Beneath the Branches - a podcast from The Adoption and Foster Care Clinic

The Adoption and Foster Care Clinic
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Parenting

Parenting through adoption, foster care, or kinship placement brings deep joy—and real challenges. We’re here to talk about all of it—the hard, the heartwarming, and everything in between. Beneath the branches, we make space for real conversations, shared stories, and the kind of community that gets it. Together, we’ll normalize the struggles, celebrate the small wins, and hold space for the messy, beautiful work of building connection in adoptive, foster and kinship families. This podcast features sponsored by Show Hope (www.showhope.org). Learn more: www.adoptionfosterclinic.org/podcast

  1. Jul 20

    S2 Ep. 9- Catching up Delayed Development

    Amy Elmore, a developmental therapist with 23 years of experience, shares insights on supporting children in the first six months after adoption. She emphasizes the importance of attachment, quality over quantity in development, and practical strategies for parents to foster growth through play and parent coaching. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:29 Amy Elmore's Role and Focus in Early Development 01:22 Initial Assessment and Observing the Child's Current Skills 02:19 Focusing on Quality of Developmental Skills 03:18 Understanding Developmental Age vs. Chronological Age 04:45 Strategies for Supporting Development Through Attachment 06:06 Incorporating Development into Play Without Therapy Feelings 07:34 Lessons from a Veteran OT on Prioritizing Developmental Focus 08:56 Avoiding Overwhelm with Focused, Essential Interventions 10:19 Using Books and Simple Activities to Promote Language and Cognition 12:13 Setting Realistic Expectations and Addressing Parental Fears 13:11 The Role of Early Intervention and Parent Involvement 14:10 Recognizing Communication and Attachment Cues 16:04 Parent Coaching via Video and In-Home Support 18:49 The Power of Play in Development and Attachment 19:42 Adjusting Parenting to Developmental Level for Better Outcomes 21:30 Tracking Rate of Catch-Up and Progress Over Time 23:54 Expectations for Speech and Communication Delays 25:21 Knowing When to Push Developmental Milestones 26:07 Conclusion and Final Tips for Parents

  2. Jun 29

    S2 Ep. 8- Choosing Childcare or School Placement

    This episode features a developmental therapist discussing the critical first six months after a child is placed in a new environment, focusing on attachment, regulation, and making informed decisions about childcare and school placement for foster and adopted children Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Child Placement and First Six Months 00:27 What Supports Regulation and Attachment 01:26 Creating a Safe, Regulated Space for Children 02:24 Challenges of School Settings for Newly Placed Children 03:20 Making Informed Childcare and School Decisions 04:16 Delaying School Entry and Home-Based Care Options 06:09 Choosing Developmentally Appropriate Settings 07:48 Impact of Overstimulation and Overwhelm 08:48 Monitoring Adjustment and Behavior Changes 10:22 Grade Placement and Academic Expectations 12:22 Homeschooling and Alternative Education Options 13:48 Gradual Entry and Transition Strategies 16:48 Attachment and School Readiness 18:58 Supporting Developmental and Language Transitions 20:51 Collaborating with Schools and Educators 22:40 Addressing Medical and Developmental Appointments 26:10 Balancing Medical Needs and School Readiness 27:19 Focusing on Safety and Attachment in Placement Decisions

  3. Jun 17

    S2 Ep. 7- Language Transition

    This episode explores the complexities of language transitions in international adoptees, emphasizing the importance of connection, communication techniques, and supporting language development to foster attachment and identity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Language Transitions in Adoption 05:07 The Grief of Losing a First Language 10:00 Understanding Language Acquisition in Children 15:11 The Role of Non-Verbal Communication 20:09 Maintaining a Child's Native Language 25:06 Navigating School and Language Challenges 30:07 The Importance of Communication in Attachment

  4. Jun 1

    S2 Ep. 6 - Food and Nutrition

    This episode explores the complex relationship between food, memory, and safety in the first six months of a child's placement in a new home. Kelly and Amy share insights on managing food behaviors, cultural considerations, and strategies for fostering security and attachment through nutrition. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Food in Early Childhood 05:52 Understanding Feeding Behaviors in Newly Adopted Children 12:07 Addressing Overeating and Restrictive Eating 17:46 Cultural Considerations in Feeding 33:59 Navigating Feeding Issues in Adopted Children

  5. May 17

    S2 Ep. 5- The Power of Cocooning in Early Attachment

    This episode explores the critical importance of cocooning in the first six months of adoption or foster placement. It covers how slowing down, creating a safe space, and reducing external interactions can strengthen attachment and regulate the nervous system, especially for children with trauma backgrounds. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cocooning 06:11 Understanding Cocooning and Its Importance 12:17 Challenges of Cocooning 17:51 Resistance from Others 23:39 Consequences of Poor Cocooning 30:23 Cocooning in Foster Care 32:20 Signs of Readiness to Stop Cocooning

  6. May 12

    Special Episode - Resourcing Foster Families: An Interview with the Foster Coalition

    In this conversation, Kelly Alligood from the Foster Coalition shares her journey and insights into the challenges faced by foster families and children. The discussion covers the importance of support systems, the misconceptions surrounding foster care, and the unique challenges faced by grandparents raising grandchildren. The conversation also highlights the need for training and resources for foster families, as well as life skills training for youth aging out of the foster system. The Foster Coalition's future initiatives aim to enhance collaboration and support for vulnerable families. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Foster Coalition and Personal Journey 02:54 Understanding the Challenges in Foster Care 06:11 Misconceptions About Foster Care 09:07 Support Systems for Foster Families 11:49 Unique Challenges for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 15:05 Training and Resources for Foster Families 17:53 Life Skills Training for Aging Out Youth 20:45 The Impact of Support on Foster Youth 24:01 Future Initiatives of Foster Coalition

  7. May 4

    S2 Ep. 4- When Our Children Ask Hard Questions About Their Histories

    This episode explores how adoptive and foster parents can navigate hard conversations about a child's trauma and history. It offers practical advice on timing, language, emotional safety, and working with therapists to support children's healing and identity development. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Conversations About Trauma Histories 04:43 The Role of Parents as Story Keepers 10:25 Creating Emotional Safety and Trust 15:40 Age-Appropriate Storytelling 22:04 Handling Difficult Questions 26:17 The Role of Therapists in Adoption Conversations 30:21 Myth Busting in Adoption Discussions

  8. Apr 20

    S2 Ep. 3- Common Trauma Behaviors

    This episode focuses on safety during the first six months of a child's placement in foster or adoptive homes. Experts discuss strategies for creating felt safety, managing aggression, sexualized behaviors, and supporting family attachment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Safety in Adoption 03:09 Understanding Felt Safety for Children 06:00 Addressing Aggression in Adopted Children 09:12 Practical Strategies for Managing Aggression 11:57 Navigating Sexualized Behavior in Children 16:50 Proactive Measures for Safety 21:14 Understanding Normal vs. Abnormal Behaviors 27:57 The Importance of Parental Support and Intervention

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Parenting through adoption, foster care, or kinship placement brings deep joy—and real challenges. We’re here to talk about all of it—the hard, the heartwarming, and everything in between. Beneath the branches, we make space for real conversations, shared stories, and the kind of community that gets it. Together, we’ll normalize the struggles, celebrate the small wins, and hold space for the messy, beautiful work of building connection in adoptive, foster and kinship families. This podcast features sponsored by Show Hope (www.showhope.org). Learn more: www.adoptionfosterclinic.org/podcast

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