the need for adoptive families for children in the foster care system

the need for adoptive families for children in the foster care system

Author: Marcy Bursac, Adoptive Mom & Founder of The Forgotten Adoption Option March 4, 2025 Duration: 45:32

Amanda Denning is the Director of Extreme Recruitment for the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition. Amanda is herself half adopted and, as of a few months ago, has become the kinship placement for her niece. 


She has been working in child welfare for more than 10 years first as a recruiter and now as the director of a unique and intensive approach to finding permanent homes for children in foster care who are considered hard to place due to age, special needs, or length of time in care. This program is called Extreme Recruitment®

Exciting News!
This podcast has been recognized among the Top 3 Best Adoptive Mom Podcasts and the Top 25 Best Adoption Podcasts by Feedspot! More people are discovering the reality of children waiting to be adopted through foster care, and together, we’re amplifying their voices.

Explore the rankings: ⁠Best Adoptive Mom Podcasts⁠, Best Adoption Podcasts


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
HOW to make a make a child in foster care comfortable in your home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:21
Rob experienced the foster care system as a child and then, as an adult, started a nonprofit called Comfort Cases which assembles care packs for children in foster care. To date, his organization has impacted over 185,00…
HOW to understand the unmet needs of children in foster care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:06
Meet Shari Shink, child welfare advocate. She spent 33 years as a lawyer, founded the Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center (the first non-profit law firm for abused and neglected children), and most recently, founded Cob…
HOW to find and become an adoption-friendly workplace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:10
Rita Soronen, President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, returns to share about the rewards and impact of being an Adoption-Friendly Workplace.
HOW to know you're ready to adopt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:11
Lynn Stacy shares how she knew she was ready to adopt and what social service agencies are looking for in adoptive families.
HOW to spot a future adoptive parent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:25
Denise Goodman has cracked the code on recruiting foster and adoptive parents. Are you a future adoptive parent? Find out how to know.