Change The Story

"It takes a village" is something we so often hear, but how often do we see it truly lived out?Sherry Mott joins us on the podcast today to share how she and her community did just that!After seeing a real need in her local county for supportive wraparound care - people needing safe homes, supportive and loving friends and families, generous hearts - Sherry sought out a resource that would bring that true care to her city. Or, more so, God sought out Sherry. With "happenstance" after "happenstance" connecting her to Safe Families, there was no more denying that God was bringing this resource to Sherry in order for her to share it with others. She believes this is the resource that Washington has been waiting for, and we have to agree!Tune in to hear more about just how God wove this story together, what Safe Families is all about, and how you can bring Safe Families to your community and start caring for families in need practically & generously.……………………………..Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.#church #fostercare #washingtonstate #podcast

Alexis joins us on the podcast today!Five years ago, Alexis found herself in the middle of an unplanned pregnancy. She wanted to keep the baby and felt like her deepest dream was coming true - getting to be a mom to a baby girl. But as the pregnancy went on, the biological father left the picture and her family disowned her for having an unplanned pregnancy. She found herself struggling with no support around her. Not wanting to give up the life of her child and wanting to find a way to stay together, she found Safe Families, a nationwide organization that is dedicated to providing wraparound care for families that are struggling.Through this organization, she met Jessica, who helped take care of baby Natalia and helped give Alexis the opportunity to get back on her feet. As time went on, Alexis realized that it would be very difficult to take care of Natalia and made the hardest decision of her life: asking Jessica to consider adopting her baby.In this episode, we'll dive deeper into the full story, Alexis' own adoption background, where she and Natalia are now, and how God, the ultimate Grand Weaver, truly used it all for good. We hope you'll tune in :)Thank you, Alexis, for choosing life, for choosing sacrificial love, and for your courage. You are an inspiration to so many. God bless you!#unplannedpregnancy #fostercare #adoption ……………………………..Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us, see clips from the show, and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.

Justin Peterson joins us on the podcast today!Justin helped plant Table Community Church, a church based in Oregon that, from the very beginning, wanted to practice radical, biblical hospitality in their city.When they reached out to community members to hear what it was the community was actually needing, safe homes for struggling families consistently came up. Justin then heard about Safe Families, a national organization that helps gives churches that practicals and resources for hosting families and really being the wrap around care that so many families were desperately needing. Safe Families works to be a preventative resource so that foster care actually does not end up being needed.Justin shares with us how this became a part of their church DNA, what the last 10 years have looked like, and what how he hopes it can impact more families across the country.Thank you Justin and Table Community Church for truly being the "hands and feet of Jesus" and caring for your community with generous and sacrificial love and hospitality!#fostercare #adoption #church #hospitality……………………………..Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives.To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.

Kaila joins us on the podcast today!Kaila shares with us the story of her family adopting and fostering 5 children in the span of 15 years all from the same mother, a cousin in her family struggling with addiction. Kaila has seen throughout the 15 years the countless resources that her cousin has been given - free rehab, medical attention, chances for support - and none of this has prevented her from her drug usage or giving birth to drug-affected babies.To add fuel to the flame, even with the 15 years of hard drug use, the state still wants to press reunification, fighting to reunite these children with their birth mother, even though she (nor their fathers) have the means to care for them. Not only that, Kaila shares with us the realities of what 15 years of hard drug use does to a person and she does not believe that her cousin will be ready any time soon to be able to care for a child, let alone five.These children are in wonderful homes. Why keep pushing reunification? If the mother has clearly shown no interest in sobriety or creating a life that can sustain herself and multiple children, why press this mandate?Reunification is not always the answer. Family isn't created just by blood. We need to make sure that our lawmakers are hearing our frontline workers and those affected by our current laws to see the real changes that need to be made.Thank you, Kaila, for sharing your insight and your story, and for the incredible work your family has done in taking care of these little ones.……………………………..Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.#fostercare #adoption #washingtonstate #childwelfare

Ezechiel 'Zeke' Bambolo joins us on the podcast today!Zeke is the current Executive Director of Antioch Adoptions (https://antiochadoptions.org/), an adoption agency based out of Washington state that stands apart for a few important reasons: They never charge families for adoption services, they never take government funding, and they operate strictly according to biblical principles. Since its inception, Antioch Adoptions has had the opportunity to help over 500 families.Zeke was also impacted by adoption early on in his life. Originally from Liberia, Zeke was essentially informally adopted by an American missionary couple (Lloyd and Marjorie Garrison) who brought him to the U.S. Not only that, his birth family also regularly took in other children to care for.We are so thankful to Zeke and this legacy of care, adoption, and family. We are so excited for you to hear this episode and hope it inspires you!Thank you, Zeke, for the good work you are doing for these families.……………………………..Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives.To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.#antiochadoptions #adoptions #christian #fostercare

Sarah Strode joins us on the podcast today!Sarah has been a foster parent in Washington State for the past 17 years. She has 8 children, including 5 adopted children with special needs. One of her adopted children, Leo Alexander, made Washington headlines 4 years ago as the little boy who was left in a shed for hours unattended and suffered severe burns after a heater that had been put on a rafter about him fell. This incident caused him to lose his hands, feet, and also caused major scarring to his face and body. Leo’s parents were not only known addicts, but known to be dangerous in their community, and though there were several files open and calls made against them trying to help Leo, the state decided to leave him in their care. After this horrific incident, Sarah and her husband were able to adopt him, along with Matilda, another child left in the care of addicts who suffered a global brain injury after her parents accidentally suffocated her while high. Due to this brain injury, Matilda lost her sight, hearing, and still often reacts to trauma in her body. But, with the gentle care of the Strodes, she has still been able to grow, play, and enjoy life with a loving family.Leo and Matilda are just two cases that we are sharing about today, and it is two cases too many. There are so many more near-death fatalities happening in Washington state and without action, we can anticipate that they will get worse. We want to do our part to stop this and help parents and children alike.Thank you, Sarah, for coming on to the podcast and for the incredible heart you have and work you have done. Matilda and Leo were meant to be Strodes.……………………………..Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.#fostercare #changethestory #adoptionsaveslives #adoption

Representative Alicia Rule joins us on the podcast today!After beginning her career as a social worker over 20 years ago, Rep. Rule has dedicated her life and work to helping better family services and child welfare in Washington state. She recently proposed a bill that would change the current verbiage of “imminent physical harm” to be broader and more immediately help children. She also took into consideration the new fentanyl epidemic, which is particularly deadly to children as the appearance of fentanyl is much more similar to candy than other previous drugs that have arisen in the past.Rep. Rule walked us through her experience as a lawmaker, a social worker, and what she believes the state of Washington really needs to change in order to make a difference in the lives of families.We hope you’ll listen in! Thank you Representative Rule for taking the time to join us and for your decades of service dedicated to the children and families of Washington. We are grateful for you!……………………………..Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.#aliciarule #washingtonstate #fostercare #policymatters

What does it really look like inside the foster care system—and what happens when laws prioritize policy over child safety?Jyasmine Lane gives us an inside look on the podcast today!Jyasmine is a first-time foster mom in Washington state. A former teacher, she has always had a deep care for children and child development. After being married for 9 years and not having any biological children of their own yet, Jyasmine and her husband felt a call to foster.Through fostering, Jyasmine got an inside look on how the system works and was shocked at what she found.  In this episode, we’ll discuss:How reunification decisions are made under current lawHow our current system does not take child development into considerationHow neglect and addiction are minimized in the systemThe unintended consequences of policies framed as protecting minority familiesWhy foster parents must advocate fiercely for children—even when it’s uncomfortableIf you care about foster care, child safety, or how laws impact families on the ground, you won’t want to miss this episode.Thank you, Jyasmine, for the work you are doing and for using your voice to speak out for those who can’t speak for themselves. The children in Washington state need people to fight for them and you are doing that good work. Thank you!……………………………..Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.#fosterfamilies #bipoc #fostercare #fostering #washingtonstate

Note: This episode contains highly sensitive topicsSuzanne Timms joins us on the podcast today!At 3 years old, Suzanne (then Dallas Otto) witnessed the tragedy of seeing her parents in a physical altercation ending with her father dragging her mother out of sight, never to be seen again by her or her sister. Once the police became involved in the case, Suzanne and her sister were temporarily removed, only to be placed back in her father’s care, even after being tried for attempted murder of the captain of the police department and having a very present drug addiction.Since then, she has been on a personal mission to solve the case of her missing mother as well as advocating for all children who are being put back into dangerous situations. With her father’s addiction, prior convictions, and leaving her and her sister alone in the house for days on end, she shares that she is one of the lucky ones and that it is a miracle she is here today. But she knows there are others who are not so fortunate and who, like her, are being placed back into homes with very high risk factors, even if actual physical harm has not yet come to pass. She (and we here at Fostering Change Washington) do not want it to get to that point.Suzanne now aims to be a voice for the voiceless. Thinking back to her childhood when she felt “No one is listening to me,” she has made it her aim to make sure every child is heard.Thank you, Suzanne, for sharing your story and for the work you are doing to make sure every child is heard and protected.……………………………..Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/Learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.

Representative Josh Penner joins us on the podcast today!A lifelong resident of Washington State, Penner has served formally served as mayor of Orting, WA from 2018 until the end of 2025, when he was elected to the Washington House of Representatives. He is also a US Marine Corp veteran and father of 4 children, two of which have special needs.In our conversation today, we covered the topic of the "boy in the tent", the heartbreaking news story that took Washington by storm, exposing what is really going on in the child welfare system and what the real implications of our current policies are. We dive into what is preventing policy reform from happening, how our child welfare system compares to other similar states, and what we hope to accomplish this current session.We urge you to take a listen; this conversation is so important. We cannot have more "caskets of children" just to appease political parties.Thank you, Representative Josh Penner, for all the work you are doing and for coming on the podcast today. We truly appreciate it.……………………………..Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/Learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.#joshpenner #fosteringchangewa #fostercare #adoption

Tracie Jefferson - foster mom, physician’s assistant, and child advocate - joins us on the podcast today!In the past year, Tracie has lead the charge on several campaigns on conversations to help recall and change House Bill 1227, otherwise known as the Keeping Families Together Act. She, and many others, have seen the devastating impact this bill has made on Washington state and its families. This past year, there was a record high of child mortality rates, an increase of 200% from previous years, with the highest affected population being children from 0 to 3 years of age.The new bill indicates that children should not be removed from their homes unless there is ‘imminent physical harm’ present, meaning ‘Could this child be dead within the next few days because of physical harm?’ It does not take into consideration neglect, the presence of drug use in the home, or emotional harm. The stories we have heard from this past year are horrific and we are asking Washington state to draw a line in the sand and say enough is enough. In this episode, we’ll chat about the upcoming Day of Action happening in Olympia, how you can join us, and what we are asking for. Tracie shares her expertise in the medical field to talk further in depth about what is really needed for families to thrive and how this bill is negatively affecting our children and disregarding what they fully need. Plus, we’ll talk about the implications of what it would mean for the future of Washington state if these things do not change.We hope you’ll join us for this episode, share with someone you think would be interested, and join us next week as we share more about Day of Action!……………………………..Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.

Jeanette Oblecz, a supervisor, social worker, and union rep in Washington state, joins us for Part 2 on the podcast today! In this episode, Jeanette shares with us how HB 1227 has fulfilled its duty, but not in the way we think. With the bill’s main objective being putting children back together with parents, regardless of that parent's sobriety status, previous intake history, displays of neglect, or other indicators of an unsafe environment, HB 1227 has fulfilled its duty by completely overwhelming its social workers and the child welfare system, so much so, that the “best thing to do” is put these children back with their families. These conditions have also led to severe social worker shortages, an increase in “revolving-door” cases, and, most tragically, an increase in child fatalities and near-fatalities, which Jeanette shares with us, she does not expect will go down soon if things do not change. Thank you, Jeanette, for joining us on the episode today and for not giving up the fight. Our children deserve care and safety, our parents need real support and resources, and our state needs to make a change if we want to see a better future for all of us. Thank you again for all you do!! If there was a moment in this episode that stood out to you, drop a comment below- we’d love to hear your thoughts! …………………………….. Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website and learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode: https://fosteringchangewa.org/ Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WA Want to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel. #fostercare #socialworker #fostercarecrisis

Jeanette Oblecz, social worker and union rep in Washington state, joins us on the podcast today!Jeanette shares with us the behind-the-scenes of the making of HB 1227, including the explicit exclusion of social workers, educators, and other child development experts in the creation of this bill, how this new bill has overwhelmed the system, and what the future of the bill might look like thanks to representatives like Travis Couture.Thank you, Jeanette, for the work you are doing in Washington state, and helping to ensure that parents receive the interventions they need and children receive the safety they need.Drop a comment below with the stand out moment for you- we would love to hear your thoughts! ……………………………..Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: ‪@fosteringchangewa‬ TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.#policymatters #socialworker #washingtonstate

We have a very special guest joining us in the studio today- Jessica's daughter, Stephanie Hanna!Stephanie was adopted into the Hanna family after a short stint as a temporary foster placement. Stephanie shares with us what it was like to grow up in a home that, while filled with love, did not have the basics for living- like running water or heat. While she was not a victim of physical abuse, now one of the requirements for removal under HB1227, she certainly did feel the effect of neglect. She shared with us that she often wondered why her neighbors didn’t say anything or do anything or why her social workers would come and go and leave her there and in her words, why nobody “rescued” her earlier. After temporarily being placed with the Hanna family and feeling a connection with Jessica (and Jessica feeling the same), she was able to advocate for herself to her social worker for a long-term placement that eventually led to adoption. Now, she is a mother of her own and working on her nursing degree while also advocating for other children in foster care that are not able to advocate for themselves.Thanks to social workers that were able to make a difference, legislation that allowed change and a new start, and a foster family that was invested in their foster child and their birth family, Stephanie was able to have a bright and healthy future. That is what we want for every child in foster care in Washington State and beyond.Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing your story!……………………………..Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: ‪@fosteringchangewa‬ TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.Thank you so much for wanting to support us and joining us in this fight for a better tomorrow for our kids.#fostercare #adoption #washingtonstate

Jim Sporleder, a former special education teacher turned administrator, joins us on the podcast today! In this episode, Jim shares the story of how he himself was a "behavior problem" through school and his surprising journey to becoming a special education teacher, then administrator. After many years as a successful principal, he was asked to help turn around a failing alternative school in Walla Walla, WA. Using what he had learned about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and implementing trauma-informed intervention, he was able to turn this school, and these children's lives, completely around–so much so, that it caught the attention of Hollywood.We hope you'll join us today as Jim shares his story, gives the behind-the-scenes on the making of Paper Tigers (2015), and what he believes all teachers, legislators, and people should know about ACEs and trauma-informed intervention.Thank you so much, Jim, for your care, compassion, and dedication in helping our children and for the way you have changed so many lives. Thank you!You can watch Paper Tigers (2015) for free through Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B01KKYE5II/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_rTo learn more about the project, you can visit their website: https://kpjrfilms.co/paper-tigers/.............................................Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.Thank you so much for wanting to support us and joining us in this fight for a better tomorrow for our kids.#papertigerdocumentary #alternativeschool #washingtonstate

"Annie" joins us on the podcast today as she shares the story of "Kit", her now adopted daughter. At only 3 years old, "Kit" had already experienced physical & sexual abuse, homelessness, near starvation, and severe neglect– so much so that Kit's therapist advised Annie to treat Kit "as you would a war veteran" because of the severe PTSD Kit was experiencing.Kit is now 10 years old and shared with Annie how she is so glad she was “rescued”, as she puts it. Though this story turned out well for Kit, she is away from her abusers and with a safe family, she is still experiencing the severe consequences of being left in an abusive and negligent home.And it is still going on for so many children. Our laws in Washington state are still valuing quick reunification over safe reunification and putting children back into homes with parents that are actively harming their children.We want better for our children in Washington; we want them to have a chance at life and a bright and beautiful future.Thank you, Annie, for sharing your story, and we hope that it helps make a change in Olympia for all of our children in Washington State.For more information the Keeping Kids SAFE Rally for Action on January 14th, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CSqaxoW8R/?mibextid=wwXIfr.............................Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fosteringchangewa Facebook: Fostering Change WAWant to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.Thank you so much for wanting to support us and joining us in this fight for a better tomorrow for our kids.#fostercare #childrenfirst #policymatters

Jamie Williams joins us on the podcast today as we discuss early intervention, the stories she saw as a nurse working with drug-addicted newborns, her own fostering story, and her insight on what Washington state can do to truly better the foster care system.Jamie is a former nurse, working most of her career in Labor & Delivery and working some time in urgent care, family practice, and mental health. During her many years as an L&D nurse, she  took care of infants withdrawing from substances such as meth, cocaine, marijuana and opioids, going to great lengths with her team to help these infants as they are at a much higher risk for SIDS and other life threatening conditions.Join us for this insightful episode and thank you, Jamie, for sharing your story and knowledge with us!For more information on the links and events mentioned in this episode, please check below:Keeping Kids SAFE https://keeping-kids-safe.org/Keeping Kids SAFE Rally for Action (January 14th - Olympia, WA): https://www.facebook.com/share/1QHc2T61UJ/?mibextid=wwXIfrOFCO Data https://ofco.wa.gov/reports-and-dataFostering Change Merch Storehttps://fosteringchangewa.org/merch-1Previous episodes can be found here on our channel or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeartPodcasts...............................................................Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/ Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: ‪@fosteringchangewa‬ TikTok: @fostering.change Facebook: Fostering Change WA 

Patrick Dowd, the director of the Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds, joins us today to discuss the complexities of child welfare currently happening in Washington State, including the significant increase in child fatalities and near fatalities, the impact of legislative changes like House Bill 1227 and Senate Bill 6109, and the challenges posed by the fentanyl crisis. With over a decade of experience as director, Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles in public defense and the State Office of Public Defense and shares his expertise on balancing parental rights with child safety, along with discussing the role of the Ombuds office in maintaining confidentiality and independence. Thank you, Patrick, for your insight, expertise, and for joining us on this mission! For more information on the reports discussed today, please visit Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds website here: https://ofco.wa.gov/reports-and-data/archived-reports-and-data To review the documents shared in today's episode, please check out the Child Fatalities and Near Fatalities in Washington State report: https://ofco.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025_OFCO_Critical_Incident_Report_0.pdf ............................................................... Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/ Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: ‪@fosteringchangewa‬ TikTok: @fostering.change Facebook: Fostering Change WA Want to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and here on our channel. Thank you so much for wanting to support us and joining us in this fight for a better tomorrow for our kids. #fostercare #fentanylcrisis #policychange

Angela Kraemer joins us on the podcast today as she shares her personal story with foster care and what inspired her to found a private agency that helps transport foster care children for their visitations.Angela candidly shares her personal story of being born addicted to cocaine and heroin, being in a detox unit as a newborn, and eventually being adopted by her half-aunt, only 13 years older than her. Though her early years were filled with turmoil, Angela had the chance to live and grow and eventually give back to those who were born into similar situations as hers.We hope you'll tune to this incredible story and thank you again, Angela, for sharing with us and the amazing work you do to help better the lives of those in foster care................................................................Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/ Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fostering.change Facebook: Fostering Change WA Want to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and here on our channel. Thank you so much for wanting to support us and joining us in this fight for a better tomorrow for our kids.#socialwork #fostercare #washingtonstate

Kristina Johnson joins us on the podcast today as we talk about the drastic changes that have happened in Washington State over the last five years in regards to foster care, the devastating results of HB 1227 (and how every social worker, therapist, and stakeholder she knows knew it was going to fail), the stakes she personally has in making sure these parents become clean and well, and what she recommends to legislators as we move forward in 2026.Kristina Johnson is a licensed therapist and has been working in Washington State for the last 10 years. She is a former foster parent and single mom, who understands more than most the struggles many of these single parents are facing. As an undergrad, she dreamed of the job she currently has and while she will continue in this line of work, she was regretful to tell us that "her dream job has become a nightmare."We hope that with our voices together - foster parents, therapists, social workers, former foster kids - we can change our children's future for good.Thank you for joining us today and thank you again to Kristina for sharing her story!...............................................................Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/ Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fostering.change Facebook: Fostering Change WA Want to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, or watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/_VTZ6erJg9gThank you so much for wanting to support us and joining us in this fight for a better tomorrow for our kids.#socialwork #fostercare #washingtonstate 

Listener Discretion: This episode contains mention of infant sexual abuse, starvation, and infant death.Amanda Ross joins us on the podcast today as she shares the story of sweet Baby Bianca, a foster placement who was only 3 days old when she came into Amanda's care. Throughout the following 11 months, Bianca grew and thrived, connecting with her foster siblings, passing all her baby health checks, doing fun activities with her foster family. She was attached and she was thriving.11 months after this placement, CPS returned Baby Bianca to her bio-mom, who had since had another child, making Baby Bianca the middle of 3 young kids. Bianca was given back and forth between bio-mom and bio-dad for the next year- in which several more reports against them were brought up to CPS, without any action taken. Older Sister started showing up to daycare with blood in her diaper area, along with bruising on her body. When Baby Bianca was admitted into the hospital, they found the same blood and bruises on her body, her frail frame weighing only 17 pounds- less than when she was 11 months old. Baby Bianca died shortly after being admitted into the hospital.We share this story with you not to place the blame on any one person, but to show that this death could have absolutely been prevented. Baby Bianca had a chance at life. And because of the current ideology of Washington State to reunify families no matter the cost, even when the parents are currently unfit, a life has been lost.Baby Bianca is not just another number.She is not just another case file.She is not a statistic.She is a little girl who laughed and played and was very, very loved.And now she is gone.We do not want to lose any more children. Things have to change. And we will be on the frontlines, fighting for that change.We hope you will join us too.- - - - - - - - - - - -Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/ Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: @fosteringchangewa TikTok: @fostering.change Facebook: Fostering Change WA Want to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and here on our channel. Thank you so much for wanting to support us and joining us in this fight for a better tomorrow for our kids.

Representative Tom Dent joins us on the podcast today as we talk about the process of making policies for foster care. We talk about the origins of House Bill 1227, the beginnings of the DCYF Oversight board, and where they are hoping to take DCYF in the upcoming years.We are so thankful to have gotten to have this incredible insightful chat with one of our representatives! And as he reminded us, this government is not private and is for the people and by the people, which means we are invited to these meetings to share our voices. We encourage anyone interested to join Rep. Tom Dent at the next DCYF Oversight Meeting (which happens to be next week! Sept.22nd)For more information on DCYF Oversight Meetings, please check out this link: https://dcyfoversight.wa.gov/dcyf-oversight-board-meetings For more information on the DCYF Oversight Board, check out https://dcyfoversight.wa.gov/ Thank you again, Representative Tom Dent, and thank you all for listening and watching! Your views, comments, and shares make a difference. Thank you. #fostercare #policymatters #washingtonstate- - - - - - - - - - -Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: Instagram: ‪@fosteringchangewa‬ TikTok: @fostering.change Facebook: Fostering Change WA Want to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and here on our channel. Thank you so much for wanting to support us and joining us in this fight for a better tomorrow for our kids.

We had the privilege of joining Dave & Lance on KIT AM for an early morning radio segment a few weeks ago. We loved our conversation and hearing Dave & Lance's perspective on things and we wanted to share it with you as well. We hope you enjoy the episode and we'll see you again next week!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - For more information on the work Fostering Change WA is doing in Washington State to help those in foster care and make a change in our system, please visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/ To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: 📸 Instagram: ‪@fosteringchangewa‬ 🕺🏻 TikTok: @fostering.change 💻 Facebook: Fostering Change WA 💚 Want to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and here on our channel. Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want listens and shares to become action that will save lives. Thank you so much for wanting to support us and joining us on this fight for a better tomorrow for our kids. Thank you!!

Dena Johnson joins us for the podcast today as we talk science: the life-long biological impact on children who experience trauma, what helps and hinders a healthy attachment, and why prioritizing blood bonds (blood relatives) may not be as helpful as we think. A licensed mental health counselor in Washington State with a private practice of almost 25 years, two post-grad certifications in TBRI and Attachment-Focused Trauma Therapy, and a foster mom herself, Dena had a WEALTH of knowledge to share with us and we are so excited for you to listen in 💚 For more information on the work Fostering Change WA is doing in Washington State to help those in foster care and make a change in our system, please visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/ #fostercare #fostering #fostercarepodcast - - - - - - - - - - - To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: 📸 Instagram: ‪@fosteringchangewa‬ 🕺🏻 TikTok: @fostering.change 💻 Facebook: Fostering Change WA 💚 Want to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and here on our channel. Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want listens to become action that will save lives. Thank you so much for your support and joining us on this fight for a better tomorrow for our kids. Thank you!!

We are interrupting our usual schedule with an important story- Tara Harris is the aunt of Big Sis & Baby B, two children who, under the current laws of Washington State, have been placed back with their biological mother. Just 1 hour after being returned to his biological mother's care, Baby B overdosed on fentanyl and had to be narcanned 4 times to save his life.  He’s now safe, back in his aunt's care, but tomorrow, the court could send him back. This isn’t protecting kids—it’s policy failure.  Please join us in sharing this episode and help bring real care and safety to Baby B & Big Sis.

Mike Johnson joins us on the podcast today as we talk about his decades of experience working with the unhoused and being an advocate for foster care in Washington State. Join us as we talk about the decades of research done about the lives of those experiencing homelessness or found in the foster care system, and what we can do to best help those in need based on this research.

We're back! And now we're doing a podcast! Our mission is to give a voice to the voiceless, specifically foster children in Washington State. With the sudden rise of child deaths in Washington, we knew it was time to come back and fight. We hope you'll join us in making a real difference in these children's lives!