In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Tyler Hunter shares his profound journey through foster care and adoption. He reflects on the challenges he faced, the coping mechanisms he developed, and the importance of community and support in his life. Tyler emphasizes the transformative power of foster care, the significance of forgiveness, and the need for advocacy in the child welfare system. His story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the impact of unconditional love and support.

Takeaways

• Foster care can be a life-saving experience.
• Masking feelings is a common coping mechanism for children in care.
• School can provide a safe haven for foster children.
• Finding a sense of normalcy is crucial for foster youth.
• Forgiveness is essential for personal healing.
• Community support is vital for children in foster care.
• Foster parents play a critical role in a child's life.
• Vulnerability is a challenge for many who have experienced trauma.
• Positive affirmations can significantly impact a child's self-worth.
• Advocacy is necessary to improve the foster care system.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis welcome listeners to 2026 and discuss the new rhythm of the podcast. They reflect on the importance of understanding foster care, the emotional journey of becoming a foster parent, and the realities of handling goodbyes. The conversation emphasizes the need for a support system, the reasons families may quit fostering, and how communities can better support foster families. They also touch on the challenges faced by youth who age out of the foster care system and highlight the mission of America's Kids Belong.

Takeaways:
You’ll never feel “fully ready” to foster — and that’s normal. Nervousness and discomfort don’t mean you aren’t called or capable; they often mean you’re taking the responsibility seriously.

Saying “no” to a placement can be the most loving decision. New foster parents often feel pressured to say yes immediately, but the wrong yes can lead to burnout, disrupted placements, and quitting altogether.

Good matches matter more than good intentions. Asking detailed questions about a child’s needs, visitation schedule, trauma history, and daily demands helps protect both the child and your family.

Fostering impacts your whole household — not just you. If you have kids, their ages, personalities, and emotional capacity matter, especially when placements are similar in age or gender.

Goodbyes are inevitable — and they’re supposed to hurt. Healthy goodbyes include honoring the relationship, marking the transition, allowing grief, and prioritizing the child’s emotional needs over your own.

You don’t have to perform grief the same way every time. Some goodbyes will break your heart; others may bring relief — both responses are valid if the child was cared for well.

Most foster families quit within the first year due to preventable factors. Lack of preparation, support systems, realistic expectations, and trauma-informed training are the biggest reasons families burn out early.

Support systems are non-negotiable. Foster families need practical, consistent help — especially with transportation, meals, childcare, and schedule flexibility.

If you’re not fostering, don’t wait to be asked — step in proactively. Foster parents are often helpers who don’t ask for help; specific, concrete offers (“I’ll take kids to practice Tuesdays”) make a real difference.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Andrea Forringer and Sarah Davis, from Jackson's Gift, an organization dedicated to supporting youth aging out of the foster care system who are enlisting in the military. The conversation explores the life of Andrea's adoptive son, Jackson, who faced numerous challenges in his early life, including entering foster care at a young age. 

The discussion highlights Jackson's aspirations to serve in the military, his experiences in foster care, and the founding of Jackson's Gift to honor his legacy by providing financial support to foster youth transitioning to military life. The episode emphasizes the importance of community support, mentorship, and advocacy for these young individuals.

Checkout their website:
https://jacksonsgift.com/

Takeaways

• Jackson's Gift honors the legacy of Andrea's son, Jackson.
• The organization supports youth aging out of foster care who enlist in the military.
• Jackson faced significant challenges in his early life, including foster care and adoption.
• He aspired to be a Marine and wanted to help others in similar situations.
• The importance of mentorship and community support for foster youth is emphasized.
• Jackson's experiences in foster care prepared him for military life.
• The organization provides monetary awards to eligible youth.
• Advocacy for foster youth navigating military enlistment is crucial.
• The founders aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by foster youth.
• Jackson's Gift is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis and Courtney, along with guest Bethany Hall, discuss the complexities of navigating the holidays for children in foster care. They explore the emotional challenges, the importance of managing expectations, and strategies for preparing both parents and extended family for the unique dynamics that arise during this time.

The conversation emphasizes the need for trauma-informed approaches and the significance of creating supportive environments for children. This conversation delves into the complexities of navigating holidays for families involved in foster care. It highlights the emotional challenges faced by children, the importance of preparing them for new experiences, and the need for understanding from extended family members. The speakers share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for creating a supportive environment during the holidays, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage and empowering birth families. The discussion also touches on the role of education in fostering awareness and compassion within the community.

Visit Chosen.care to learn how Chosen’s services and training can make a difference in your family’s life.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams engages with cybersecurity experts Chad Rychlewski and Kae David to discuss the critical importance of protecting children in the digital age. They explore various topics including digital footprints, the risks associated with social media, and the necessity of open communication between parents and children. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents, especially foster parents, to be proactive in safeguarding their children's online presence and understanding the technology they use. The episode also highlights practical tips and resources for parents to navigate the complexities of digital safety.

Checkout their website:
www.cybersecurityparents.com

Takeaways

• Understanding digital footprints is crucial for child safety.
• Parents must teach children about online risks.
• Open communication is key to building trust with children.
• Cyber bullying is a significant risk for kids online.
• Locking children's credit can prevent identity theft.
• Foster parents can set rules for technology use.
• Conducting tech audits helps ensure safety.
• Behavior contracts can clarify expectations around technology.
• All devices with internet access need to be monitored.
• Staying updated on technology changes is essential for parents.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Hollie Strand, a forensic examiner with extensive experience in child safety and trafficking. The conversation delves into the complexities of sex trafficking, the grooming process used by predators, and the alarming connection between foster care and trafficking. Hollie shares insights on the importance of internet safety for children, the role of parents in protecting their kids, and the necessity of building a supportive community for vulnerable children. The episode emphasizes the critical need for foster care as a proactive measure to prevent trafficking and offers practical advice for parents and foster families.

Takeaways

• Hollie Strand has 26 years of experience in child safety and trafficking.
• Sex trafficking is often misunderstood; it involves the exchange of goods for sexual acts.
• Victims of trafficking may not see themselves as victims due to psychological manipulation.
• Grooming involves breaking down a person's spirit to make them compliant.
• Foster care can create vulnerabilities that lead to trafficking.
• Internet safety is crucial for children to prevent exploitation.
• Parents must actively supervise their children's online activities.
• Building a safety net of supportive adults is essential for at-risk youth.
• Foster parents can play a significant role in preventing trafficking.
• Community involvement is vital in supporting foster care and child safety.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Travis Vangsnes welcome Callie Priest, the director of strategic partnerships for WindShape Homes. They discuss the mission of WindShape Homes, which was founded by the founders of Chick-fil-A to support children in foster care. Callie shares her unique journey into the foster care space, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing local churches to engage in foster care and provide support for vulnerable families. The conversation also covers the various programs and services offered by WindShape Homes, including their group care model and partnerships with churches to create supportive communities for foster families. Additionally, they introduce the new WindShape Homes podcast, aimed at raising awareness and sharing stories related to foster care.

In this conversation, Callie discusses the barriers to awareness in foster care, the importance of collaboration among organizations, and the challenges of competition in the nonprofit sector. She emphasizes the need for a redemptive narrative in foster care and highlights the essential needs of children in the system, particularly the importance of Christ in their lives. The discussion also touches on the role of organizations in creating a supportive ecosystem for foster care and the necessity of working together to improve outcomes for children.

Checkout WinShape Homes' resources and services:

Listen to The WinShape Homes Podcast:

Takeaways

• WindShape Homes was founded to support children in foster care.
• Callie Priest has a background in nonprofit leadership and church ministry.
• The importance of mobilizing local churches to engage in foster care.
• WindShape Homes offers a group care model and foster care services.
• The organization partners with churches to create a supportive community for foster families.
• Callie emphasizes the need for clinical care in foster care programs.
• WindShape Homes has expanded its services to include a child placing agency.
• The organization aims to provide stability and support for vulnerable families.
• Callie highlights the complexity of the foster care system.
• The launch of the WindShape Homes podcast aims to raise awareness and share stories. Awareness is a significant barrier in foster care.
• A redemptive narrative is needed in foster care discussions.
• Collaboration among organizations is crucial for success.
• Competition among nonprofits can hinder progress.
• Foster care requires a community effort for better outcomes.
• Children in foster care need stable families and access to the gospel.
• Organizations should focus on collective impact rather than individual branding.
• The foster care system is complex and requires diverse expertise.
• Healthy ecosystems in foster care can lead to better care.
• Generosity and cooperation are essential in the nonprofit sector.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Greg and Sam Hollback, a couple who have adopted two Native American daughters through the I Belong Project. They discuss their life in Daytona Beach, their community engagement, and their professional backgrounds in youth advocacy and education.

The Hollbacks share their adoption journey, including the challenges and joys of finding their daughters, the importance of cultural considerations in adoption, and how they incorporate Lakota heritage into their family life. They reflect on their experiences as a multicultural family and the significance of belonging and identity for their children.

Checkout our free webinars on practical and relevant foster care and adoption topics
FosterCon.org

Learn more about Youth Advocate Programs:
https://www.yapinc.org/

Takeaways

• Living in Daytona Beach offers a unique lifestyle for families.
• Adoption processes can take time and require patience.
• Cultural understanding is crucial in the adoption journey.
• Incorporating a child's heritage can enrich family life.
• Community engagement is important for personal fulfillment.
• Children need time and attention to adjust in new environments.
• Adopting cross-culturally requires sensitivity and awareness.
• Language learning can strengthen family bonds and cultural identity.
• The importance of being accepted as a family in diverse communities.
• Adoption is about love and connection, not perfection.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney and Travis engage in a deep conversation with Isaac Etter, a transracial adoptee and social entrepreneur. They explore the complexities of adoption, particularly transracial adoption, and the grief that often accompanies it. Isaac shares his personal journey, highlighting the importance of open conversations about race and identity within adoptive families. The discussion also touches on cultural differences, code switching, and the concept of ghost kingdoms, emphasizing the need for unconditional love and understanding in the adoption process.

Checkout Isaac's website with helpful parenting tips, tools, and resources:
https://www.parentingdifferent.com/

Takeaways

• Isaac was adopted at age two and faced challenges in understanding his identity.
• Adoption is complex and often involves grief and loss.
• Conversations about race should be normalized in transracial families.
• Grief in adoption can manifest during significant life transitions.
• Cultural differences play a crucial role in shaping identity for adoptees.
• Code switching is a common experience for transracial adoptees.
• Ghost kingdoms represent unexpressed curiosity about birth families.
• Unconditional love is essential for adopted youth.
• Adoptees often need compassion and grace as they navigate their identities.
• Open dialogues about race can help adoptees feel secure in their identities.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Pam Bauer, a mother of 14 adopted children, to discuss the complexities of adoption, grief, and parenting. Pam shares her insights on the challenges of raising a large family, the importance of addressing grief in adopted children, and the need for open conversations about their birth families. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding loss, building connections, and providing emotional support to adopted children as they navigate their unique journeys.

Takeaways

• Adopted children often experience grief related to their biological families.
• Grief can be an opportunity for attachment and healing.
• Open conversations about adoption are crucial for children's understanding.
• Children may feel divided loyalties between adoptive and biological parents.
• Rituals can help children process their grief and loss.
• Understanding emotions and body language is essential in parenting adopted children.
• Grief is a lifelong journey that evolves over time.
• Adoptive parents should encourage their children to express their feelings.
• Children need to know they are loved and valued regardless of their background.
• It's important to recognize the mixed emotions surrounding adoption.

Whether you’re considering becoming a foster parent or just want to better understand the adoption ecosystem, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and practical insight from someone who’s lived it out for decades.