The Truth About Foster Care & Adoption: Episode 75 - Joe’s Story Part 2

02/11/25 • 76 min

Show Notes:
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about drug use, abuse, and neglect. Please proceed with care.

Two years after his first appearance on the podcast, Joe returns to share the incredible and often painful journey of adopting his niece and nephew. In this raw and honest conversation, he details the struggles of navigating a deeply flawed foster care system, the emotional toll of parenting children with trauma, and the ongoing challenges of healing as a family.
From dealing with corrupt social workers to searching for the children's fugitive parents, Joe takes us inside the reality of stepping up when no one else would. Now, with the adoption finalized, he and his wife continue to work through behavioral struggles, the lack of mental health resources, and the weight of carrying a story that is far from over.
Despite everything, they remain committed to giving these kids a future filled with safety, stability, and love.

📍This episode was recorded in Westchester, Pennsylvania

Key Takeaways
The System is Failing Vulnerable Kids – Despite numerous reports of abuse and neglect, authorities failed to intervene for years. When they finally did, the support promised to foster families was unreliable or nonexistent.

The Adoption Process Was a Bureaucratic Nightmare – Joe and his wife faced months of delays, missing paperwork, and even attempted theft from caseworkers.

The Reality of Parenting Children with Trauma – From severe emotional outbursts to difficulties with social skills, the long road to healing requires constant patience, structure, and therapy.

What Needs to Change – Joe calls for better vetting of social workers, more support for foster families, and real consequences for those who neglect and abuse children—including within the system itself.

Would He Do It Again? – Joe doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles but remains firm in his commitment to his family.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (US)
The Crisis Hotline (US)

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Show Notes:
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about drug use, abuse, and neglect. Please proceed with care.

📍This episode was recorded in Westchester, Pennsylvania

The Adoption Process Was a Bureaucratic Nightmare – Joe and his wife faced months of delays, missing paperwork, and even attempted theft from caseworkers.

The Reality of Parenting Children with Trauma – From severe emotional outbursts to difficulties with social skills, the long road to healing requires constant patience, structure, and therapy.

Would He Do It Again? – Joe doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles but remains firm in his commitment to his family.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (US)
The Crisis Hotline (US)

Donate to The Human Experience Podcast
Follow Along on Instagram
Visit The Website
Send me an email at [email protected]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Previous Episode

The Family You Choose: Episode 4 - Joe’s Story (REPLAY)

Next week, we’ll be bringing Joe, a former guest, back to the podcast to continue sharing more of his story. In the meantime, please enjoy listening to his first appearance on The Human Experience Podcast.

Content Warning: In this episode we discuss domestic violence, suicide, drug addiction, and childhood abuse. Please proceed with care.

In this deeply personal and moving episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Joe, a close friend whose journey through family, trauma, and resilience takes unexpected turns. What started as a simple Ancestry.com DNA test led Joe to uncover a hidden chapter of his family history—one that brought him a sense of belonging he never knew was missing.

This conversation explores cycles of abuse, the power of compassion, and the meaning of true family. Joe shares raw and honest reflections on his past, the struggles of his childhood, and his decision to break generational trauma for the sake of his own children. He also opens up about taking in his abused and neglected niece and nephew, vowing to give them the love and stability they never had.

📍This episode was recorded near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Key Takeaways
Family isn’t just about blood. True family consists of the people who show up, support you, and love you unconditionally.

Breaking the cycle of abuse takes intention. Joe made the decision to raise his children differently, ensuring they never experience what he did.

Small acts of kindness can save lives. A single moment of compassion can be the difference between hope and despair for someone struggling.

Addiction is a disease, but it doesn't excuse abuse. While Joe has empathy for the struggles of his niece and nephew’s parents, he refuses to let their pain continue to harm the next generation.

Finding family later in life can be healing. Meeting his newfound relatives through Ancestry.com filled a void Joe didn’t realize existed.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (US)
The Crisis Hotline (US)

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Next Episode

Episode 76: From Survival to Strength - Ethan’s Story

In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Ethan Poetic, a self-published author, keynote speaker, and survivor of incredible adversity. Ethan shares his journey of growing up in a single-parent household, taking on responsibilities beyond his years, and surviving a near-fatal car accident that left him with a 99% chance of death. Through resilience, self-reflection, and a commitment to changing his narrative, Ethan has turned his pain into purpose—writing a book, mentoring young people, and advocating for mental health. His story is a powerful testament to perseverance and the impact of choosing to grow despite life's challenges.
📍 This episode was recorded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways
Adversity Doesn't Define You – Despite growing up in a challenging environment and taking on adult responsibilities as a child, Ethan found ways to rise above his circumstances.
Resilience After Tragedy – After surviving a devastating car accident with life-threatening injuries, Ethan fought through recovery and used his experience to inspire others.
Breaking Generational Cycles – Recognizing the impact of unhealed trauma, Ethan made the decision to break the cycle and redefine his future.
The Power of Storytelling – Writing his book allowed Ethan to reclaim his story, find healing, and connect with others facing similar struggles.
Mentorship and Community Matter – Positive role models helped Ethan along the way, and now he pays it forward by mentoring young people and advocating for personal growth.
Self-Publishing for Creative Control – Ethan turned down traditional publishing deals to maintain ownership of his story and create opportunities on his own terms.
Finding Purpose Through Pain – What could have been a life-ending event became the catalyst for Ethan’s mission: to help others, advocate for resilience, and create a lasting legacy of empowerment.

To support the Autobiography titled The Inspirational Story of Ethan A. Poetic: Chronicles of Adversities, Education, Sports, Relationships, & Resiliency.
Available print on demand, eBook, and Audio through Amazon, Audible, iTunes, Libro, Apple, Spotify, Target, Walmart, Kobo, Barnes & Noble.

For media inquires and speaking engagements visit https://ethanspeaks.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/EthanPoetic23
Instagram: @ethanpoetic23
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanapoetic1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2FqLkM7n4iY8TVjfHZhMHg

Donate to The Human Experience Podcast
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.