In this episode, our hosts speak with author, youth pastor, and foster parent, David Wermuth. David has over 11 years of experience as a foster parent to older teen boys with a goal of independence. He used his experience as a foster parent to share stories of encouragement and helpful tips in his book, "101 Considerations for Foster Parents." A licensed therapist in Missouri, David specializes in working with children and families. You won't want to miss this episode! Pick up your own copy of David's book or share it with a foster parent you know.If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

Listen along as Jessica and Shasta talk with Jason Seter, a foster parent and co-trainer in Missouri for over 10 years. Jason admits that they started fostering to adopt, but then quickly fell in love with fostering and realized the great need for foster homes. Having cared for children from one day old to fifteen years old, he has found that each child is unique and different. Jason also discusses the reality that some families "get it together" after their children have been adopted to someone else and the opportunities he has had to help his children foster their relationships with their biological families - even after they are his adopted children. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk with Missouri Foster Parent Pauline Roberts in this episode. Pauline shares a lot of practical advice and wisdom with for future and current foster parents. She stresses the importance of remembering that foster parents are coming into this family's story at one of the worst possible moments imaginable. These parents love their children and she is passionate about knowing the main goal of foster care, reunification. Listen along as she speaks candidly and whole-heartedly about her journey as a foster parent. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

In this episode, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk with a very impressive foster parent, Ali Keck, who at the time of recording was 25 years old! After only 3 months of foster parenting, Ali has a lot of practical advice and experience to share with young, new, or even seasoned foster parents. She also addresses how foster parenting fits in when it comes to her personal life and her passion truly shines through. Don't miss this episode! Be sure to share with anyone you know who might be interested in foster parenting and send them to our website to get started: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

In this episode, Shasta, Jessica and Ashton spoke with Jared Baker, a current foster parent in Missouri. Jared and his wife are ambassadors, advocates, and trainers for future foster parents and are passionate about the cause. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, share this episode with them! You can also find out more information on our website at https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

Shasta, Jessica and Ashton chat with Abby Pancoast about her foster parenting journey. Abby admits that they became foster parents with the intention to adopt and discusses the heartbreak that can come with reunification. She also shares some insight into what it might look like to be a foster parent during the holiday seasons. If you're considering becoming a foster parent, don't hesitate to visit our website to get started: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

In this episode of The Call to Foster, Ashton sits down with Angie Swarnes, Deputy Director of Children's Division over Permanency, and Marcy Bursac, local author and founder of the Forgotten Adoption Option. We were honored to get to hear Marcy's story firsthand. The impact Marcy is making with her nonprofit is undeniable and we look forward to working with her more in the future. To learn more about Marcy and The Forgotten Adoption Option, visit her website https://forgottenadoptionoption.com/ .If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting through foster care, you can learn more on our website at https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

In honor of National Adoption Month, we spoke to adoptive parent and Southwest Regional Director for the Children's Division, Pam Alston. Pam brings a unique perspective to our podcast as an employee of the Children's Division. Her story is a perfect example of how children might find you and their permanent home through foster care. While this podcast is usually focused on reunification, as that is the first goal when a child enters care, sometimes a child is seeking more than a temporary loving home, and you could be the one to provide it.  If you're considering becoming a foster parent, visit our website dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/.

We had the privilege of speaking with Dave and Patty Hedrick this month about their journey with foster care. They stress how important it is to pour into the kids and find common interests. Eager to care for more kids, the Hedricks want potential foster parents to know that age doesn't count you out and that these kids will keep you young. If you're considering becoming a foster parent, visit our website dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/.

In this episode, hosts Shasta Miller, Jessica Huckstep, and Ashton Kever, had the privilege of talking with Miss Black Missouri, USA, Eugenia Doreen. Eugenia was previously a foster youth in Missouri and shares her experience in the foster system. Now, a successful college graduate working at a law firm, Eugenia has built a platform supporting and encouraging foster youth to follow their dreams, go to college, and helping them navigate the system. She has great advice for current and potential foster parents - you don't want to miss this one! If you're considering becoming a foster parent, visit our website dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/.

Join Shasta and Jessica as they talk with Mary Bailey, an experienced foster parent in Missouri. Mary touches on a lot of great topics, but one thing she is clear about in this discussion is the importance of knowing your boundaries. As a potential foster parent, it is okay for you to have a preference of the children you will care for and it is especially helpful when you can be open about those boundaries with Children's Division. We are so grateful that we have foster parents like Mary sharing the love they have in their hearts with Missouri children who need it most!

Brandon and Liz Matthews share their moving story of their journey into foster parenting and many inspiring stories of their experiences. This pair is full of passion and we are proud to have them as Foster Parent Ambassadors for the State of Missouri. If this heartwarming story inspires you to look into fostering, don't hesitate to reach out to your nearest Children's Division office or email fostercare@dss.mo.gov to get started. Please share this podcast with anyone you know who might be considering becoming a foster parent!

Listen as Amanda Kane, a foster parent, and Colleen Mulhollan, a biological mother, share their story of reunification. Their relationship went from strangers to sisters over the span of the case. Now, like sisters, they spend time together regularly and share holidays as one big family unit.

In celebration of National Foster Care Month, The Call to Foster invited special guests, Darrell Missey, Director of the Missouri Children's Division, and Lauren Masterson, Permanency and Foster Care Licensing Manager, to join Shasta in interviewing Missouri foster parent, Rebecca Kadlez. Rebecca has an incredible story that begins with her own experience as a foster child and her ability to use that experience to help current foster children as a resource parent. In this episode, learn all about Rebecca and her time as a foster parent and foster parent ambassador.

In this episode, Shasta and Jessica chat with Elliot and Mandy Nohr. This couple is passionate and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the children AND families in their care. They cover big topics like staying in contact with some of the children who've moved on from their home, ways they help children adjust to their home, and the importance of working with the biological families to support the child or children in their home.

In this episode, Jessica and Shasta talk to Stephanie Reese, a passionate single parent fostering in Missouri. Stephanie confronts the issue of attachment, reunification, and debunks the myth that foster parents have to be married or stay at home parents. As a full time employee herself, Stephanie has adopted two children and continues to foster children in her area in hopes to break the cycle of trauma for the children in her care.

In this episode of "The Call to Foster," Jessica and Shasta talk with Mickey and Amanda Goodwin. The Goodwin's share stories from their foster family journey covering topics like attachment, common misconceptions about foster care, and ways Children's Division can better support their foster families.

Join Jessica Huckstep and Shasta Miller as they interview Norma Hahn about her experience as a foster parent. Hear first-hand about what it is like to be a foster parent and listen as Norma shares her experiences.

The Missouri Department of Social Services is proud to present The Call to Foster, a heartwarming new podcast series that features inspiring stories from foster parents across the state. Each episode will highlight their unique experiences and perspectives, how they overcame hesitations, and provide helpful advice for anyone considering becoming a foster parent. Prepare your heart as you hear first-hand from the compassionate families and individuals working together to make a difference for Missouri’s most vulnerable children.