using technology to leverage cross-sector communication

using technology to leverage cross-sector communication

Author: Marcy Bursac, Adoptive Mom & Founder of The Forgotten Adoption Option May 13, 2025 Duration: 44:56

Karen Phillips didn’t plan to become a child welfare changemaker—she simply said yes to becoming a foster parent. That yes set her on a path to help families in crisis long before the foster care system gets involved.

In this episode of The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast, Karen shares how her lived experience fueled the creation of the 100 Families Initiative at Restore Hope Arkansas. Together with her team, she’s building tech-powered, community-based solutions that bring together nonprofits, agencies, and families to prevent foster care entry.

🎧 You’ll hear:

  • How Karen’s journey into foster care turned into statewide impact

  • What the 100 Families model looks like in action

  • The surprising ways technology is bridging gaps across systems

  • Why prevention is both possible and powerful

This is more than a story—it’s a blueprint for hope.


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…