E313: Foster Care, Trauma & Hope: What Every Child Really Needs | Paula Yost

In this powerful episode of Adult Child of Dysfunction, Tammy Vincent sits down with attorney, licensed mental health clinician, child advocate, and author Paula Yost to explore the complex intersection of trauma, foster care, mental health, and advocacy. Paula shares her unique perspective as both a legal professional and trauma-informed clinician, bringing deep compassion and real-world insight into what children in foster care truly need to heal.Together, Tammy and Paula unpack the realities of childhood trauma, the lasting impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and why many foster children struggle with trust, regulation, and connection. Paula shares the deeply personal story of becoming the adoptive mother of a former foster youth and explains how healing often starts with one stable adult who refuses to give up.This conversation highlights the importance of relationship repair, trauma education, emotional safety, and why behavior is often a trauma response—not a reflection of who a child truly is. Paula also sheds light on the foster care system, mental health advocacy, and how society often misunderstands children who are acting out from pain rather than defiance.Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that healing is possible—and sometimes all it takes is one person who believes in you.🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS• Why foster children need trauma-informed support• The hidden realities of childhood trauma and neglect• Why behavior is often a trauma response, not defiance• The importance of relationship repair and emotional safety• How one stable adult can change a child’s future• Understanding ACE scores and childhood adversity• Why hope and advocacy matter in healing⏱ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Paula Yost01:12 Paula’s legal and mental health background04:00 Mental health, the justice system & missed intervention10:30 Foster care and trauma education13:00 Why foster children act out17:00 The power of one safe adult21:00 What a child advocate really does24:00 Paula’s adoption story31:00 Trauma-informed parenting tips35:00 The heartbreaking realities many foster kids face39:00 Paula’s final message: There is always hope🔗 CONNECT WITH PAULA YOSTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulajyostauthor/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulayostauthorFollow Paula for practical insights, child advocacy education, trauma-informed perspectives, and updates on her work and new book.Hey there, I’m so glad you’re here and tuning in! If this episode spoke to your heart, just know there’s even more support waiting for you.Book Your Free Clarity and Calm Call: No Judgement, just a chat https://calendly.com/tammyvincent/clarity-and-calm-callIf you are curious about where you stand energetically, or just need a frequency boost, book your FREE biofrequency voice scan here: https://calendly.com/tammyvincent/complimentary-scan-demo if you want to take part in an amazing club, where you can get unlimited scans and free coaching every month, sign up here: $25 ($250 Value) Join For One Month Here https://workshops.tammyvincent.com/offers/JQz3QDrr/checkoutIf you would like to ask a question, and hear the answer in a future episode, please leave your question here: https://www.speakpipe.com/TammyvincentcoachingTrials To Triumph: An Adult Child's Emotional Freedom Blueprint: Use code THRIVE25 for 75% off today. https://workshops.tammyvincent.com/offers/DSbcgrZZ/checkoutAs an international inspirational speaker, NLP Practitioner, Trauma-Informed Coach, Neurofit Trainer, and Best-Selling Author, I bring both deep personal experience and professional training to the work I do. I believe in prevention, not just intervention — and use a body, mind, and spirit approach to guide others toward becoming the happiest, healthiest versions of themselves.My holistic toolbox includes nervous system regulation, trauma-informed coaching, nutritional support, and natural healing strategies,🔑 Start Your Healing JourneyFind ALL THE THINGS HERE: Anything that I have to offer is right here✈️ Bonus for Travel Lovers!Did you know I also offer access to an amazing travel savings program that can help you save up to 70% on hotels, resorts, cruises, and more? Let’s compare your next upcoming itinerary and see how much you could save.👉 Try the Trip Check: https://calendly.com/tammyvincent/trip-check📺 Subscribe to My YouTube Channel👉 Adult Child of Dysfunction on YouTube🌟 Book Me to Speak at Your Event👉 Let’s connect: https://calendly.com/tammyvincent/speakers-event-chat🫶 Let’s Connect📩 Email: [email protected]📱 Text: 513-280-3555🌟 If this episode helped you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and hit follow. Every share helps break generational cycles and brings healing into more lives.