Beneath the Branches - a podcast from The Adoption and Foster Care Clinic

This episode explores the complexities of language transitions in international adoptees, emphasizing the importance of connection, communication techniques, and supporting language development to foster attachment and identity.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Language Transitions in Adoption05:07 The Grief of Losing a First Language10:00 Understanding Language Acquisition in Children15:11 The Role of Non-Verbal Communication20:09 Maintaining a Child's Native Language25:06 Navigating School and Language Challenges30:07 The Importance of Communication in Attachment

This episode explores the complex relationship between food, memory, and safety in the first six months of a child's placement in a new home. Kelly and Amy share insights on managing food behaviors, cultural considerations, and strategies for fostering security and attachment through nutrition.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Food in Early Childhood05:52 Understanding Feeding Behaviors in Newly Adopted Children12:07 Addressing Overeating and Restrictive Eating17:46 Cultural Considerations in Feeding33:59 Navigating Feeding Issues in Adopted Children

This episode explores the critical importance of cocooning in the first six months of adoption or foster placement. It covers how slowing down, creating a safe space, and reducing external interactions can strengthen attachment and regulate the nervous system, especially for children with trauma backgrounds.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cocooning06:11 Understanding Cocooning and Its Importance12:17 Challenges of Cocooning17:51 Resistance from Others23:39 Consequences of Poor Cocooning30:23 Cocooning in Foster Care32:20 Signs of Readiness to Stop Cocooning

In this conversation, Kelly Alligood from the Foster Coalition shares her journey and insights into the challenges faced by foster families and children. The discussion covers the importance of support systems, the misconceptions surrounding foster care, and the unique challenges faced by grandparents raising grandchildren. The conversation also highlights the need for training and resources for foster families, as well as life skills training for youth aging out of the foster system. The Foster Coalition's future initiatives aim to enhance collaboration and support for vulnerable families.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Foster Coalition and Personal Journey02:54 Understanding the Challenges in Foster Care06:11 Misconceptions About Foster Care09:07 Support Systems for Foster Families11:49 Unique Challenges for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren15:05 Training and Resources for Foster Families17:53 Life Skills Training for Aging Out Youth20:45 The Impact of Support on Foster Youth24:01 Future Initiatives of Foster Coalition

This episode explores how adoptive and foster parents can navigate hard conversations about a child's trauma and history. It offers practical advice on timing, language, emotional safety, and working with therapists to support children's healing and identity development.Chapters00:00 Navigating Conversations About Trauma Histories04:43 The Role of Parents as Story Keepers10:25 Creating Emotional Safety and Trust15:40 Age-Appropriate Storytelling22:04 Handling Difficult Questions26:17 The Role of Therapists in Adoption Conversations30:21 Myth Busting in Adoption Discussions

This episode focuses on safety during the first six months of a child's placement in foster or adoptive homes. Experts discuss strategies for creating felt safety, managing aggression, sexualized behaviors, and supporting family attachment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Safety in Adoption03:09 Understanding Felt Safety for Children06:00 Addressing Aggression in Adopted Children09:12 Practical Strategies for Managing Aggression11:57 Navigating Sexualized Behavior in Children16:50 Proactive Measures for Safety21:14 Understanding Normal vs. Abnormal Behaviors27:57 The Importance of Parental Support and Intervention

In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of sibling dynamics in adoption, focusing on the challenges of managing relationships, grief, and resentment that can arise when a new child enters the family. They emphasize the importance of nurturing connections, setting realistic expectations, and the role of community support in fostering a healthy family environment. The conversation highlights practical strategies for parents to navigate these challenges while ensuring that all children feel valued and secure in their relationships.00:00 Navigating Sibling Dynamics in Adoption04:01 Understanding Grief and Resentment in Sibling Relationships10:04 Building Connections and Managing Expectations14:11 The Importance of Nurture and Attachment19:58 Cocooning and Community Support26:04 Final Thoughts on the Adoption Journey

This conversation delves into the complexities of parenting adopted children, particularly focusing on the first six months after adoption. The speakers discuss the importance of understanding the child's survival brain versus learning brain, the necessity of building attachment and safety, and how traditional discipline methods may not be effective. They emphasize the need for connection, self-care for parents, and realistic expectations for progress, while also acknowledging the challenges of managing behaviors that may intensify post-adoption.00:00 Introduction to Adoption Challenges00:57 Understanding Survival Brain vs. Learning Brain03:45 The Importance of Attachment and Safety07:52 Behavioral Changes Post-Adoption12:02 Discipline in the First Six Months16:06 Connection Before Correction20:11 Managing Parental Stress and Self-Care23:52 Realistic Expectations for Progress30:00 Conclusion and Future Topics

This episode of Beneath the Branches focuses on the initial stages of adoption and foster care, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic expectations, fostering attachment, and creating a nurturing environment for newly placed children. The conversation covers essential topics such as cocooning, sleep challenges, nutrition, building trust, and managing transitions to daycare or school. It also highlights the significance of understanding behavioral challenges and cultural considerations that may arise during the adjustment period. The first 6 months sets a foundation for attachment for future success. This season, we'll focus on helping you make the most of this pivotal time!For more information, please visit our website at www.adoptionfosterclinic.org

This conversation explores the complex emotions and experiences surrounding reunion for adoptees. Caitlin and Kelly share their personal journeys of searching for their birth families, the challenges they faced, and the impact on their relationships with their adoptive parents. The discussion highlights the importance of open communication, cultural identity, and the ongoing emotional journey that adoptees navigate in their search for belonging and understanding.Chapters00:00-Introduction to Reunion in Adoption02:52-Caitlin's Adoption Journey05:48-The Search for Birth Family09:04-Navigating Relationships with Biological Family12:02-Grief and Acceptance in Reunion14:54-Impact on Adoptive Parents18:01-Kelly's Adoption Experience26:50-Kelly's Search and Reunion40:01-Cultural Connections and Family Dynamics49:00-Reflections on Adoption and Reunion55:03-Conclusion and Future Discussions

In this special episode of Beneath the Branches, we welcome Show Hope’s Executive Director, Kristin Parks, and Director of Programs, Justin Myers—leaders of an organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to adoption and equipping families with the support they need to thrive. Together, we explore their personal journeys into the adoption constellation, what makes working with Show Hope unique, and the heart behind their mission. They share practical insight into the challenges adoptive, foster, and kinship families face today, how Show Hope is responding, and the one thing they most want families to know. Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or simply passionate about making a difference, you’ll leave this conversation inspired by the power of hope in action—and equipped with ways you can be part of the story. We are always grateful for our partner, Show Hope, who made our podcast possible! They have done so much for our mission and our families, providing  Adoption Aid Grants, Pre+Post Adoption Support, Medical Care Grants, Advocacy. Learn more about their incredible mission at www.showhope.org.

When the hard feels never-ending, it’s easy to ask: Is there any hope?In this episode of Beneath the Branches, we have an honest conversation about how hope can be found in the middle of exhaustion, overwhelm, and challenging behaviors. Our team shares how connection, realistic expectations, and community can transform despair into courage to keep going.Whether you’re an adoptive, foster, or kinship care parent, you’ll leave with practical ways to redefine hope—not as the finish line, but as small, life-giving moments along the way.Hope isn’t the absence of struggle. It’s the presence of connection and support while you’re in it.Whether you're deep in the trenches or simply needing encouragement, this episode is a reminder that even on the hardest days, hope is beneath the branches with you. 

When kids “act out,” what if it’s not manipulation—but communication? In this conversation, our Adoption & Foster Care Clinic team unpacks why co-regulation must come before correction, how to parent to emotional age (not just chronological), and how understanding the window of tolerance can transform your home. You’ll hear practical steps, gentle scripts, and real-life examples of repair, attunement, and modeling calm when your child can’t find theirs.🌿 Learn more: adoptionfosterclinic.org💛 Give to support families: adoptionfosterclinic.org/giveThank you to our sponsor, Show Hope.What you'll learn: Behavior as communication: seeing the need beneath the behaviorWhy connection is not the opposite of correction—it’s the tool for correctionCo-regulation, emotional age vs. chronological age, and realistic expectationsWindow of tolerance (hypo/hyperarousal) and how to bring kids back into itScripts parents can use in the heat of the moment + the power of repairGrounding ideas (breath, cold water, safe touch), tone/eyes/face, and modeling

A real talk about expectations surrounding holidays and special days- the emotional landmines that you may not prepare for, and how to give grace for yourself and your kids. This episode creates space for adoptive, foster, and kinship care moms to reflect honestly on the unique complexities of Mother’s Day, Family Day, Birthdays—why it often doesn’t feel like a Hallmark holiday they wanted, and how to shift expectations, hold space for our kids' grief, and still find meaning in these days.

While this conversation was recorded during standardized testing season, the insights go far beyond a few high-stakes weeks in the spring. For adoptive, foster, and kinship care children, the same challenges that can make testing stressful—such as early trauma, attachment disruptions, and emotional regulation struggles—also impact their day-to-day school experience. Clinicians Caitlin Inman and Kelly Curry unpack the root causes of school-related anxiety, share practical strategies for supporting focus and confidence, and highlight how families can advocate for accommodations that truly help. You’ll also hear how The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic partners with parents and schools to create academic plans that honor the whole child—not just a test score. Whether it’s the first week of school or the days leading up to a big exam, this conversation will equip you to help your child feel safe, supported, and set up for success all year long.*This episode is sponsored by Show Hope, a movement to care for orphans by engaging the church and reducing barriers to adoption. Learn more at (www.showhope.org). This podcast is produced by The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic, an independent nonprofit interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic clinic that provides trauma-informed comprehensive medical and ongoing therapeutic services for adoptive, foster and kinship care families (both pre and post adoption)—learn more at The Adoption and Foster Care Clinic .

In this powerful episode, we welcome back Amy Elmore, our long-time occupational therapist and feeding specialist, to explore one of the most emotionally charged parenting challenges for children with trauma histories-- feeding.From picky eating and food refusal to bottle aversion and sensory challenges, Amy breaks down the why behind feeding difficulties and offers trauma-informed insights and real-life strategies that work.We dive deep into how early feeding experiences impact brain development, emotional safety, and attachment—and how healing often begins with one safe bite.This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, clinicians, and anyone working with children from hard places.For many children from adoptive, foster, or kinship backgrounds, mealtime isn’t just about food—it’s about trust, control, trauma, and healing. Whether your child is a “vacuum cleaner” eater, a picky one, or struggling with sensory aversion, Amy offers trauma-informed wisdom, practical strategies, and compassionate insight to help families navigate the complex world of feeding therapy.You’ll learn:Why trauma disrupts hunger cues and feeding developmentWhat to do when a child refuses food—or eats too muchHow parent stress and child feeding behaviors become intertwinedWhen to seek help—and how virtual parent coaching is changing access to supportIf you’ve ever ended a mealtime in tears or worry, this episode is for you.Supported by our friends at Show Hope.

We’re diving into one of the most vital yet misunderstood aspects of holistic care for children from hard places: occupational therapy. Join us as we explore how OT at our clinic goes far beyond handwriting practice—supporting families through sensory regulation, feeding challenges, trauma recovery, and more.→ Listen now and learn how OT builds bridges to connection, safety, and healing.*This episode is sponsored by Show Hope. Learn more at (www.showhope.com). This podcast is produced by The Adoption and Foster Care Clinic (www.theadoptionfosterclinic.org), an independent nonprofit interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic clinic that provides trauma-informed comprehensive medical and ongoing therapeutic services for adoptive, foster and kinship care families (pre and post adoption)

In this episode of Beneath the Branches, we dig into the foundational role attachment plays in a child’s development—and why it matters so deeply in adoptive, foster, and kinship care. We begin with the basics: What is attachment, and how is it formed? You'll learn the difference between secure and insecure attachment and how early caregiving relationships shape a child's ability to trust, regulate, and relate to others.Next, we explore how trauma and early disruptions—such as neglect, inconsistent care, or harmful experiences—can derail healthy attachment. From common attachment challenges like avoidance or controlling behaviors, to understanding the difference between reactive attachment disorder and disrupted attachment, we unpack the complexity of what many families face.Finally, we move into hope and healing. This segment offers practical, trauma-informed strategies for building trust and promoting secure attachment at home. Spoiler alert: it's not about perfection, but about showing up consistently, repairing when needed, and making space for connection—even when it’s slow and messy. Whether you’re a caregiver, clinician, or someone seeking to understand the deep roots of relational health, this episode offers insight, compassion, and encouragement for the journey.This episode is sponsored by Show Hope, a movement to care for orphans by engaging the church and reducing barriers to adoption. Learn more at (www.showhope.org) This podcast is produced by The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic, an independent nonprofit interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic clinic that provides trauma-informed comprehensive medical and ongoing therapeutic services for adoptive, foster and kinship care families (both pre and post adoption)—learn more at (www.adoptionfosterclinic.org)

In this foundational episode of Beneath theBranches, we explore how trauma—whether it occurs in utero, infancy, childhood, or even adolescence—reshapes a child’s brain, body, and beliefs about the world. For adoptees and children in foster or kinship care, those early experiences often leave invisible wounds that show up later in behavior, relationships, and self-understanding. Our clinicians unpack the many ways trauma can surface: through control struggles, shutdowns, emotional outbursts, difficulty with attachment, and even physical symptoms. We help listeners understand what’s underneath those behaviors—and how trauma-informed parenting offers a path toward healing. You’ll hear how our team creates safe environments, reduces triggers, and leans into connection through co-regulation and compassionate care. At the heart of this work is Lesson #1: “I can trust.” We talk about how caregivers can consistently show up as safe, steady, and emotionally available—reaffirming their role as a secure base for the child. This episode is for families who want to godeeper—past the highlight reel and into the real, often hard, but hopeful work of healing. Because adoption is a story of love, but also of loss. And we believe there's space to hold both.This episode is sponsored by Show Hope, a movement to care for orphans by engaging the church and reducing barriers to adoption. Learn more at and http://showhope.org . This podcast is produced by The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic, an independent nonprofit interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic clinic that provides trauma-informed comprehensive medical and ongoing therapeutic services for adoptive, foster and kinship care families (both pre and post adoption)—learn more at http://adoptionfosterclinic.org .

For children in adoptive, foster, or kinship families—especially those in transcultural placements or with complex trauma histories—developing a strong sense of identity and belonging doesn’t happen automatically. In this episode, we explore why racial mirrors and shared-experience support are essential tools for nurturing healthy identity in kids who may not see themselves reflected in their families, schools, or communities. We unpack how regular interactions with peers and mentors of similar racial or cultural backgrounds—and especially those who’ve also experienced adoption or foster care—can affirm a child’s sense of worth, value, and place in the world. These connections offer more than representation—they offer belonging, language, and healing.This episode is sponsored by Show Hope, a movement to care for orphans by engaging the church and reducing barriers to adoption. Learn more at showhope.org. This podcast is produced by The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic, an independent nonprofit interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic clinic that provides trauma-informed comprehensive medical and ongoing therapeutic services for adoptive, foster and kinship care families (both pre and post adoption)—learn more at adoptionfosterclinic.org

Vacations are meant to be relaxing—but for children in adoptive, foster, or kinship families, travel can stir up unexpected emotions, triggers, and challenges. In this episode, we unpack why changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, and even the idea of “leaving home” can be difficult for kids with trauma histories. Our clinicians share insight on how to prepare for travel, signs your child may be struggling, and practical tools to create connection, safety, and fun—even on the go. Whether you're planning a road trip or just a weekend away, this conversation is for you.This episode is sponsored by Show Hope, a movement to care for orphans by engaging the church and reducing barriers to adoption. Learn more at and showhope.org. This podcast is produced by The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic, an independent nonprofit interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic clinic that provides trauma-informed comprehensive medical and ongoing therapeutic services for adoptive, foster and kinship care families (bothpre and post adoption)—learn more at adoptionfosterclinic.org.

Welcome to the "Beneath the Branches" podcast. In this first episode, three of The Adoption and Foster Care Clinic staff members sit down to talk about why we’re launching this podcast and what we hope it will become.Our goal? To be real, to be vulnerable, and to normalize the hard. Adoption, foster and kinship care come with so much beauty—but also deep challenges, messy emotions, and moments that feel overwhelming. We want this podcast to be a space where you don’t feel alone in any of it.So, here’s our commitment to you: Presence over perfection. We’ve walked this road, we are walking this road, and we want you to know—you’re not alone.Adoption is often described as a beautiful solution—but for adoptees and their families, it's never the beginning of the story. It's born out of loss.In this first episode of Beneath the Branches, we open the conversation with honesty and heart, exploring the invisible losses that come with adoption—loss of biological connection, identity, culture, history, and sometimes even safety and stability.We talk about how early trauma—whether remembered or not—shapes the nervous system and emotional world of an adoptee, and how those wounds may show up in behavior, relationships, or self-understanding. Most importantly, we offer insight into how parents and caregivers can support healing by leaning into connection, curiosity, and compassion.This conversation is a foundational one. It’s for families who want to move beyond the highlight reel and into the real work of building trust, honoring grief, and cultivating belonging.Because the beauty of adoption is real—but so is the loss. And we believe there's space to hold both. We are so glad you're here!