Episode 169: Talking Adoption with an Adoption Attorney

11/14/23 • 52 min

Summary:

Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast with Kim and Brian! In celebration of Adoption Awareness Month this November, join us for a special episode dedicated to all things adoption. Our guest, Ed Johnson, a revered local attorney deeply embedded in foster and adoption circles, brings a wealth of experience to the discussion.

In this insightful episode, Ed shares his years of knowledge, shedding light on crucial aspects of the adoption journey. If you're on the path to adoption in Arizona, don't miss the opportunity to connect with Ed—his contact information will be in the resource notes. As advocates for informed parenting, we emphasize the importance of understanding the unique spaces of loss associated with adoption. Education is key, and the more you empower yourself with knowledge, the better equipped you'll be to support your children, present or future.

We hope today's conversation sparks valuable insights and encourages ongoing discussions about adoption. Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of this meaningful journey.

Resource Links:

Ed Johnson - [email protected], 480-209-2847

Families Considering Foster Care and Adoption

The Primal Wound by Nancy Newton Verrier

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Chapters:

00:03 - Intro

00:53 - Welcome!

01:42 - Ed's Story and Work

02:25 - Having a Voice in the Court System

03:53 - Ed's Experience with Adoption

05:39 - Kids Need to be Remembered

06:09 - Appreciating RAD

07:54 - The Joy and Reality of Adoption

10:12 - FIrst Hand Experience with Trauma

12:18 - Relating to One Another

12:46 - Support Leads to Successful Adoptions

15:56 - Resilience Leads to Successful Adoptions

17:51 - Those who Stick Around

18:54 - It's a Family Affair

19:25 - Who's Your Favorite Child?

20:24 - Other People's Perceptions

23:08 - To Foster or To Adopt?

27:03 - Talking about Severence

28:24 - Talking about Cost

30:24 - Subsidies for Fostering

35:23 - The Practical Support of Subsidy

36:56 - The Courtroom Process

40:03 - After the Courtroom is Over

42:08 - The 30-dollar Staple

44:29 - Freedom After Adoption

46:39 - Extended Family

47:35 - The Takeaway

48:59 - Resources

51:01 - Connect with Us!

51:24 - Thank you!

Summary:

We hope today's conversation sparks valuable insights and encourages ongoing discussions about adoption. Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of this meaningful journey.

Resource Links:

Ed Johnson - [email protected], 480-209-2847

Families Considering Foster Care and Adoption

The Primal Wound by Nancy Newton Verrier

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Chapters:

00:03 - Intro

00:53 - Welcome!

01:42 - Ed's Story and Work

02:25 - Having a Voice in the Court System

03:53 - Ed's Experience with Adoption

05:39 - Kids Need to be Remembered

06:09 - Appreciating RAD

07:54 - The Joy and Reality of Adoption

10:12 - FIrst Hand Experience with Trauma

12:18 - Relating to One Another

12:46 - Support Leads to Successful Adoptions

15:56 - Resilience Leads to Successful Adoptions

17:51 - Those who Stick Around

18:54 - It's a Family Affair

19:25 - Who's Your Favorite Child?

20:24 - Other People's Perceptions

23:08 - To Foster or To Adopt?

27:03 - Talking about Severence

28:24 - Talking about Cost

30:24 - Subsidies for Fostering

35:23 - The Practical Support of Subsidy

36:56 - The Courtroom Process

40:03 - After the Courtroom is Over

42:08 - The 30-dollar Staple

44:29 - Freedom After Adoption

46:39 - Extended Family

47:35 - The Takeaway

48:59 - Resources

51:01 - Connect with Us!

51:24 - Thank you!

Previous Episode

Episode 168: Mental Health: Where do I go from Here?

Summary:

In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial topic of mental health and finding a path forward when you're grappling with the question, "Where do I go from here?" Today, we are thrilled to have Carol Melim join our conversation. Carol is not only a Licensed Clinical Social Worker but also a specialist in trauma therapy, certified in EMDR and EMDRIA, with a unique perspective. She brings a wealth of book knowledge and invaluable lived experience to the table, making her exceptionally attuned to the distinctive challenges faced by foster and adopted children, as well as their families.

Throughout this episode, we'll explore the intersection of mental health and family dynamics, drawing on Carol's expertise and personal insights. Whether you're a parent seeking guidance, someone interested in mental health, or simply curious about the experiences of foster and adopted children, this conversation will provide valuable insights and practical advice. Join us as we navigate this important conversation, offering hope and understanding for those asking themselves, "Where do I go from here?"

Resource Links:

Lighthouse Psychiatry

Support Group & Retreats

Types of Trauma Therapy | Mental Health Treatment | California

Complementary & Alternative Techniques and Interventions used with Complex Trauma Clients

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Chapters

00:22 - On Today's Episode

00:35 - Welcome Carol Melim

01:33 - Carol's Story

04:04 - RTC's, CFT's, Life Skills

04:55 - Making a Change to Help

05:48 - Respite

06:55 - Becoming a Therapist

07:57 - Unique Challenges

09:18 - Lacking Behavioral Support

11:47 - Having a Safe Space

12:53 - Navigating Therapy

15:18 - Maneuvering Within Therapy

16:57 - Knowing When Therapy is Needed

18:09 - Recognizing False Motivation

20:51 - Follow the Mama Duck

21:31 - The 'Why' Journal

23:02 - Changing Behavior

25:22 - You Don't Get Pie

27:41 - Fun in Parenting

28:58 - Identifying Urgent Scenarios

30:51 - Behavior Coaches

32:32 - When it's not just Trauma

33:55 - Beyond Therapy

35:14 - Leaving too Soon

36:38 - The Takeaway

37:20 - Resources

38:25 - Connect with Us!

38:46 - Thank You!

Next Episode

Episode 170: A Look Into Tribal Foster Care

Summary:

In this episode we peel back the curtain and take a look into tribal foster care. Joining us are Brad and Karin Dahlman, a remarkable couple who have dedicated themselves to fostering children for many years. Through tribal foster care, they've opened their hearts and homes to dozens of kids, making an immeasurable impact on our community. Karin sits on the board of Foster Arizona, and Brad is one of those people we can call to rally troops or step into a problem. We absolutely love them and are really grateful we all get to learn from them today. Tune in as we dive deep into their incredible journey as foster parents and explore the vital role of tribal foster care in the lives of children. Join us for an inspiring and informative conversation that sheds light on the challenges and rewards of this vital work.

Resource Links:

The Importance of ICWA Foster Homes: A Personal Account | American Indian Policy Institute

For Families & Service Providers » NICWA

Foster a Future for American Indian Children | Arizona Department of Child Safety

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Chapters:

00:09 - On Today's Episod

00:43 - Welcome