Navigating Adoption: Presented by AdoptUSKids

Adopt Us Kids
  • 4.7 (19)
  • PARENTING
  • SERIES
Navigating Adoption: Presented by AdoptUSKids

Join us as we bring together real adoptive families and adoption experts to showcase how unexpected and rewarding adopting a teen from foster care can be. Whether you're thinking about adopting from foster care, have already adopted, or are just looking to learn more, these stories and resources will help you navigate the process, with inspiration and information along the way. Brought to you by AdoptUSKids, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families, and the Ad Council.

  1. 1. Where to Begin

    EPISODE 1

    1. Where to Begin

    We begin our journey of adoption from foster care here. In this episode, we’ll hear the powerful, heartwarming, and often humorous story of Liz and Ashley’s experience navigating adoption together. Later, we’ll hear from experts Kamilah Bunn and Bob Herne, who will introduce the issue of adoption from foster care. We’ll also hear from Debbie Riley, who will introduce the concept of separation and loss and explain how it affects adoptive families. Experts:Kamilah Bunn, Chief Executive Of...

    31 min
  2. 2. Expectations

    EPISODE 2

    2. Expectations

    The process of adoption from foster care is exciting, emotional, and full of expectations. In this episode, we’ll hear the story of how Samanthia and Christian found each other through adoption, from their own unique perspectives on the process. Then we’ll hear from experts Ruth McRoy and Denise Goodman about the children and youth waiting to be adopted and how the recruitment process works. Experts: Ruth McRoy, PhD, research professor, University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work...

    29 min
  3. 3. You Are Not Alone

    EPISODE 3

    3. You Are Not Alone

    The support episode! Today, we explore how adoptive families find assistance and encouragement throughout the process. We’ll hear the story of the Ahlgren family, Jeremey and Joslyn, and the community they created during their adoption experiences. Then we’ll talk to experts Mary Boo and Melinda Lis about how to support adopted teens and the importance of maintaining family connections. Experts: Mary Boo, Executive Director, North American Council on Adoptable ChildrenMelinda Lis, ...

    27 min
  4. 4. How to Give Grace

    EPISODE 4

    4. How to Give Grace

    One of the most important things a family can share with an adopted teen is understanding and compassion. In short: grace. In this episode, we explore Amber and Kimberly’s story of adoption from foster care. Then we hear from Debbie Riley, an expert in adoption support, who’ll help us get a deeper understanding of how families can acknowledge loss, address trauma, and grow together. Expert: Debbie Riley, CEO, and co-founder of The Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E)...

    36 min
  5. 5. The Countdown

    EPISODE 5

    5. The Countdown

    As teens in foster care grow older, they might face aging out of the adoption system without a permanent family. Today, we dive into the concept of aging out of the foster care system through two different stories, told by Catherine and La Tika. Then, we speak to experts Sixto Cancel and Sarah Phillips on the importance of the youth voice and working towards permanency. Experts: Sarah Phillips, LINKS Coordinator and CPS Social Worker, Orange County Department of Social Services, No...

    28 min
  6. 6. The Last Firsts

    EPISODE 6

    6. The Last Firsts

    For our final episode of season one, we hear the story of Maci, Chris, and Gigi and how they connected based on a casual interaction at a high school theater production. Then we’re joined by Kamilah Bunn and Bob Herne to discuss the rewards of adopting a youth from foster care and how to learn more. Experts: Kamilah Bunn, Chief Executive Officer, National Adoption Association Bob Herne, National Project Director, AdoptUSKids Host: April Dinwoodie Nav...

    31 min
See All Season 1 (6)

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Join us as we bring together real adoptive families and adoption experts to showcase how unexpected and rewarding adopting a teen from foster care can be. Whether you're thinking about adopting from foster care, have already adopted, or are just looking to learn more, these stories and resources will help you navigate the process, with inspiration and information along the way. Brought to you by AdoptUSKids, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families, and the Ad Council.

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