Fostering Voices Podcast Foster Arizona

Summary:
In honor of June being Family Reunification Month, today's episode sheds light on a crucial yet often overlooked issue in our community: the challenges and misconceptions surrounding birth families involved in the foster care system. As foster parents, we initially held unfair biases towards these families. However, through our journey, we've learned that various factors make some families more at risk of system involvement than others.
To deepen this conversation, we are thrilled to welcome Claire Louge, the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. Claire is dedicated to strengthening families and protecting children. She is passionate about creating a supportive and welcoming community where everyone can access the resources they need. Her insights and dedication to family reunification will inspire and inform our discussion.
Join us as we explore the complexities of the foster care system, challenge our preconceptions, and learn how we can all contribute to a more understanding and supportive environment for families in need. We are grateful to have Claire share her expertise and heart with us, and we hope this episode fosters greater awareness and compassion within our community. Tune in and be part of this important conversation.
Resource Links:
Article: Contact with Child Protective Services is pervasive but unequally distributed by race and ethnicity in large US counties | PNAS
Protective Factors Framework - Center for the Study of Social Policy
“Considering Yourself a Mandated Supporter” training: For Mandated Reporters - Prevent Child Abuse Arizona
Community Opportunity Map
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell: https://a.co/d/1zrvSxg
Connect with us!
Email: info@fosteraz.org
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary:
In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month, join us for an inspiring episode featuring a heartfelt conversation with my sister-in-law, Tara Armstrong. Tara played a pivotal role in our family's foster care journey, guiding us as we transitioned from having two kids to seven. Now, she has embarked on her own remarkable path. As a single mom of two, Tara opened her heart and home, adopting two children from the foster care system who were searching for their forever family. This episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of fostering and adoption, offering real talk and personal insights that highlight the profound impact one person can make. Tune in to hear Tara's story of love, resilience, and the transformative power of family.
 
Resource Links:
Foster Arizona | Foster & Adobt
Foster Cooperative
Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents
ASA Now
Families | Arizona 1.27
Connect with us!
Email: info@fosteraz.org
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Web: www.fosterarizona.org
 

Summary:
In today's episode, we explore the profound impact of connections on well-being, particularly in the context of foster care. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the pivotal role of social connections in fostering healthy choices and better mental and physical health outcomes. However, many children entering foster care face profound disconnection from their familiar support networks, exacerbating challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression.
In Arizona, where the average foster child experiences two or more placements, the need for stable, nurturing relationships is starkly evident. Our guest, Freddie Hernandez, a former foster youth, shares his remarkable journey of resilience and transformation. With a degree in Digital Film and Video Production from The Art Institute of Phoenix, Freddie defied the odds, emerging as a beacon of hope in his community.
Join us as Freddie sheds light on how one caring adult can alter the trajectory of a young person's life. Through his passion for digital storytelling and filmmaking, Freddie exemplifies the power of connection and the ripple effect of mentorship. His story serves as a testament to the transformative potential inherent in human connection. We extend our gratitude to Freddie for lending his voice and invaluable experience to today's conversation. Tune in as we explore the profound impact of connection and the pathways to support and empower those navigating the foster care system.
Resource Links:
Foster Arizona | Foster & Adobt
Child Welfare Statistics: Arizona Children in Out-of-Home Care
Voices for CASA Children
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
Get Involved
How Does Social Connectedness Affect Health? | CDC
Volunteer at Family Involvement Center
Book: Tattoos on the Heart
Connect with us!
Email: info@fosteraz.org
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary:
Today, it’s just the two of us, engaging in a candid conversation about mental health. Ironically, we find ourselves easing into a month dedicated to both mental health and foster care awareness. For those who have experienced life within the foster care system, the intricate connection between these two realms becomes evident. So, let’s dive into the spaces where our mental well-being has been profoundly affected and the valuable lessons we’ve gleaned along the way. With that, let’s begin this authentic conversation. 🌟
Resource Links:
Your Mental Health Today Test / Quiz
31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health
11 Ways to Find and Make Friends as an Adult
Foster Cooperative
The Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Connect with us!
Email: info@fosteraz.org
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary:
In honor of Stress Awareness Month, our podcast delves into the crucial topic of stress reduction and self-care. While this is important for everyone, it holds even greater significance for caregivers of children with special needs and those working in social services fields. The toll of constant stress can adversely affect our health, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, inadequate sleep, lack of physical activity, and imbalanced diets. These factors increase the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
But how do we address this challenge? Today, we’re thrilled to welcome back Dr. Jaime Parker, a seasoned expert with over 25 years of experience in health and wellness. Dr. Jaime wears multiple hats as a holistic health coach, fitness instructor, certified personal trainer, nutrition educator, and certified Pilates instructor. She has personally triumphed over numerous health obstacles.
Recently, I sought Dr. Jaime’s guidance in my own healing journey. The years of accumulated stress have taken their toll on both Brian and me. Dr. Jaime’s genuine empathy and understanding resonate deeply as she navigates the delicate balance between caring for others and prioritizing self-care. Her remarkable ability to meet people where they are, infused with love and encouragement, is something we’re excited to share with you today. Tune in as we explore simple yet impactful changes that can lead to stress relief and better health. 🎙️🌟
Resource Links:
Caregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself - Mayo Clinic
Bali Blue Wellness   (Dr. Jaime Parker) 
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Connect with us!
Email: info@fosteraz.org
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary:
Today, we’re delving into an exciting new therapy modality called Critical Memory Integration. This groundbreaking approach focuses on healing trauma by exploring unresolved critical memories and integrating them with neutral memories, fostering resilience in individuals.
At the forefront of this creation, our incredible team of panelists joins us today. You might recognize one of our team members—Estefana Johnson—who shared her insights in our Valentine’s episode. Estefana is a cherished friend of Foster Arizona. Alongside Estefana, we have two remarkable psychologists: Dr. Brian Livesay and Dr. Diego Hernandez. Both experts bring extensive backgrounds in trauma care and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Over the past two years, I’ve eagerly followed the progress of this project, and it’s truly remarkable to witness its practical implementation locally and globally.
Resource Links:
Critical Memory Integration (CMI) - ARISE Alliance Institute
The trajectory of PTSD among youth in foster care: A survival analysis examining maltreatment experiences prior to entry into care.
How We Feel
Atlas of the Heart - Brené Brown
Lighthouse Psychiatry
Lt. Col Mann TEDx on Generosity of Scars
The Generosity of Scars | Scott Mann | TEDxSantaBarbara
Elizabeth Feldmann Barrett How Emotions are made
How Emotions are Made (Cinematic Lecture)
Luiz Pessoa: “The Entangled Brain: Integration of emotion, motivation, and cognition”
Luiz Pessoa: “The Entangled Brain: Integration of emotion, motivation, and cognition”
Connect with us!
Email: info@fosteraz.org
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Web: www.fosterarizona.org
Chapters:
00:00 - Opening
00:33 - Intro
02:03 - Dr. Brian Livesay
03:40 - Connection is Fundamental
04:35 - Dr. Diego Hernandez
05:23 - Did I Make a Difference?
06:38 - We Did Everything Together
08:07 - Estefana Johnson
09:57 - You were Made to Fly!
10:46 - It Starts with the Therapist
13:20 - Clinicians are more than Technicians
15:42 - Survival is not Enough
16:34 - Critical Memory Integration
18:24 - The Deepest Conversations
19:00 - We are Designed for Play
19:47 - Getting Through the Bad Feelings
21:54 - Recognizing the Signals
22:59 - Tactical Disclosure
25:02 - Power in Relatability
28:55 - Where does CMI Fit?
32:20 - Integrating CMI
35:08 - Critical Memories
36:14 - The Stories Movies Tell
37:15 - Full Access to your Emotions
40:21 - Teaching Kids to Experience Emotions
43:33 - Stories are Wisdom
44:18 - How to get this new Therapy
47:10 - New Understanding
48:03 - A Hub for Training
50:18 - Resources
51:15 - Final Thoughts
55:10 - Conclusion
55:40 - Thank You!