In this episode of the Fosterer Friendly podcast, Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Dr. Sharen Ford, Director of Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family. Dr. Ford discusses the significance of public-private partnerships in foster care. Dr. Ford also shares her extensive experience and insights on how collaboration between faith-based organizations and government agencies can lead to better outcomes for children in the foster care system.

The conversation covers the roles of state and private agencies, the importance of community involvement, and the challenges faced by faith-based families in fostering.

Learn more about Focus on the Family's Foster Care and Adoption Program.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian, Travis, and Courtney discuss the realities of foster parenting, focusing on what foster parents don't need to do. They share personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfection, learning from failures, and providing stability for children in foster care. The conversation highlights the balance between generosity and realism, encouraging foster parents to create a nurturing environment without overwhelming children with excess.

In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of foster care, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions, understanding placement dynamics, and the challenges of adhering to traditional norms like birth order. They highlight the necessity of family support, the impact of past trauma on foster parents, and the reality that one does not need to be a savior or a stay-at-home parent to foster effectively. The discussion aims to debunk common myths and encourage potential foster parents to take the next steps in their journey.

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

In this episode, Travis and Courtney are joined by Sarah Boyd from Aqua-Tots. Aqua-Tots offers swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities, with a focus on preventing drownings and building confidence. Sarah shares stories of how their program has made a life-saving impact on children and provided peace of mind for parents. Whether it's learning basic water survival skills or refining stroke techniques, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools aims to instill a lifelong love of swimming while prioritizing safety. She emphasizes the need for accessibility and the role businesses can play in supporting foster families. Courtney and Travis encourage other businesses to become foster friendly and provide opportunities for children in foster care.

Learn more about Aqua-Tots Swim Schools.