Shifting the Focus. Policies on adoption have often focused on adoptive parents, rather than the well being of adoptees and birth parents. The Open Adoption Project podcast, hosted by Shaunn and Lanette Nelson, adoptive parents from Utah, are back with another crossover episode on Fostering Conversations.  They aim to flood the podcast sphere with adoption-related content, sharing perspectives and opinions to foster learning and understanding. In this featured episode, they highlighted the importance of openness, honesty, and listening to adoptee voices. They urged adoptive parents to get ..read more

Attachment In this podcast episode, hosts Deborah Lindner and Liz Rivera engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Lee Raby, a distinguished expert in attachment research from the University of Utah. The focal point is the critical role attachment plays in the development of children within the foster care system. The conversation kicks off by outlining the distinctions between love and attachment, emphasizing attachment's significance, particularly in foster care environments. Dr. Raby describes attachment as a fundamental instinct, rooted in a child's biological need for care and security. Dr ..read more

Curly Me! is a nonprofit that’s a resource for Utah families with children of color – specifically black girls between the ages of 5-14 years of age. In this episode, we hear more about “Change the World with Her” and other upcoming events. In 2021, Black chil­dren rep­re­sent­ed 14% of the total child pop­u­la­tion but 22% of all kids in fos­ter care. By com­par­i­son: White kids rep­re­sent 49% of the nation’s child pop­u­la­tion and only 43% of its fos­ter care pop­u­la­tion. Although the number of Black children in care has been on the decline for the past two ..read more

In this insightful podcast episode, hosts Deborah Lindner and Liz Rivera explore the profound theme of "the gift of presence" with guest Ilse DeKoeyer. Delving into the challenges of staying fully present, especially during the hectic holiday season, the conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and practicing presence in parenting. Ilse defines presence as the art of balancing complete engagement with a reflective stance, encouraging individuals to immerse themselves in the moment while maintaining self-awareness. Practical tips include setting context, creating connections with ..read more

Cadon Riley likes to express his voice through the lens of music. We were honored to have him join us to talk about his new song that he hopes will inspire other young people going through the foster care experience.  Riley is a student at Utah Tech.  He is also a mental health and foster care advocate.  He loves to share his experience, in and out of foster care, especially through singing and performing. Riley has a passion for helping people and creating a space for people to explore their own identities. To listen and support Cadon's song, check out the following platforms ..read more

This month we are airing an episode from the podcast The Open Adoption Project by Lanette and Shaun Nelson. This episode shares the story of two mothers connected initially through their shared love for their children. This episode discusses the challenges of foster care, drug addiction, and maintaining connections...particularly in regard to parenting children in foster and adoption situations. You can listen the Shaun and Lanette's podcast The Open Adoption Project here Learn more about Adoption on our website Want to learn more about becoming a Foster Parent?  ..read more

This episode is a re-broadcast of Episode 29. It may surprise you to find out teens in foster care want and need lifelong connections – yet, when it comes to adopting, many families rarely consider older kids and teenagers. As National Adoption Month continues, our Fostering Conversations podcast examines the obstacles youth who age out of foster care face. Listen to the inspiring stories of youth who beat the odds – and learn the reality about teens in the foster care system. To learn more about Utah's Transition to Adult Living program, click here.  To join Utah's Foster Club  ..read more

During a typical school day, our children can spend as much time in class as they do at home, which makes success at school all the more important. Tyler Bastian is director at Utah’s first farm-based charter high school and McKay Esplin is an LCSW and Utah Foster Care trainer. In our latest episode, they offer insight on how parents and students can build and foster positive school relationships. For more information: Roots High Charter School Volunteer Opportunities at Utah Foster Care   Want to learn more about becoming a Foster Parent?  ..read more

Trigger Warning: This episode contains subjects that may be upsetting to some.  Please use discretion. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving environment, especially those in foster care who have already experienced trauma and displacement. However, queer kids in foster care face unique challenges and are often more vulnerable than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. It is essential for us as a society to recognize and address these challenges, and most importantly, to show up for queer kids in foster care by providing them with the support, understanding, and acc ..read more

First Lady Abby Cox has heard from countless foster families, teens and children about what the state of Utah can do to Show Up for Foster Care. She’s been sharing what she’s learned with her husband Governor Spencer Cox – and now, they share with us some of their goals for improving the lives of children and families in the coming months. To learn how you can get involved, check out the First Lady's Show Up Initiative or check out the awesome opportunities right here at Utah Foster Care/volunteer.   Want to learn more about becoming a Foster Parent?  ..read more