Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is a program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that for decades has focused on finding permanency for older youth in foster care, as well as children with special needs. The program, which received a $200 million commitment to expand in 2017, recently recorded its 15,000th adoption. Dave Thomas CEO Rita Soronen joins to discuss the experience of scaling up Wendy’s Wonderful Kids and the lessons she learned along the way about how to get initial buy-in on an idea, and then keep support for it going.  Rita Soronen has been the president and CEO of the Dave T ..read more

On this week’s episode, we review some of the recent action out of Washington, including what’s going on with federal funds, the impact of Trump’s executive orders on some youth with lived experience, and who is temporarily leading child welfare and youth justice policy.  We also break down the findings from a report on health care for youth who have aged out of foster care, and a new bill that would fund post-adoption support.  Reading Room Register for Empowered Youth Voices: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Confidence in Storytelling. https://bit.ly/3EZiz4t The Acting Lea ..read more

In this episode of InnerViews, host Ivory Bennett sits down with Montina Myers-Galloway, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, TEDx speaker, and advocate for Black women healing from parentification. Together, they explore the impact of adultification and emotional burdens placed on Black youth in foster care and juvenile justice. Montina shares how professionals can create trauma-informed spaces, support mental well-being, and empower youth to reclaim their narratives. This conversation is a must-listen for those committed to breaking cycles and fostering emotional healing in child wel ..read more

On this week’s episode, Imprint Indigenous Children and Families Reporter Nancy Marie Spears hosts a special roundtable discussion on the future of Indigenous child welfare. Our panel of guests break down how they will engage with a new 25-year plan to reform and improve Indigenous child welfare policy and practice through improved implementation of, and compliance with, the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act, or ICWA..  ICWA 2050 was launched November 7 by the Protect ICWA Campaign to Honor ICWA’s 46th Anniversary and it’s called Protect, Preserve, Progress: Realizing the Spirit of the Indian ..read more

On this week’s episode, Abecedarian Group President Celia Sims joins us to discuss child welfare and education policy, and the intersection of the two. Sims, who spent most of her career on Capitol Hill, reflects on a recent op-ed she wrote for The Imprint and shares thoughts on the practicability of President Trump’s proposal to shutter the Department of Education.  Celia Sims is the founder of the Abecedarian Group, and serves as a volunteer court appointed special advocate. Sims has served as an advisor on education and child welfare policy for former Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and the ..read more

On this week’s podcast, we go over some of the actions taken by the Trump administration in their first full week since the inauguration. We also discuss a report that finds some states are sending back federal money to help older foster youth, and a Texas bill that would bring sweeping change to the way the child welfare system works in that state.  Rena Johnson of the Aviv Foundation and Mary Bissell of Child Focus join to talk about the Aviv Foundation’s Springboard Prize, an award that will invest $400,000 in several game-change oriented proposals. Reading Room Trump’s Day-one Actions ..read more

In this episode of InnerViews, Sensei Dave shares his journey from foster care and juvenile detention to becoming a mentor, author, and advocate for at-risk youth. Discover how his transformative "Inspire to Aspire" program equips young people with hope, skills, and resilience while empowering caring adults to create lasting change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about breaking cycles, fostering equity, and building brighter futures for youth impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems ..read more

Ivory Bennett interviews Chaplain Dr. Kay Kizer, an advocate and visionary author amplifying voices within the foster care system. From sharing her own challenging journey through multiple foster homes to founding “K’s Carry On,” a nonprofit providing essential items for foster youth, Dr. Kizer’s story illuminates resilience and the power of faith. Together, they discuss the lasting impacts of childhood trauma, the necessity of healing, and the importance of creating safe, nurturing environments for vulnerable children. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about transforming pain into purpose ..read more

In November, the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) held its first national conference in more than a decade, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the landmark Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.  Right after the conference ended, OJJDP Administrator and longtime youth justice reformer Liz Ryan joined us to discuss the conference, in particular the large presence of young people who have experienced the justice system. Ryan also reflected on the future of justice reform, and what she feels the Biden administration accomplished during her tenur ..read more

On this Headlines edition of The Imprint Weekly Podcast, we stick with Capitol Hill where a lot went down around the holidays. We discuss the arrest of a former foster youth and advocate arrested after a celebration of the Chafee Act, along with some child welfare legislation that made it into law (and one bill that did not).  We also break down some long-sought data about what happens when youth are charged as adults in the United States, and the lastest federal report on child abuse and neglect. Thanks to live podcast attendee, new rescue dog Dracula, for being a good boy while we recor ..read more