The Fearless Fostering Podcast

When it hurts to hope, remember that hope is holy, foster mama. This short but sweet episode is one I hope you will return to time and again when you feel tired, weary, and overwhelmed by the weight of your foster care journey, or just plain frustrated.

And if you're looking for more foster care resources, you can find them here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

Today's guest is Abby Mortensen, a mama who entered the world of foster care after being a victim of adoption scams. Since becoming foster parents, she and her husband have fostered many children in two states. Abby shares about how her faith plays a vital role in her ability to keep fostering, despite how difficult it can be, and encourages us all to get support, ask for help, and make self-care a priority. You can follow Abby's journey here: https://www.abbymortenson.com/

AND, I'm now accepting applications for my 6 month Fearless Fostering group and retreat! You can learn more and apply here:

https://fearlessfostering.selfcarebestie.com/fearless-fostering

I absolutely couldn't wait to share this conversation I had with former foster youth, adoptee and advocate (and Ivy League college student!!) Melody Welles. Melody was so gracious to share vulnerably about the trauma she endured growing up in an adoptive home where she didn't feel part of the family or wanted, and how she is today using her platform to show foster youth what is possible when they believe their story is just part of their experience and it doesn't define them. She also shares amazing wisdom for foster and adoptive parents, so you don't want to miss this episode!!

Follow Melody here: https://www.instagram.com/melody.adoptee/

Get more support on your foster care journey here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

On today's episode, former foster youth and Court Appointed Special Advocate Joan Ulsher shares her experience and expertise on two different sides of the foster care system. Particularly passionate about advocating for teens, Joan highlights the influence a CASA can have in the life of a foster youth and their family.

You can connect with Joan and read her book here: https://www.joanulsher.com/

For more support on your foster care journey click here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

What do you do when bio parents do a little at the last minute and the case drags on and on? How do you handle burnout in foster care? And how do you keep the faith when it seems like everything is SO broken about the system and the world? I'm answering all these questions and more on this episode of the Fearless Fostering Podcast.

Sign up for your FREE 15 minute call with me right here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

In today's episode of the Fearless Fostering Podcast, I'm sharing a live Q+A I did on Instagram: feeling pressure to adopt, hoping to spread the word about foster care, feeling like you're ready to be done but the end is nowhere in sight.

Find info on my free resources and groups here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

No matter which part of the foster care triad we embody, it's important to recognize that our own lived experience is valid AND so are the experiences of the other members of the triad. We cannot say one voice is more important than another without invalidating and tearing another part down. What are your thoughts on this?

Find more support on your foster care journey here:

https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

Join the BETA group of Fearless Adoption, a deeply connected community for mamas who have adopted from foster care.

This group is for you if you’re looking to:

Connect with other adoptive mamas who get what you're going through

Empower yourself by making space for all of your emotions (and process through them!)

Learn skills that will enhance your connection with your child and manage difficult behaviors

HAVE FUN and bring some levity to this journey!

The program starts Thursday, May 2nd and ends Thursday, July 25th. The program includes:

One weekly email newsletter full of wisdom and encouragement for handling difficult behaviors, difficult feelings, and difficult people! Plus ways to take care of you and connect with your kids.

One monthly "office hours" call where you can pop in and ask questions LIVE (via zoom)

One monthly "happy hour" call where you can bring your fave snack and bev and simply connect with me and other adoptive mamas - get a chance to know each other as people, not just mamas! (via zoom)

The happy hours and office hours will be held on Thursday evenings at 8 pm eastern/7 pm central/6 pm mountain/5 pm pacific. A full schedule of calls will be sent out via email on May 2nd.

Questions? Email [email protected] or dm me on Instagram!

This is the only group I'm offering at this price (it will go up to $597 for every successive round!), so don't delay!

I can't wait to support you on your adoptive mama journey.

Learn more or sign up here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

On this episode of the Fearless Fostering Podcast, Dr. Kate Truitt shares her wisdom as a psychologist and neroscientist. Focusing on the different types of trauma that both foster mamas and kids in care might encounter, she also shares practical (and easy to remember!) ways to stop trauma triggers in their tracks. Follow Dr. Truitt here and check out her new book, Keep Breathing:

https://drtruitt.com/

Get more support on your foster or adoptive journey here:

https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

Such a huge fan of my guest today, foster and adoptive mama (and former Fearless Fostering member!) Erika Vance. Erika shares how she got started fostering, ultimately ended up adopting, and how she manages 4 young kiddos as a single foster mama. She recently began work in the world of foster care as well, so she is a wealth of knowledge!

You can follow Erika's journey here: https://www.tiktok.com/@erikathefostermom?_t=8lXvfd2MOxq&_r=1

Find more foster care support here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering