shares his initial concerns about losing his room and having to share space with foster children, but ultimately realizes the importance of providing a loving home for them. 

He discusses the bond he formed with the foster children and the impact it had on his family dynamic. 

And in an enlightening and heartwarming moment, Alex expresses his desire to become a foster parent in the future and highlights the capacity for everyone to love and care for foster children.

Takeaways

-The decision to become a foster parent can be challenging, but it is important to address concerns and make informed choices.

-Sharing space with foster children can initially be difficult for biological siblings, but it can also strengthen family bonds and teach responsibility.

-Foster siblings often form deep attachments to each other, and the pain of separation is worth the love and care provided.

-Becoming a foster parent requires a significant time commitment and financial stability.

-Everyone has the capacity to love and care for foster children, and their presence can bring out compassion and empathy in individuals.

Helpful Links:

Foster Medina website: https://www.mcjfs.us/foster-and-adopt or https://www.fostermedina.com

Medina County Job and Family Services: https://www.mcjfs.us/

Layne Hedden, Foster Parent Recruiter Email: [email protected]

Episode 5

The Foster Medina podcast is meant to help potential foster parents learn answers to questions that might be causing fear or uncertainty as they make decisions about the future for themselves, their families, and potential foster kids whose lives they could impact.

In this episode, host Bryan Lefelhoc interviews Layne Hedden, a foster parent and a foster parent recruiter for Medina County Job and Family Services, about the concerns and myths surrounding foster parenting. 

Layne discusses the biggest concern for potential foster parents, which is the unknowns and uncertainties that come with fostering. She also addresses the myth that becoming attached to a foster child may be a negative, emphasizing the importance of providing love and support to these children. 

Layne shares her own surprises as a foster parent, and highlights the need for more foster parents in the Medina County area. She also explains the training process and reassures potential foster parents that they will receive support throughout their journey.

Takeaways

-The biggest concern for potential foster parents is the unknowns and uncertainties that come with fostering.

-Becoming attached to a foster child is not a negative thing; it is important to provide love and support to these children.

-There is a significant need for foster parents, and more families are needed to provide safe and loving homes for children in the foster care system.

-The training process for becoming a foster parent typically takes about four to six months and includes 24 hours of training.

-Medina County Job and Family Services provides support and resources for foster parents throughout their journey.

Helpful Links:

Foster Medina website: https://www.mcjfs.us/foster-and-adopt or https://www.fostermedina.com

Medina County Job and Family Services: https://www.mcjfs.us/

Layne Hedden, Foster Parent Recruiter Email: [email protected]

Episode 4

The Foster Medina podcast is meant to help potential foster parents learn answers to questions that might be causing fear or uncertainty as they make decisions about the future for themselves, their families, and potential foster kids whose lives they could impact.

In this episode of the Foster Medina podcast, host Bryan Lefelhoc discusses the concerns and myths surrounding becoming a foster parent.The show addresses common worries such as affordability and time commitment and provides facts and resources to alleviate these concerns. 

Bryan interviews Holly Toporowski, a single mother and foster parent, who shares her experience and journey. Holly talks about her initial doubts and the support she received from her community and faith. She also discusses the importance of maintaining a relationship with birth parents and the impact of fostering on her family. 

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reach out and learn more about becoming a foster parent.

Takeaways

-Becoming a foster parent is a significant decision that comes with its own set of concerns and myths.

-Affordability and time commitment are common worries, but there are resources and support available to help foster parents.

-Single parents can successfully become foster parents with the support of their community and faith.

-Maintaining a relationship with birth parents can be beneficial for the child and the foster family.

-Taking the first step and reaching out to learn more about becoming a foster parent is important.

Helpful Links:

Foster Medina website: https://www.mcjfs.us/foster-and-adopt or https://www.fostermedina.com

Medina County Job and Family Services: https://www.mcjfs.us/

Layne Hedden, Foster Parent Recruiter Email: [email protected]

Episode 3

The Foster Medina podcast is meant to help potential foster parents learn answers to questions which might be causing fear or uncertainty as they make decisions about the future for themselves, their families, and potential foster kids whose life they could impact.

In this episode of the Foster Medina podcast, host Bryan Lefelhoc discusses the fear of the unknown when it comes to becoming a foster parent. He interviews foster parents Michael and Tiffany Perris, who share their experiences and insights. 

They address concerns about not knowing what to expect, managing a large family, dealing with attachment, and finding support. 

The episode emphasizes the importance of making a well-informed decision and highlights the support available from Medina County Job and Family Services.

Takeaways

-Becoming a foster parent can be a daunting decision due to the fear of the unknown, but it is important to gather information and ask questions to make an informed choice.

-Managing a large family as a foster parent can be challenging, but it is possible to find ways to accommodate and support all children.

-Attachment is a natural concern for foster parents, but it is important to focus on providing support and love to the child while understanding that they may have a different permanent home in the future.

-Having a strong support system, including caseworkers and community resources, is crucial for foster parents to navigate challenges and seek guidance.

-There is no perfect time to become a foster parent, and it is important to remember that no family is perfect. It is about being willing to learn and grow together.

Helpful Links:

Foster Medina website: https://www.mcjfs.us/foster-and-adopt or https://www.fostermedina.com

Medina County Job and Family Services: https://www.mcjfs.us/

Layne Hedden, Foster Parent Recruiter Email: [email protected]

The Foster Medina podcast is meant to help potential foster parents learn answers to questions which might be causing fear or uncertainty as they make decisions about the future for themselves, their families, and potential foster kids whose life they could impact.

In this episode, host Bryan Lefelhoc discusses the concern of getting too attached to foster children with guest Scott Ward, a foster parent and language arts teacher. 

They address common worries and myths surrounding attachment and provide insights based on their own experiences. Scott emphasizes the importance of fostering as a beautiful and transformative process, highlighting the positive impact it has on both the foster children and the foster parents. 

They also discuss the dynamics of the birth parent relationship and the support provided by caseworkers throughout the fostering journey. 

Overall, the episode aims to encourage potential foster parents to consider the rewards and challenges of fostering and to make an informed decision.

Takeaways

-Attachment is a natural and important part of fostering, and getting attached to foster children is a sign that you care and are doing it right.

-Fostering provides an opportunity to create a foundation of trust and stability for children, even if they eventually move on to a different situation.

-Open and honest communication with foster children about transitions and changes can help them understand and cope with the process.

-Support from caseworkers and access to resources are crucial for foster parents, and they should not hesitate to reach out for help and guidance.

-Fostering and adoption can be life-changing experiences that lead to personal growth and a different perspective on the world.

Helpful Links:

Foster Medina website: https://www.mcjfs.us/foster-and-adopt or https://www.fostermedina.com

Medina County Job and Family Services: https://www.mcjfs.us/

Layne Hedden, Foster Parent Recruiter Email: [email protected]

The Foster Medina podcast is meant to help potential foster parents learn answers to questions which might be causing fear or uncertainty as they make decisions about the future for themselves, their families, and potential foster kids whose life they could impact.

In this episode of the Foster Medina podcast, host Bryan Lefelhoc discusses the concerns and impact of becoming a foster parent with guest Destinee Lashley, who has been a foster parent for four years.

They address concerns about the impact on the current family, including children and spouses, and how fostering can actually enrich a child's worldview and increase compassion and empathy.

Destinee shares her experiences of saying goodbye to foster children and the emotional impact it has on her and her family. She also talks about the positive growth and strengthened communication in her relationship with her husband.

The episode concludes with advice for those considering becoming foster parents and the importance of reaching out for more information.

Takeaways

-Becoming a foster parent can have a positive impact on a child's worldview and increase their compassion and empathy.

-Saying goodbye to foster children can be emotional, but it also provides an opportunity for growth and closer family bonds.

-Communication and open-mindedness are key in navigating the challenges and concerns of becoming a foster parent.

-It is important to reach out for information and support when considering becoming a foster parent.

Helpful Links:

Foster Medina website: https://www.mcjfs.us/foster-and-adopt or https://www.fostermedina.com

Medina County Job and Family Services: https://www.mcjfs.us/

Layne Hedden, Foster Parent Recruiter Email: [email protected]