Even though I spent the first several months of my life in foster care, and growing up I always knew I was adopted, I did not know much about either one. Adoption and foster care were foundational parts of our family reality but neither were discussed with any regularity.

As a young adult, I became more and more curious about who I was and what happened before foster care and adoption. In finding answers about my beginnings, I had to learn how foster care and adoption worked. As I found some of my answers and connections, I also discovered that not everyone spends only a few months in foster care before getting adopted as a toddler. Sometimes, children stay in foster care for years and become teens and young adults that are still in need of a family support system that can surround them with love and care.

A bi-product of my curiosity and personal quest for information was the creation of a mentoring program where adopted adults mentor to youth in foster care. AdoptMent provides young people with an enriching mentoring experience of support, advocacy, and guidance from caring mentors who have personal connections with adoption and/or foster care.

Over the years, engaging with teens in foster care has brought a mix of joy, perspective, frustration, and a fierce dedication to making things better for them. Today, one of my greatest joys is raising awareness about the realities of foster care and adoption by encouraging transformational conversation via podcasting.

After years of hosting my original podcast Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World, I am thrilled to share a new project in partnership with AdoptUSKids, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families, and the Ad Council. Navigating Adoption: Presented by AdoptUSKids brings together adoptive families and 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 looking to learn more, these stories and resources will help you navigate the process, with inspiration and information along the way. The very best part of this podcast series for me is to be in conversation with the young adults that have experienced foster care and adoption. It’s their brave and beautiful voices that truly make this a special and important podcast.

Episode 1 “Where to Begin”

In episode 1 of “Navigating Adoption: Presented by AdoptUSKids” a new podcast I am hosting I talk with Ashley, an amazing young person that was adopted as a teen, and her mom Liz. Ashley and Liz have such a great energy and it was a joy to spend time with them talking about how their relationship began and how they ultimately became a family.

I also talk with professionals Kamilah Bunn of the National Adoption Association, Bob Herne, of AdoptUSKids and Debbie Riley from the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E). They all share their perspectives on what teens and families need when they are navigating adoption and forging new relationships.

Episode 2 “Expectations”

You are going to LOVE Episode 2 of “Navigating Adoption: Presented by AdoptUSKids.” Christian and Samanthia are simply the best. I first met them a few years ago back during a Facebook Live event for National Adoption Month and have been able to see them at various events over the last couple of years. I was so happy to be able to share more time with them to hear more about how they navigated their path to adoption and managed their expectations.

And as an added bonus, this episode features Dr. Ruth McRoy, PhD, Research professor, University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work and Denise Goodman, a child welfare consultant – two adoption professionals I have known for years and years.

Episode 3 “You are not Alone”

Absolutely loved meeting the Ahlgrens – adoptive parents many times over. They are so open, vulnerable, respectful, and real about the work they needed to do to as they navigated adoption of teens from foster care.

Episode 3, “You are not Alone,” is a must listen for anyone thinking about fostering or adopting, any professionals that work within foster care and adoption and the general public…pretty much everyone, yes, everyone should tune in for this episode.

You’ll also hear from two of my favorite professionals and long-time colleagues Mary Boo, Executive Director, North American Council on Adoptable Children and Melinda Lis, Vice President at Spaulding for Children.

You can find Navigating Adoption: Presented by AdoptUSKids by clicking here or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Announcing a new Podcast: Navigating Adoption presented by AdoptUSKids