Fosterhood Unscripted

EP & Em
  • 5.0 (8)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join EP & Em as they share the real-time journey of millennial friends in two different states setting out to normalize foster parenting. You’ll hear thoughts, fears and questions that come when they decide to move forward with fostering. They’ll share the details of the licensing and placement process, which look different for each of them. And, they’ll release future seasons to help motivate others to join the bandwagon. Fosterhood Unscripted is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Find out more at fosterhoodunscripted.org

  1. 03/03/2025

    Real Talk with EP: LICENSED!

    The title says it all for this episode. One of us has made it over the finish line and here's how it feels!

    15 min

  2. 03/02/2025

    Almost Licensed!

    It's been a long time coming but there's still longer to wait. EP and Em chat through more nuances about the paperwork, training, home study and more questions involved with the licensing problem.

    26 min

  3. 02/25/2025

    SIKE: Not Telling Family

    We promised you an unscripted view into our fostering journey... well, here it is. Em planned on telling her extended family during their Thanksgiving get-together. How did it go? Tune in now because her story takes a curious and unplanned turn!

    15 min

  4. 02/13/2025

    Telling Friends & Family

    It feels like 'becoming a foster parent' is so different that you have to define it, announce it. You can feel nervous or overwhelmed at the thought of verbalizing your choice to become a foster parent.  Here's the first little glimpse of what it can be like to tell people you're fostering; you'll hear a little from each end of the spectrum, as EP and Em could not feel more differently on this topic.

    29 min

  5. 02/12/2025

    EP's Home Study and Em's Post Placement Party Planning

    Home studies are completed for private adoption and public foster care. Each home study is different. Some are invasive, some are casual. EP had plenty of fears and anxieties going into her home study (that her husband didn't really share). At the same time, Em has been thinking about how she can celebrate the fact that she's becoming a mom. She's not pregnant, so that 'natural' ways like baby showers or celebratory dinners doesn't feel fitting. But we both feel it's important for Em's community to support and lift her up in the same way she does when one of her community members is pregnant and parenting. We think we have a solution and we want to normalize it! Resource Links Find out more about Post-Placement Party Planning at fosterhoodunscripted.org Definitions: Sibling sets Emergency placement TPR (Termination of Parental Rights)  Food scarcity/insecurity

    24 min

  6. 02/11/2025

    On Track for Placement

    You have heard how long this process can take and this episode gives you a sneak peek into what the emotions are for someone during that time. Have you thought about it? Wondered what it'd be like for yourself? Listen in... can you see yourself doing this?   Reference Links Emergency Planning Toolkit Information about GROW Trainings (Michigan resources) First aid CPR Social history example Family collage example Self-assessment for future foster parents Corrective Notes We use words like "bio mom" or "adoptive parents" and other language that describes individuals involved with child welfare. There's a common phrase and theory called the Adoption Triad that does not involve foster parents but is relevant to understanding the world of child welfare, foster care and adoption. There's significant, impactful and important research that has been completed and is being done about the biology of kids who have experienced trauma. We encourage you to learn more about brain behavior, child development and the impact of child or adolescent trauma. We stumble over the words here, but what we're referencing is the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services

    25 min

  7. 02/10/2025

    Real Talk with EP

    Another quick interregnum for your listening pleasure. Keeping it light-hearted and HONEST.

    5 min

  8. 02/09/2025

    EP's Training and Em's Home Visit

    Training is required and included (for free in most states) in the licensing process of becoming a foster parent. Although you'll hear just one example today, know that each state and agency has their own standards and expectations for foster parent training. More on Em's training in future episodes. Again, remember that we are not experts, do not claim all training will look similar, nor seek to provide information about training in all states. We simply hope to provide you with a small bit of context in hopes that it encourages you to seek more answers with local foster care organizations or child placing agencies where you live. Resources TBRI (TCU) Binti Books, podcasts and papers can be found on our website Foster parent support groups can also be found with your local agency or Facebook group.

    24 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Join EP & Em as they share the real-time journey of millennial friends in two different states setting out to normalize foster parenting. You’ll hear thoughts, fears and questions that come when they decide to move forward with fostering. They’ll share the details of the licensing and placement process, which look different for each of them. And, they’ll release future seasons to help motivate others to join the bandwagon. Fosterhood Unscripted is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Find out more at fosterhoodunscripted.org

Information

  • Creator
    EP & Em
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Fosterhood Unscripted