connections to prioritize if you age out of the foster care system

connections to prioritize if you age out of the foster care system

Author: Marcy Bursac, Adoptive Mom & Founder of The Forgotten Adoption Option January 9, 2024 Duration: 40:39

Dr. Wynter is a Foster Youth Voice Whisperer, Child Welfare Strategist & Systems Thinker. She and I met after I published my first book "The Forgotten Adoption Option". A few local readers had told me barriers they were facing as they tried to get licensed to adopt through foster care. Dr. Wynter took me under her wing and pointed me to some existing legislature that I was able to share with my state - Missouri.

Gaelin Elmore is a professional speaker, a board member at the Association for Training on Trauma and Attachment in Children, and the director of coaching at The Forgotten Initiative. Dr. Wynter and Gaelin have recently debuted their book called "Follow the Love". It is about the importance of permanent connections for young people transitioning out of foster care.



Now in its sixth season, The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast moves beyond statistics to explore the human heart of foster care adoption. Hosted by Marcy Bursac, an adoptive mother and founder of the initiative, this podcast creates a space for voices often overlooked. Conversations flow naturally with adoptive parents, adoptees themselves, adults who experienced the foster system, and seasoned child welfare professionals. Together, they unpack the complexities, joys, and raw realities of building families through this path. The central, sobering truth guiding these discussions is that nearly 30% of children in U.S. foster care are legally free for adoption, yet many potential families encounter hurdles that prevent finalization. This series exists to bridge that gap with authenticity and practical insight. By listening, you’ll hear firsthand narratives that challenge misconceptions, offering a clearer picture of the process and the profound connections it can forge. Marcy’s role as a mentor shines through in each episode, fostering dialogues that are as informative as they are deeply personal. It’s a documentary-style journey into the layers of society and culture surrounding child welfare, designed for anyone curious about adoption, involved in the system, or simply seeking stories of resilience and belonging. Tune in monthly for these essential conversations that illuminate a path toward permanent homes.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 86

The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast
Podcast Episodes
a look at the global orphan crisis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:10
Meet Gary Schneider Founder & CEO - Every Orphan’s Hope and Vision Catalyst & Founder - Orphan Sunday. Learn more about Gary's work and explore opportunities for child sponsorship at: everyorphan.org. If you're intereste…
being an emergency foster home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:58
La' Toria Kern who serves as a foster parent for emergency situations in Las Vegas. She is also the founder and executive and artistic director as a nonprofit called FAMILYArts @ WHALER's Creation.
HOW to invite your employer to become an adoption-friendly workplace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:30
Angie Schaefer is the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Safety National. Want to ask your employer to add or expand adoption benefits? Use the Adoption-Friendly Workplace Toolkit. Does your employer alrea…
modernizing child welfare technology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:52
Meet Matthew Wollack, Vice President of Strategic Development at Wolverine Human Services and President & CEO of eNoble.
current adoption trends according to data and research [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:27
Meet Ryan Hanlon the President & CEO for the National Council For Adoption. Dive deeper into the research report Ryan discusses: adoptioncouncil.org/profiles Need continuing education as an adoption professional, conside…