Summary

Join Rebecca Gruenspan in a conversation with Whitney Michael, as she shares her journey from private adoption to foster care adoption. Whitney discusses the financial and emotional challenges of private adoption and the importance of understanding adoption realities and needing support for non-traditional families. Rebecca and Whitney talk about the foster care adoption experience, including the licensing process and parenting children with trauma. Whitney highlights the role of community support and the impact of her extended family's adoption experiences. The conversation concludes with Whitney’s dreams for her children where she goes on to describe adoption as rewarding, challenging, and beautiful.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

• RG Adoption Consulting

  ⁠The Adoption Roadmap

  The Foster Closet

  Foster Care to Success - Resources for foster youth and families navigating the foster care system.

Chapters

0:28 Private Adoption vs Foster Care

5:46 Switching from Private Adoption to Foster Care Adoption

9:51 Financial Losses in Private Adoption

13:44 The realities of Adoption and Foster Care

24:04 Challenges of Foster Care and Adoption

30:51 Receiving a Placement in Foster Care

40:06 Lessons in Flexibility, Patience, and Compassion

49:52 Conclusion and Lightning Round Questions

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THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠