Foster Youth EP 6 - Supporting Foster Families Beyond Placement with Tawnie Rice From On the Rise

In this episode of Fostering Futures with CAHELP, Athena Cordero speaks with Tawnie Rice, Administrator at On the Rise Foster Agency in Barstow, California. Tawnie shares her unique perspective as both a former foster youth and a social work professional who has worked her way up through nearly every role within the agency.Tawnie walks listeners through what foster family agencies do, how they differ from county placements, and why additional layers of support, such as trained visitation monitoring, advocacy, and trauma‑informed services can make a critical difference for foster children and families. She explains intensive services foster care, extended foster care for young adults, and the realities of supporting children who have experienced trauma.Throughout the conversation, Tawnie emphasizes the importance of patience, hope, consistency, and presence. She offers honest insight into common misconceptions about foster youth, what it truly takes to become a foster parent, and why attachment is not something to fear, but something children deeply need. This episode highlights how lived experience, compassion, and community‑based support can change outcomes for foster youth and the families who care for them.HighlightsTawnie shares her lived experience as a former foster youth and her journey to becoming an agency administrator.Insight into how foster family agencies differ from county placements in support and advocacy.Explanation of visitation monitoring and why trained supervision matters for children.Walkthrough of what it takes to become a foster parent and the importance of “checking your heart.”Discussion of trauma‑informed care, hope, and consistency in supporting foster youth.Real‑world examples of how agencies advocate for children’s mental health and behavioral needs.Key TakeawaysThere are no bad kids, only children responding to trauma.Foster parents must be open to learning new skills and disciplinarian approaches.Attachment is not a risk; it is essential to healing and development.Hope is built through consistency, follow‑through, and showing up.Foster youth often deeply miss and love their biological families.Agencies provide critical guidance that helps foster parents navigate complex situations.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | [email protected]