The Foster Friendly Podcast

Courtney Williams, Brian Mavis, Travis Vangsnes
  • 5.0 (39)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Foster Friendly Podcast. We’re bringing foster care closer to home by sharing stories from the front lines. We're talking with former foster youth, foster parents and others who are finding unique and powerful ways to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care. The Foster Friendly podcast is brought to you by America’s Kids Belong, a nonprofit that helps kids in foster care find belonging in both family and community.

  1. Transforming Trauma Into Triumph: Practical Tips and Tools with Jeanette Yoffee

    6D AGO

    Transforming Trauma Into Triumph: Practical Tips and Tools with Jeanette Yoffee

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Travis Vangsnes and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Jeanette Yoffee, a clinical psychologist and advocate for foster care and adoption. Jeanette shares her personal journey through foster care and adoption, emphasizing the importance of understanding grief and loss in children. She discusses the significance of open adoption, the need for connection, and the various interventions she has developed to help children cope with their experiences. Jeanette also introduces her book, 'The Traumatized and At-Risk Youth Toolbox,' which provides practical tools for parents and caregivers. The conversation highlights the importance of mattering and connection for children in foster care, encouraging foster parents to create a safe and supportive environment for their children. Checkout her website and all her tools and resources:https://www.jeanetteyoffe.com/ Takeaways Jeanette Yoffe shares her personal journey through foster care and adoption.Understanding grief and loss is crucial for children in foster care.Open adoption allows children to maintain connections with their birth families.Children need to know they matter and are valued.Interventions like the 'sad bag' help children cope with grief.Foster parents should lean into the discomfort of children's feelings.Jeanette's book provides practical tools for parents and caregivers.Children often recycle questions about their past as they develop.It's important to separate a child's behavior from their identity.Creating a safe environment helps children thrive.

    1h 5m
  2. How to Keep Going as a Foster Mom: Encouragement and Inspiration with Jamie Finn

    FEB 4

    How to Keep Going as a Foster Mom: Encouragement and Inspiration with Jamie Finn

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams interview Jamie Finn, a prominent figure in the foster care community. Jamie shares her personal journey into foster care, the impact on her biological children, and the importance of self-care for foster parents. They discuss her book 'God Loves Kids', the need for supportive communities, and the challenges foster parents face, including burnout and the reasons many quit. Jamie emphasizes the importance of saying yes to children in need and the eternal impact of foster care. Pickup Jamie's new book--God Loves Kids: A Gospel Centered Book About Foster Carehttps://a.co/d/052zNuJ9 Checkout her org: Foster the Familyhttps://www.fosterthefamily.org/ Instagram:@fosterthefamilyblog Takeaways Jamie Finn is a well-known advocate in the foster care community.Foster care can significantly impact biological children in positive ways.Self-care is crucial for foster parents to avoid burnout.Foster parents need to feel supported and seen in their roles.The goal of foster care is often reunification, which can be challenging for foster parents.Children in foster care need families, not just temporary homes.Every moment spent with foster children can have lasting effects.Foster parents should be trauma-informed to better support the children in their care.Community support is essential for the sustainability of foster care.The journey of foster care is filled with both challenges and rewards.

    46 min
  3. "Foster Care Saved My Life": A Heartfelt Conversation with Tyler Hunter

    JAN 21

    "Foster Care Saved My Life": A Heartfelt Conversation with Tyler Hunter

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Tyler Hunter shares his profound journey through foster care and adoption. He reflects on the challenges he faced, the coping mechanisms he developed, and the importance of community and support in his life. Tyler emphasizes the transformative power of foster care, the significance of forgiveness, and the need for advocacy in the child welfare system. His story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the impact of unconditional love and support. Takeaways Foster care can be a life-saving experience.Masking feelings is a common coping mechanism for children in care.School can provide a safe haven for foster children.Finding a sense of normalcy is crucial for foster youth.Forgiveness is essential for personal healing.Community support is vital for children in foster care.Foster parents play a critical role in a child's life.Vulnerability is a challenge for many who have experienced trauma.Positive affirmations can significantly impact a child's self-worth.Advocacy is necessary to improve the foster care system.

    56 min
  4. A New Year of the Podcast and Some Great Listener Submitted Questions

    JAN 7

    A New Year of the Podcast and Some Great Listener Submitted Questions

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis welcome listeners to 2026 and discuss the new rhythm of the podcast. They reflect on the importance of understanding foster care, the emotional journey of becoming a foster parent, and the realities of handling goodbyes. The conversation emphasizes the need for a support system, the reasons families may quit fostering, and how communities can better support foster families. They also touch on the challenges faced by youth who age out of the foster care system and highlight the mission of America's Kids Belong. Takeaways:You’ll never feel “fully ready” to foster — and that’s normal. Nervousness and discomfort don’t mean you aren’t called or capable; they often mean you’re taking the responsibility seriously. Saying “no” to a placement can be the most loving decision. New foster parents often feel pressured to say yes immediately, but the wrong yes can lead to burnout, disrupted placements, and quitting altogether. Good matches matter more than good intentions. Asking detailed questions about a child’s needs, visitation schedule, trauma history, and daily demands helps protect both the child and your family. Fostering impacts your whole household — not just you. If you have kids, their ages, personalities, and emotional capacity matter, especially when placements are similar in age or gender. Goodbyes are inevitable — and they’re supposed to hurt. Healthy goodbyes include honoring the relationship, marking the transition, allowing grief, and prioritizing the child’s emotional needs over your own. You don’t have to perform grief the same way every time. Some goodbyes will break your heart; others may bring relief — both responses are valid if the child was cared for well. Most foster families quit within the first year due to preventable factors. Lack of preparation, support systems, realistic expectations, and trauma-informed training are the biggest reasons families burn out early. Support systems are non-negotiable. Foster families need practical, consistent help — especially with transportation, meals, childcare, and schedule flexibility. If you’re not fostering, don’t wait to be asked — step in proactively. Foster parents are often helpers who don’t ask for help; specific, concrete offers (“I’ll take kids to practice Tuesdays”) make a real difference.

    54 min
  5. A Soldier’s Big Heart: Jackson’s Gift to Foster Youth with Sarah Davis and Andrea Forringer

    12/31/2025

    A Soldier’s Big Heart: Jackson’s Gift to Foster Youth with Sarah Davis and Andrea Forringer

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Andrea Forringer and Sarah Davis, from Jackson's Gift, an organization dedicated to supporting youth aging out of the foster care system who are enlisting in the military. The conversation explores the life of Andrea's adoptive son, Jackson, who faced numerous challenges in his early life, including entering foster care at a young age.  The discussion highlights Jackson's aspirations to serve in the military, his experiences in foster care, and the founding of Jackson's Gift to honor his legacy by providing financial support to foster youth transitioning to military life. The episode emphasizes the importance of community support, mentorship, and advocacy for these young individuals. Checkout their website:https://jacksonsgift.com/ Takeaways Jackson's Gift honors the legacy of Andrea's son, Jackson.The organization supports youth aging out of foster care who enlist in the military.Jackson faced significant challenges in his early life, including foster care and adoption.He aspired to be a Marine and wanted to help others in similar situations.The importance of mentorship and community support for foster youth is emphasized.Jackson's experiences in foster care prepared him for military life.The organization provides monetary awards to eligible youth.Advocacy for foster youth navigating military enlistment is crucial.The founders aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by foster youth.Jackson's Gift is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

    47 min
  6. Replay: How to Best Navigate the Holidays as a Foster Family with Bethany Hall

    12/24/2025

    Replay: How to Best Navigate the Holidays as a Foster Family with Bethany Hall

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis and Courtney, along with guest Bethany Hall, discuss the complexities of navigating the holidays for children in foster care. They explore the emotional challenges, the importance of managing expectations, and strategies for preparing both parents and extended family for the unique dynamics that arise during this time. The conversation emphasizes the need for trauma-informed approaches and the significance of creating supportive environments for children. This conversation delves into the complexities of navigating holidays for families involved in foster care. It highlights the emotional challenges faced by children, the importance of preparing them for new experiences, and the need for understanding from extended family members. The speakers share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for creating a supportive environment during the holidays, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage and empowering birth families. The discussion also touches on the role of education in fostering awareness and compassion within the community. Visit Chosen.care to learn how Chosen’s services and training can make a difference in your family’s life.

    46 min
  7. Digital Safety for Foster Homes: Insights from Cybersecurity Experts

    12/17/2025

    Digital Safety for Foster Homes: Insights from Cybersecurity Experts

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams engages with cybersecurity experts Chad Rychlewski and Kae David to discuss the critical importance of protecting children in the digital age. They explore various topics including digital footprints, the risks associated with social media, and the necessity of open communication between parents and children. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents, especially foster parents, to be proactive in safeguarding their children's online presence and understanding the technology they use. The episode also highlights practical tips and resources for parents to navigate the complexities of digital safety. Checkout their website:www.cybersecurityparents.com Takeaways Understanding digital footprints is crucial for child safety.Parents must teach children about online risks.Open communication is key to building trust with children.Cyber bullying is a significant risk for kids online.Locking children's credit can prevent identity theft.Foster parents can set rules for technology use.Conducting tech audits helps ensure safety.Behavior contracts can clarify expectations around technology.All devices with internet access need to be monitored.Staying updated on technology changes is essential for parents.

    47 min
  8. The Alarming Connection Between Foster Care and Sex Trafficking with Hollie Strand

    12/10/2025

    The Alarming Connection Between Foster Care and Sex Trafficking with Hollie Strand

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Hollie Strand, a forensic examiner with extensive experience in child safety and trafficking. The conversation delves into the complexities of sex trafficking, the grooming process used by predators, and the alarming connection between foster care and trafficking. Hollie shares insights on the importance of internet safety for children, the role of parents in protecting their kids, and the necessity of building a supportive community for vulnerable children. The episode emphasizes the critical need for foster care as a proactive measure to prevent trafficking and offers practical advice for parents and foster families. Takeaways Hollie Strand has 26 years of experience in child safety and trafficking.Sex trafficking is often misunderstood; it involves the exchange of goods for sexual acts.Victims of trafficking may not see themselves as victims due to psychological manipulation.Grooming involves breaking down a person's spirit to make them compliant.Foster care can create vulnerabilities that lead to trafficking.Internet safety is crucial for children to prevent exploitation.Parents must actively supervise their children's online activities.Building a safety net of supportive adults is essential for at-risk youth.Foster parents can play a significant role in preventing trafficking.Community involvement is vital in supporting foster care and child safety.

    51 min
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5
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Foster Friendly Podcast. We’re bringing foster care closer to home by sharing stories from the front lines. We're talking with former foster youth, foster parents and others who are finding unique and powerful ways to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care. The Foster Friendly podcast is brought to you by America’s Kids Belong, a nonprofit that helps kids in foster care find belonging in both family and community.

Information

  • Creator
    Courtney Williams, Brian Mavis, Travis Vangsnes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © America's Kids Belong, 2024
  • Show Website
    The Foster Friendly Podcast

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