In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams interview Jamie Finn, a prominent figure in the foster care community. Jamie shares her personal journey into foster care, the impact on her biological children, and the importance of self-care for foster parents. They discuss her book 'God Loves Kids', the need for supportive communities, and the challenges foster parents face, including burnout and the reasons many quit. Jamie emphasizes the importance of saying yes to children in need and the eternal impact of foster care.

Pickup Jamie's new book--God Loves Kids: A Gospel Centered Book About Foster Care
https://a.co/d/052zNuJ9

Checkout her org: Foster the Family
https://www.fosterthefamily.org/

Instagram:
@fosterthefamilyblog

Takeaways

• Jamie Finn is a well-known advocate in the foster care community.
• Foster care can significantly impact biological children in positive ways.
• Self-care is crucial for foster parents to avoid burnout.
• Foster parents need to feel supported and seen in their roles.
• The goal of foster care is often reunification, which can be challenging for foster parents.
• Children in foster care need families, not just temporary homes.
• Every moment spent with foster children can have lasting effects.
• Foster parents should be trauma-informed to better support the children in their care.
• Community support is essential for the sustainability of foster care.
• The journey of foster care is filled with both challenges and rewards.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Tyler Hunter shares his profound journey through foster care and adoption. He reflects on the challenges he faced, the coping mechanisms he developed, and the importance of community and support in his life. Tyler emphasizes the transformative power of foster care, the significance of forgiveness, and the need for advocacy in the child welfare system. His story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the impact of unconditional love and support.

Takeaways

• Foster care can be a life-saving experience.
• Masking feelings is a common coping mechanism for children in care.
• School can provide a safe haven for foster children.
• Finding a sense of normalcy is crucial for foster youth.
• Forgiveness is essential for personal healing.
• Community support is vital for children in foster care.
• Foster parents play a critical role in a child's life.
• Vulnerability is a challenge for many who have experienced trauma.
• Positive affirmations can significantly impact a child's self-worth.
• Advocacy is necessary to improve the foster care system.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis welcome listeners to 2026 and discuss the new rhythm of the podcast. They reflect on the importance of understanding foster care, the emotional journey of becoming a foster parent, and the realities of handling goodbyes. The conversation emphasizes the need for a support system, the reasons families may quit fostering, and how communities can better support foster families. They also touch on the challenges faced by youth who age out of the foster care system and highlight the mission of America's Kids Belong.

Takeaways:
You’ll never feel “fully ready” to foster — and that’s normal. Nervousness and discomfort don’t mean you aren’t called or capable; they often mean you’re taking the responsibility seriously.

Saying “no” to a placement can be the most loving decision. New foster parents often feel pressured to say yes immediately, but the wrong yes can lead to burnout, disrupted placements, and quitting altogether.

Good matches matter more than good intentions. Asking detailed questions about a child’s needs, visitation schedule, trauma history, and daily demands helps protect both the child and your family.

Fostering impacts your whole household — not just you. If you have kids, their ages, personalities, and emotional capacity matter, especially when placements are similar in age or gender.

Goodbyes are inevitable — and they’re supposed to hurt. Healthy goodbyes include honoring the relationship, marking the transition, allowing grief, and prioritizing the child’s emotional needs over your own.

You don’t have to perform grief the same way every time. Some goodbyes will break your heart; others may bring relief — both responses are valid if the child was cared for well.

Most foster families quit within the first year due to preventable factors. Lack of preparation, support systems, realistic expectations, and trauma-informed training are the biggest reasons families burn out early.

Support systems are non-negotiable. Foster families need practical, consistent help — especially with transportation, meals, childcare, and schedule flexibility.

If you’re not fostering, don’t wait to be asked — step in proactively. Foster parents are often helpers who don’t ask for help; specific, concrete offers (“I’ll take kids to practice Tuesdays”) make a real difference.