**Available Resources for Parents**

 

Nationwide:

2-1-1

Postpartum Support International

Suicide Prevention Hotline- 1.800.273.8255

Knee to Knee 

National Parent Youth Helpline- 855.427.2736

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline-1-833-TLC-MAMA

National Domestic Violence Hotline- 1.800.799.7233

PSI Depression hotline- 1.800.944.4PPD

 

Arizona Specific:

2-1-1 Arizona

Family Involvement Center

Prevent Child Abuse Arizona

 

Welcome back to By Their Side, listeners! I am so thrilled to be joined in this episode by two guests - Lindsey Shine and Samara Vaught, two amazing and inspiring birth moms who have both gone through the tough journey of dealing with the child welfare system until ultimately being reunited with their children. They now work at the Family Involvement Center, offering peer support to parents in similar situations.

Listen in as they share their personal stories, both of which are heart-wrenching and inspirational. We discuss their struggles with addiction, domestic violence, and the overwhelming challenges of dealing with the system, all while trying to stay connected with their children, but I promise that it isn't all doom and gloom. These women are passionate about providing hope to other parents, showing them that reunification is possible and offering practical advice for those who might feel like they have nowhere to turn.

You will also hear how the Family Involvement Center and its Parents for Parents program became a turning point for both Lindsey and Samara, offering them the support that they needed when they felt most defeated. They both highlight the importance of community support and understanding, and how small acts of encouragement can make a huge difference. This episode is about hope, resilience, and the power of human connection, so tune in to hear more about their journey and how they’re helping others find their way back to their children!

Highlights:

[2:17] - Hear about how the Family Involvement Center offers free support to parents navigating the Child Welfare system.

[4:53] - The Parents for Parents program offers support from people with lived experience in the foster care system.

[7:30] - Samara shares how she got through her struggles with hope.

[10:41] - Lindsey reflects on her struggle with meth addiction, homelessness, and distrust while pregnant.

[13:36] - Lindsey felt that her case was disorganized, but the Family Involvement Center provided hope and support.

[16:23] - The turning point for Lindsey was the support from Commissioner Allen and her own determination.

[17:46] - Samara shares having found honest conversations with her case manager in the shelter motivating and encouraging.

[20:54] - Samara reflects on her manipulative behavior in the past and how honesty made a significant difference in her recovery.

[22:38] - Lindsey faced immense housing challenges, but support and perseverance kept her going.

[25:41] - Lindsey advises persistence, daily effort, and broad engagement to improve chances of success.

[27:18] - Samara advocates for community support, family resource centers, and normalizing seeking help for family reunification.

[30:29] - Libraries could better serve families by expanding community-based support beyond just internet access.

[33:59] - Samara urges the community to provide resources before escalation to reduce unneeded DCF involvement.

[35:33] - Lindsey shares having felt unsupported and doubted her ability to keep her children.

[38:37] - Lindsey is grateful for her relationship with her children but wishes that she had received more encouragement at the time.

[40:37] - It's important to support families after reunification to help them lead healthier lives.

[41:59] - Lindsey finds that praise and direct encouragement can be a game changer and can build confidence.

[43:00] - Samara credits her daughter's supportive placement with helping their relationship and enabling her own recovery.

[46:24] - Positive conversations and boundary-setting while fostering children and supporting parents is very important.

[47:41] - Samara advocates for open communication with families, recognizing progress and normalizing seeking help for reunification.

[50:29] - Parents, not placements, are statistically best suited to care for their children long-term, whenever possible.

[51:08] - Regardless of reunification outcomes, families should leave the process with hope and resources.

[54:59] - Lindsey advises reframing difficult interactions to recognize a parent's passion for their children and their struggles.

[57:16] - Lindsey values her parents' support, even after strained relationships.

[58:05] - Samara finds empowerment in working with the Family Involvement Center, realizing that her past does not define or limit her.