The foster care system doesn’t just involve families and social workers—it’s deeply shaped by the court system. In this episode, Circuit Family Court Judge, Aaron Hubbard, joins us to share the court system’s perspective on foster care cases. We discuss the frustrations judges face, the difficult balance between legal timelines and a child’s best interests, and the realities of making decisions that impact children, biological parents, and foster families.

If you’ve ever wondered how the court views foster care, why some cases take so long, or what challenges judges encounter behind the bench, this conversation gives an honest look at the intersection of child welfare and the legal system. Perfect for foster parents, adoptive families, child advocates, and anyone who wants to better understand the foster care process from the courtroom side.

UnProfessional Parenting 1.20 with special guest, Ron Cooney (Executive Pastor at Calvary Church Clearwater).

What role does the church play in meeting the needs of vulnerable children and families in foster care? In this episode,Called to Care, we dive into the biblical call to defend the fatherless, real stories from foster and adoptive families, and practical ways churches can step into the gap. Whether you’re a pastor, a foster parent, or simply someone who wants to live out James 1:27, this podcast equips and inspires the body of Christ to rise up for kids and families in crisis.

In Part 2 of How to “Co-Family” in Foster Care, we dive deeper into how foster parents can build strong, healthy, and intentional relationships with biological families. Learning how to “co-family” is essential for supporting reunification, reducing conflict, and creating stability for kids in care. In this episode, we share real-life foster care experiences, practical co-parenting strategies, and insights on communication, boundaries, and empathy. Whether you’re a new foster parent or have been fostering for years, you’ll discover encouragement and practical tools to help you partner with biological families in ways that truly put the child’s best interests first.

(Part One)

Foster care isn’t just about opening your home—it’s about navigating relationships. In this episode, we dive into the often complex, emotional, and important interactions between foster parents and biological families. From building trust to finding common ground, we’ll talk about what healthy co-parenting looks like, the challenges along the way, and why collaboration matters for the child at the center of it all. Whether you’re a foster parent, bio parent, or simply want to understand the process better, this conversation will give you perspective and encouragement for the journey.

In this episode of Unprofessional Parenting, we explore the powerful bond between siblings and why keeping them together in foster care can be life-changing. From shared memories to built-in emotional support, siblings can be a vital anchor in a child’s world when everything else feels uncertain. We’ll share real-life stories, discuss the challenges that sometimes separate siblings, and talk about how foster and adoptive parents can advocate for keeping brothers and sisters under the same roof. Whether you’re a foster parent, considering becoming one, or just curious about the system, this conversation will open your eyes to the lifelong impact of sibling connections.

In this episode, we dive into the heartwarming (and sometimes hilariously chaotic) movie, Instant Family. With its blend of humor and heavy truths, the film attempts to capture the real-life messiness of foster care and adoption. But how accurate is it? We break down what the movie gets right, what it misses, and how it hit us right in the feels. Whether you’re a seasoned foster parent or just love a good family film, join us as we laugh, cry, and maybe even cringe a little. Spoiler alert: it’s not all sunshine and inspirational montages.

In this episode of Unprofessional Parenting, we dive into one of the toughest and most misunderstood aspects of foster care—saying no. Whether it's declining a placement that doesn’t align with your family's capacity or recognizing when you're approaching burnout, learning to say "no" can actually be one of the most loving, responsible things you do. We talk about the guilt, the pressure, and the reality of navigating foster care with healthy boundaries. If you've ever wondered when it's okay to say no—or how to recover when you're running on empty—this episode is for you.

In a world quick to reward obedience and punish misbehavior, it’s easy to fall into the trap of behavior management. But what if our goal as parents isn’t just to raise well-behaved kids—but kids with deep character? In this episode, we unpack the difference between controlling behavior and shaping hearts. We’ll explore practical ways to raise children who live with integrity, empathy, and conviction—not just when we’re watching, but when we’re not.

Foster care is more than a calling—it’s a commitment. But before stepping into this life-changing journey, it's crucial to understand your why. In this episode, we unpack the heart behind fostering: What’s driving you? Compassion? Guilt? Faith? Personal experience? We’ll explore how identifying your true motivation can sustain you through the highs and lows, shape the way you care for children, and keep you anchored in purpose when things get tough. Whether you're already fostering, considering it, or supporting others who do—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of the Unprofessional Parenting Podcast, we dive into the powerful mindset shift of reframing what "winning" looks like as a foster parent. Traditional parenting milestones don’t always apply in the world of foster care—and that’s okay. We talk about finding joy in the small moments, celebrating progress over perfection, and embracing emotional wins that often go unseen. Whether it's a child opening up emotionally, or simply making it through a tough day—these are the victories that matter. Join us as we unpack how letting go of unrealistic expectations can actually make space for deeper connection and real growth.