Fostering Voices Podcast Foster Arizona

Summary:
As summer blazes in Arizona, we’re constantly on the move, seeking cooler escapes to preserve our sanity. Traveling with a family of nine is no small feat, and we’ve gathered a treasure trove of tips and tricks to make it smoother.
In this episode, we dive into Intentional Travel. Fresh from a recent timeshare presentation, we discuss the joys and challenges of discovering new experiences together and the importance of adventure in our family. We’ll share our favorite adventures and how we align them with our family goals.
Next, in The Planning Behind the Fun, we break down the essentials of gearing up for family trips. From our favorite Shacke Paks to specific bags for medications, bug spray, sunscreen, and more, we cover it all. Learn how we manage kid bags, hygiene kits, and day bags to keep everyone organized. We’ll also share tips on cooler prep, using Stasher Bags and Mason Jars, and our go-to kitchen bucket.
Our clothing plan includes an emergency washing kit and a portable clothing rack, plus how to plan laundry stops on the road. We’ll guide you through planning the fun with tools like the Road Tripper app and Google Docs for seamless travel details.
Lastly, we touch on the essentials of permits, advance tickets, seasonal activities, and international travel tips. And when things don’t go as planned, we’ll share our go-to interventions to keep the fun alive.
Join us for an insightful episode packed with practical advice for memorable family travels!
Resource Links:
Shacke Pak!: Shacke 5 Set Packing Cubes for Travel Lightweight Luggage Organizer (Precious Pink)
Wise Owl Towel: Amazon.com : Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel - Camping Accessories, Quick Dry Microfiber Towel for Travel, Hiking, Yoga, Workout, and Backpacking, Blue
Stasher Bags: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stasher/page/72A85B6D-96FA-4F49-9D3D-156FABEC9DB6?ref_=ast_bln&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto
Portable Camping Kitchen Organizer: Portable Camping Kitchen Utensil Set-27 Piece Cookware Kit, Stainless Steel Outdoor Cooking and Grilling Utensil Organizer Travel Set Perfect for Travel, Picnics, RVs, Camping, BBQs, Parties and More
Water Dispenser: Water Bottle Pump 5 Gallon Water Bottle Dispenser USB Charging Automatic Drinking Water Pump Portable Electric Water Dispenser Water Bottle Switch (White) - Amazon.com
Roadtrippers app: Roadtrippers
Bonus Content: 
Copy of Vehon 2023 Summer Trip Itinerary and Meal List: LINK TO DOWNLOAD FROM DRIVE: Copy of Vehon 2023 Summer Trip Itinerary & Meal List.pdf
Connect with us!
Email: info@fosteraz.org
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary:
In this week's episode, we continue the important conversation started in Episode 184 “The Link Between Foster Care and Social Disparities”. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, we highly recommend checking it out to gain a deeper understanding of today’s discussion. June is Family Reunification Month, a time to celebrate families coming back together after separation due to child protective services. But what if reunification wasn’t necessary? What if we could focus more on prevention and support within our communities to keep families together in the first place? This week, we explore these critical questions with our returning guest, Claire Louge. Join us as we examiine how every one of us can play a role in supporting our neighbors and fostering stronger, more resilient communities. Don’t miss this insightful and thought-provoking episode!
Resource Links:
“Considering Yourself a Mandated Supporter” training: For Mandated Reporters - Prevent Child Abuse Arizona
 Arizona - Triple P Parenting Education: Triple P Arizona
 Non-Arizona Triple P Parenting Education: Triple P - Positive Parenting Program 
Family Resource Centers: Arizona Family Resource Network - Find a Resource Center 
Foster Cooperative: Foster Cooperative
 
Connect with us!
Email: info@fosteraz.org
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Web: www.fosterarizona.org

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