What lessons can policymakers and child welfare workers learn from those with personal experience in the foster care system in order to best support vulnerable children?

In this episode, Naomi and Ian are joined by Tori Hope Petersen, former foster youth, current foster mom, and author of the gripping memoir Fostered. Tori describes how she navigated her way to a life of college graduation, athletic success, and a loving family despite living in twelve different foster homes. She recounts the positive influence of her Court Appointed Special Advocate and explains the need for more accountability with caseworkers. Tori believes we should be doing more to promote kinship care, detailing her powerful relationship with her track coach and mentor who ultimately served as her father figure.

Resources:

• Fostered: One Woman’s Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family Through Foster Care | Tori Hope Petersen | ‎ B&H Books

• We’re Still Failing Kids in Foster Care | Naomi Schaefer Riley | Deseret News

Show Notes:

• 01:06 | Tori’s childhood and first experience with the child welfare system

• 05:49 | The conflict of interests of caseworkers and the role of Court Appointed Special Advocates

• 09:45 | The importance and neglect in the foster system of kinship care

• 17:04 | How Tori found guidance and healing in faith

• 21:41 | Broadening the horizon for other people's stories in college