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
Meet CJ - Foster Child & Author [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:14
CJ is the author of "Obliterating the Odds". She was in foster care and was never adopted although she lived in 35 homes before age 17. Listen to hear her journey of going from tragedy to triumph.
Meet Amber - Adoptive Mom (of a sibling pair!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:19
Amber is in Texas and is the adoptive mom of a sibling pair. She also gifts my book The Forgotten Adoption Option to potential adoptive families in her area. Get ideas and insights about foster care adoption in this epis…
Meet Grandpa Bob - Adoptive Grandparent (and my dad!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:13
Adoption impacts immediate and extended family. I'm excited to introduce you to my dad who shares his experience with my family's foster care adoption journey.
Meet Rita Soronen - Foster Care Adoption Advocate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:43
Learn about the opportunity to adopt and advocate for children through the foster care system from Rita Soronen, President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.