Fostering Conversations with Utah Foster Care

Utah Foster Care guides real and raw conversations about parenting for bio, foster, adoptive or blended families to increase understanding of issues we all experience as families. Utah Foster Care's mission is to develop innovative strategies to help recruit, train, and retain foster families.

76 episodes

17d ago latest

monthly cadence

English language

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Episodes 76

Ep 74: Comfort and Care
17d ago · 27:24
“Every single child deserves a foundation. Every child deserves to know there’s someone there rooting them on, and every child deserves to know what it feels like to be loved unconditionally.” — Rob Scheer Episode 74: Comfort and Care What happens when a child enters foster care carrying everything they own in a trash bag? For Rob Scheer, it is more than a heartbreaking image. It is a reality he lived. In this powerful episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith sits down with foster care advocate, author, and Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer to discuss his journey from foster youth and
Ep 73: Fostering in Small Towns
1mo ago · 36:25
In this heartfelt episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith sits down with Ellie Barlow, a dedicated foster parent from a rural Utah community. Ellie shares her family’s remarkable journey fostering 22 children, adopting five, and navigating the unique challenges of raising high-needs youth far from urban resources. From building a thriving support system in a small town to parenting children with trauma, autism, and medical fragility, Ellie offers honest insight and practical wisdom for foster and adoptive families alike. The conversation highlights the importance of partnership in m
Ep 72: Pride in Every Home
2mo ago · 24:05
In this special Pride Month episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith speaks with Jessica and Giselle, a Utah foster care couple, about their journey into fostering and building a loving, inclusive family. They share how a chance encounter at a community event led them to foster care, ultimately resulting in the adoption of their first placement and the addition of another sibling to their home. Their story highlights the importance of representation, support, and belonging for children in care, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+. This episode explores: What it’s like to foster a
Ep 71: First-Time Fostering
3mo ago · 26:10
In this episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith welcomes back Laura from Foster Parenting to discuss her first book, First Time Fostering. Designed as a practical field guide, the book brings together real-world strategies, scripts, and community-sourced wisdom to support new foster and kinship caregivers. Laura explains why she created a manual that caregivers can jump into by topic, rather than reading cover to cover. The conversation explores how the book helps families who are licensed, waiting for placement, or already feeling overwhelmed. They dive into what caregivers can con
Ep 70: Still Standing
4mo ago · 25:47
In this powerful episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith sits down with former foster youth Carlos Rios Redd to talk about lived experience in foster care, sibling separation, adoption disruption, resilience, and hope. Carlos entered foster care as a baby, lived in more than ten homes, and experienced three adoptions. Despite repeated trauma and instability, Carlos shares how relationships, faith, and supportive families helped shape the life he leads today. Now married and working as a K9 handler with the Utah Highway Patrol, Carlos reflects on how growing up in foster care influen
Ep 69: Reunification
5mo ago · 25:23
In Episode 69, Amy Smith sits down with longtime foster and adoptive mom Crystal Dukes for a heartfelt conversation about the real purpose of foster care: reunification. Crystal shares her family’s journey fostering more than 30 children, adopting through both private adoption and foster care, and developing deep, lasting relationships with biological families. This episode offers a candid, uplifting look at what it truly means to support reunification even when it’s challenging, emotional, and full of unknowns. What We Discuss • Why reunification is the primary goal of foster care • Crystal’s
Ep 68: Mentorship Program
6mo ago · 25:49
In this episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith sits down with Michelle Ostmark, the Statewide Mentoring Coordinator for Utah Foster Care, to discuss the Utah Foster Care Mentoring Program and why it matters. Michelle explains how the program pairs experienced foster parents with new or existing foster and kinship families to provide guidance, emotional support, and real-life insight throughout the fostering journey. From navigating first placements and court processes to coping with reunification, burnout, and self-care, mentors help ensure families don’t feel alone. The conversati
Ep 67: Trust-Based Relational Intervention
7mo ago · 28:11
In this episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith sits down with Terumi Sagers, TBRI Specialist for Utah Foster Care, longtime foster parent, and adoptive parent. Together, they unpack the foundations of Trust‑Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)—a relationship‑centered, trauma‑informed caregiving approach developed by Dr. Karen Purvis and Dr. David Cross. This conversation is filled with real‑life examples, practical tools, and compassionate insights for foster parents, kinship caregivers, educators, and anyone raising children—because, as Terumi explains, TBRI works for all humans,
Ep 66: Compassion in Action
8mo ago · 25:57
Podcast: Fostering Conversations Host: Amy Smith Guest: Dave, Owner of Dave’s Auto Episode Summary In this heartfelt episode, Amy sits down with Dave Bell from Dave’s Auto Center to discuss his incredible journey of giving back to the community through Utah Foster Care and other charitable initiatives. Dave shares the deeply personal story of his mother’s childhood in an orphanage, how that shaped his values, and why supporting foster families and children is so meaningful to him. From partnering with Mountain America Credit Union to organizing a massive community Christmas event, Dave’s passi
Ep 65: Blocked Care
9mo ago · 31:38
In this episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith talks with Utah Foster Care clinical support specialist and LCSW Les Harris about blocked care: why it happens, how it impacts foster parents, and practical steps to restore connection. Les explains how chronic stress can suppress the parenting response system, making it difficult to feel joy or affection toward a child, even when we deeply care. They discuss what blocked care looks like, why it’s different from burnout, how small “doses” of positive interaction can rebuild connection, and why acceptance, playfulness, curiosity, and em
Ep 64: Building Care Communities
10mo ago · 28:10
In this episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith welcomes Utah’s First Lady Abby Cox to announce the statewide launch of the Care Communities program. After a successful two-year pilot with Utah Foster Care, Care Communities are expanding across the state to provide essential support for foster families and children in care. Abby shares how this initiative was born out of a desire to strengthen foster care in Utah and ensure that every child has a safe and supportive environment. The Care Communities model surrounds each foster family with 8–10 trained volunteers who provide emotiona
Ep 63: Native Voices
11mo ago · 29:22
In this episode of Fostering Conversations, guest host Liz Rivera guides a powerful dialogue with Native leaders and advocates about the importance of culture, tradition, and belonging for Native children in foster care. You’ll hear from: James Toledo (Utah Division of Indian Affairs) on how culture provides a foundation for resilience. Stephanie Benally (Native American Specialist, Utah Foster Care) on supporting Native children’s traditions in foster homes. Craig Sandoval (Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake) on creating culturally responsive models for Native youth and families in urban Utah.
Ep 62: Aging Out Strong
1y ago · 28:27
In this powerful episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith sits down with Sheri, a resilient young woman who aged out of Utah’s foster care system and is now thriving as a leader at Angels Landing Foundation. Sheri shares her deeply personal story from entering foster care at age 12 after bravely reporting abuse, to cycling through 13 foster homes, and ultimately finding healing, empowerment, and purpose. Listeners will gain insight into: The emotional reality of sibling separation in care The challenges of instability and aging out alone The importance of supportive adults and safe s
Ep 61: Support Through Service
1y ago · 26:38
In this episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith and co-host Tami Carson welcome Melina Moore, Utah Foster Care’s Volunteer Services Manager. Melina shares how individuals and organizations can support foster families across the state—not by fostering, but by volunteering. Learn how opportunities like Kids’ Night Out, Service Saturdays, and event support offer much-needed connection and respite to foster families. Hear inspiring stories of volunteers making balloon animals, leading pottery nights, or helping families with yard work. Plus, discover how simple acts of service—like asse
Ep 60: Safe Homes, Strong Kids
1y ago · 19:39
Show Notes: In this special Pride Month episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith and co-host Tami Carson (Director of Community Volunteers at Utah Foster Care) sit down with Adrienne, a longtime foster and adoptive parent and leader of the FLY Cluster—Fostering LGBTQ Youth. Adrienne shares her personal experience raising five adopted children, two of whom identify as queer, and the powerful impact of simply providing a safe and affirming space. She speaks candidly about the fears some parents may face when a child comes out, and how acceptance, validation, and education can make all
Ep 59: Common Thread
1y ago · 25:45
This week on Fostering Conversations, Amy and Heidi sit down with Rachel Garrett, Utah foster parent and founder of Common Thread, a nonprofit serving teens ages 12–18 who’ve experienced foster care or similar life circumstances. Rachel shares how a small community event grew into a thriving organization that now supports hundreds of teens through joy-filled activities, life skills workshops, mental health resources, and trauma-informed mentorship. We talk about the real-life experiences of teens impacted by foster care, the importance of giving them choice and dignity, and how Common Thread i
Ep 58: Celeste Edmunds
1y ago · 33:51
In this heartfelt episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith is joined by guest co-host Jennie Shepherd, Director of Recruitment, as they welcome Celeste Edmonds—Executive Director of The Christmas Box International and author of Garbage Bag Girl. Celeste shares her inspiring journey from growing up in foster care to leading an organization that supports children in need. She opens up about the impact of The Christmas Box House, the importance of keeping siblings together, and how small acts of kindness—like a stuffed animal or a brand-new duffle bag—can change a child’s life. We also
Ep 57: Laura ~ Foster Parent Mentor
1y ago · 29:59
In this episode of Fostering Conversations, we welcome Laura, the force behind the popular Instagram account @FosterParenting! Laura shares her journey into foster care, from a spark of interest as a teenager to becoming a foster parent and content creator. We discuss the realities of foster parenting, the importance of trauma-informed care, and the many ways people can support the foster care system—even if they’re not ready to foster themselves. This episode is also a bittersweet one, as we say farewell (but not goodbye!) to our longtime co-host Liz Rivera. She reflects on her time with the
Ep 56: Angela Tucker ~ Adoptee Mentoring Society
1y ago · 32:19
Episode Summary: In this episode of Fostering Conversations, hosts Amy Smith and Liz Rivera sit down with Angela Tucker, adoptee advocate, mentor, and founder of the Adoptee Mentorship Program. Angela shares her journey from being adopted out of foster care to building a global community for adoptees to connect, heal, and grow. They discuss: Angela’s experience growing up in a multiracial family. The challenges of identity and belonging in adoption. How the Adoptee Mentorship Program is creating spaces for adoptees to connect and find support. The power of storytelling and mentorship in naviga
Ep 55: With Siblings ~ Daniela Coats
1y ago · 28:50
Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy and co-host Liz Rivera welcome Daniela, founder of With Siblings. Daniela shares her unique perspective as a former biological child (“bio kid”) in a foster family and now as a foster/adoptive parent, social worker, and therapist. Together, they dive into the complex dynamics of supporting bio kids in foster and adoptive families, exploring their experiences, emotions, and needs. Topics Covered: Daniela’s journey growing up as a bio kid in a fostering family and how it shaped her professional path and personal life.
Ep 54: Peter Mutabazi
1y ago · 29:15
Episode Summary: In this episode of Fostering Conversations, Amy and Liz are joined by Peter Mutabazi, also known as “Foster Dad Flipper” on Instagram. Peter shares his inspiring journey from being a street child in Uganda to becoming a foster parent in the United States. Over the past nine years, Peter has fostered 45 children, adopted three, and is currently fostering three more. He discusses the joys and challenges of being a single foster dad, the importance of community support, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to co-parenting with biological families. Peter also highlight
Ep 53: Navigating the Holidays with Trauma
1y ago · 25:22
*This episode was originally aired in December 2020 Episode Summary Fostering Conversations with Utah Foster Care delves into the unique challenges foster families face during the holiday season. Hosts Deborah Lindner and Liz Rivera are joined by Dan Kammerlohr and Hope Nichols, counselors from Hope and Healing Counseling, to explore strategies for navigating the season’s complexities. The episode highlights the emotional dynamics for children in foster care, including grief, excitement, and stress that may arise from being separated from biological families or adapting to new traditions. The
Ep 52: Youth Ambassador
1y ago · 24:51
In this episode of Fostering Conversations, hosts Deborah Lindner and Liz Rivera sit down with 15-year-old Freedom, a foster youth with a remarkable story of resilience, hope, and self-discovery. Freedom opens up about her experiences growing up in the foster care system, finding her forever family, and the challenges of fitting in as the only Black person in her adoptive family. Highlights: Freedom’s Background: Born in Montana, Freedom shares her journey into foster care alongside her brother due to her mother’s struggles with addiction. Placed with multiple families before finding her adopt
Ep 51: Care Communities
1y ago · 30:52
In this episode of *Fostering Conversations*, hosts Deborah Lindner and Liz Rivera introduce a new initiative within Utah Foster Care: Care Communities. The program, a two-year pilot spearheaded by First Lady Abby Cox, aims to provide foster families with support teams comprised of community members, businesses, and religious organizations. The discussion highlights the unique challenges foster parents face, including the emotional and logistical complexities of raising children who have experienced trauma. As Tami Carson, Director of Care Communities, explains, foster parents often need extra
Ep 50: Back to School
2y ago · 27:58
During a typical school day, our children can spend as much time in class as they do at home, which makes success at school all the more important. Tyler Bastian is director at Utah’s first farm-based charter high school and McKay Esplin is an LCSW and Utah Foster Care trainer. In our latest episode, they offer insight on how parents and students can build and foster positive school relationships. For more information: Roots High Charter School Volunteer Opportunities at Utah Foster Care Fostering School Success ~ Upcoming Training Want to Learn More about Fostering?

Episodes

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More Kids shows

Fostering Conversations with Utah Foster Care

Episodes 76

Ep 74: Comfort and Care

Ep 73: Fostering in Small Towns

Ep 72: Pride in Every Home

Ep 71: First-Time Fostering

Ep 70: Still Standing

Ep 69: Reunification

Ep 68: Mentorship Program

Ep 67: Trust-Based Relational Intervention

Ep 66: Compassion in Action

Ep 65: Blocked Care

Ep 64: Building Care Communities

Ep 63: Native Voices

Ep 62: Aging Out Strong

Ep 61: Support Through Service

Ep 60: Safe Homes, Strong Kids

Ep 59: Common Thread

Ep 58: Celeste Edmunds

Ep 57: Laura ~ Foster Parent Mentor

Ep 56: Angela Tucker ~ Adoptee Mentoring Society

Ep 55: With Siblings ~ Daniela Coats

Ep 54: Peter Mutabazi

Ep 53: Navigating the Holidays with Trauma

Ep 52: Youth Ambassador

Ep 51: Care Communities

Ep 50: Back to School

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Episodes 76

Ep 74: Comfort and Care

Ep 73: Fostering in Small Towns

Ep 72: Pride in Every Home

Ep 71: First-Time Fostering

Ep 70: Still Standing

Ep 69: Reunification

Ep 68: Mentorship Program

Ep 67: Trust-Based Relational Intervention

Ep 66: Compassion in Action

Ep 65: Blocked Care

Ep 64: Building Care Communities

Ep 63: Native Voices

Ep 62: Aging Out Strong

Ep 61: Support Through Service

Ep 60: Safe Homes, Strong Kids

Ep 59: Common Thread

Ep 58: Celeste Edmunds

Ep 57: Laura ~ Foster Parent Mentor

Ep 56: Angela Tucker ~ Adoptee Mentoring Society

Ep 55: With Siblings ~ Daniela Coats

Ep 54: Peter Mutabazi

Ep 53: Navigating the Holidays with Trauma

Ep 52: Youth Ambassador

Ep 51: Care Communities

Ep 50: Back to School