The Adoption & Foster Care Journey

Sandra Flach
  • 4.9 (19)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Host Sandra Flach is a mom of 8 children, 5 through adoption—one kinship and 4 international. Her youngest 2 are teens diagnosed with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). With over 30 years of parenting experience and 20 plus years as an adoptive and kinship parent, she’s made mountains of mistakes and learned loads of lessons. She understands the difficult road of parenting children with trauma histories—and she is still in the trenches! The Adoption & Foster Care Journey is a podcast to encourage, educate, and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care, and kinship care. We aim to support adoptive and foster families by sharing encouraging real-life stories and equipping them with modern-day research and parenting techniques.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 534: The Science of Connection, Trauma, and Hope with Brandy McCombs

    “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” -Zephaniah 3:17   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with Brandy McCombs. Brandy is a follower of Christ, a wife, an adoptive mother, and mom to three biological sons. She serves as a college professor with a PhD focused on the intersection of the brain and high-level stress.   Listen to Sandra’s conversation with Brandy as they discuss: The impact of trauma and prenatal stress on brain development Why traditional behavior management often falls short The overlap between ADHD, trauma, and FASD The importance of accommodations and connection How faith and community sustain foster and adoptive families Brandy’s personal adoption story and parenting journey Find Episode 534 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

    1h 11m

  2. May 25

    Episode 533 - From Foster Care to Christ, the Reuben Watson Story

    “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” -Corinthians 12:9   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach wraps up National Foster Care Month with former foster youth and adult adoptee, Reuben Watson.    Reuben serves as the Director of Unity in Action at the Lexington Leadership Foundation, where he works to support families and address the child welfare crisis across Kentucky. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Communication Studies, he is passionate about community engagement, mentorship, and empowering others through collaboration and hope.    Drawing from his own experiences overcoming adversity, Reuben uses his story to inspire resilience, healing, and renewal in the lives of children, families, and communities. He believes in creating pathways for people of faith and goodwill to take steps toward the renewal of the city of Lexington.   Listen to Sandra’s conversation with Reuben Watson as he shares his redemption story and offers hope to foster and adoptive parents and youth.   Find Episode 533 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: Lexington Leadership Foundation rwatson@lexlf.org See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

    1h 3m

  3. May 18

    Episode 532 - Called to Foster Care with Kirsten Smith

    “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” -Proverbs 19:21   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the foster care conversation with foster and adoptive mom Kirsten Smith.    Kirsten is a Daughter of the King, follower of Jesus, sinner saved by grace, wife of Josh, mama to nine kiddos and one pup. She shares her journey of marriage and parenting through challenges, including infertility and fostering multiple children.    Listen to Sandra’s conversation with Kirsten Smith where she encourages parents to look at the big picture and trust that God is working through our experiences for a greater purpose, potentially impacting future generations.   Find Episode 532 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

    1h 7m

  4. May 11

    Episode 531 - Foster Care & FASD with Dr. Ryan Jolly

    “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” -Psalm 107:28-29   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the foster care conversation with foster and adoptive mom and FASD expert, Dr. Ryan Jolly.   Dr. Jolly is a Kansas-based psychiatric nurse practitioner and nationally recognized advocate focused on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. As the founder of Brain First Family Center, she leads a specialized clinic dedicated to the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of FASD and related neurodevelopment conditions, with a strong commitment to Medicaid access and eliminating long waitlists for vulnerable families.    Ryan’s advocacy is grounded in both clinical expertise and lived experience as a single foster and adoptive parent to children with FASD and complex brain-based disabilities. Utilizing her role as a Doctor of Nursing Practice she engages in research to advance understanding  of brain-based differences, trauma-informed systems of care, and increase recognition of FASD within child welfare and education systems. Dr. Jolly strives to reimagine systems of care to ensure all individuals are supported to thrive within families and communities rather than being misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or institutionalized.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Dr. Ryan Jolly on Episode 531 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon FASD United Brain First Family Center

    1h 23m

  5. May 4

    Episode 530 - Fostering From a Dad’s Perspective with Corey McKinney

    "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength." -Philippians 4:13   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach kicks off National Foster Care Awareness Month with foster dad, Corey McKinney.   Corey is an author and international speaker who specializes in conflict resolution and principles of success. A former Division 1 basketball player and  mentor at the Steve Harvey Mentoring Camp, Corey is adamant about steering youth away from violence, peer pressure, and bullying. He is the author of, Faster Dad, based on true stories depicting his family’s eight years fostering children.    Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Corey McKinney on Episode 530 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon www.coreymckinney.net

    43 min

  6. Apr 27

    Episode 529 - Healing for Foster & Adoptive Families with Melanie Villalta

    “Abide in me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” -John 15:4   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Melanie Villalta.  Melanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Lifeline Children’s Services in Athens, Georgia. She has over a decade of experience working with the adoption constellation, including birth families, foster families, and adoptive families.    Melanie is trauma informed and enjoys walking alongside each member of the adoption constellation as they heal from the pain of their past. She works from an attachment framework and strives to meet clients where they are in their current season of life. Melanie recognizes that in order to live the life we hope to live, we must heal from past hurts and unmet needs while also taking responsibility for the choices we make today. She is passionate about helping parents create the “felt-safety” their children need in order to heal and thrive.   Melanie is also certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), has completed training to become an Adoption Competent Therapist and has received training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and Theraplay. Melanie specializes in working with children, adolescents and young adults dealing with trauma, complex trauma, dissociative disorders, depression, anxiety and attachment needs.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Melanie Villalta on Episode 529 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: lifelinechild.org The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon ReNew Retreat in NC

    1h 1m

  7. Apr 20

    Episode 528 - The Magnetic Pull of Technology & Pornography on Children & Teens with Trent Taylor

    “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” -1 Peter 5:8   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adult adoptee, Trent Taylor. Trent entered foster care at age four due to domestic violence, extreme neglect, and sexual abuse. After traveling a painful journey through the foster care system, he was adopted at age nine and came to dramatic levels of healing from his traumatic past.    Trent, who is now twenty-five, has devoted his life to helping others find healing. He is a mentor, public speaker, and has authored two books: Shattered No More—A Child’s Journey from Trauma to Triumph and Battling the Invisible Enemy—A Guide for Children & Teens to Resist the Magnetic Pull of Technology & Pornography. Trent graduated from Arizona State University with a 4.0 GPA with a B.S. in Family and Human Development. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of Watch Me Rise based in North Carolina. Trent is a trauma consultant and serves as a TBRI Practitioner, Life Coach, Educational Therapist, mentor and parent trainer. He gives all the glory to God for his healing & strives to be a light in the darkness.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Trent as they tackle the topic of technology and pornography from the adoption and foster care perspective on Episode 528 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: Watch Me Rise The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon ReNew Retreat in NC

    59 min

  8. Apr 13

    Episode 527 - Disabilities & FASD with Johanna Jones

    “We will rejoice in our affliction, because affliction produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” -Romans 5:3   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with Johanna Jones. Johanna has worked in the field of disability for over twenty years, serving as a post secondary educator and within the nonprofit sector. Recently, Johanna authored the book, “Inclusion: Building a Framework for Disability,” which is welcoming space that fosters connection and growth and builds upon established research, historical references, and biblical text. The book identifies inclusion as a framework for disability, using the Gospel of Luke, where faith, affliction and disability intersect.   Johanna received her doctorate from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where she completed a mixed methods study that explored factors that impact special needs programming. Johanna’s outreach and public service experience includes working as an FASD United Affiliate, presenting information on FASD in the community, as well as within education settings. She’s a speaker with nonprofit organizations, schools, foster care workshops, and conferences in Alabama and throughout the US. Additionally, Johanna was awarded the FASD Proclamation by the Governor of Alabama and moderates the FASD Alabama Facebook page which is a clearing house of information on FASD research.   Find Sandra’s conversation with Johanna Jones on Episode 527 wherever you get your podcasts.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon ReNew Retreat in NC

    48 min
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4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Host Sandra Flach is a mom of 8 children, 5 through adoption—one kinship and 4 international. Her youngest 2 are teens diagnosed with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). With over 30 years of parenting experience and 20 plus years as an adoptive and kinship parent, she’s made mountains of mistakes and learned loads of lessons. She understands the difficult road of parenting children with trauma histories—and she is still in the trenches! The Adoption & Foster Care Journey is a podcast to encourage, educate, and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care, and kinship care. We aim to support adoptive and foster families by sharing encouraging real-life stories and equipping them with modern-day research and parenting techniques.

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