“You get to be a lifelong part of their family.”

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!