Episode 160: Real Talk - Parents of Foster Care

Fostering Voices Podcast

Summary:

At just 25 years old, Lindsey found herself pregnant and the parent of two children in the custody of the Department of Child Safety. She endured a heartbreaking struggle with homelessness, residing in motels and even living on the streets, surrounded by others in similar desperate circumstances. Desperate for change, Lindsey discovered a lifeline—a housing program for pregnant women with substance use disorders. This pivotal moment led her to the Family Involvement Center, igniting her path to healing and the reunion of her fractured family.

Now, Lindsey is an active force in her city, advocating for change through various organizations such as the Parent Advisory Board, the Prevention Advisory Collaborative, and the Family Navigation Action Team. Her passion for improving child welfare has brought her before community audiences, the governor's office, and dependency judges. Lindsey's dedication to serving her community is truly inspiring.

Join us as we delve into Lindsey's extraordinary journey, her triumphs, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact and becoming a beacon of hope and change in foster care.

Resource Links:

Family Involvement Center

Birth-Foster Family Connections • Bright Spots

RiseIssue_35_Parent-Advocacy.pdf

Connect with us!

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

IG: @FosteringVoices

www.fosterarizona.org

Chapters:

00:01 - Open

00:34 - Welcome Lindsey Shine

02:09 - Lindsey's Story

03:47 - Going to the Wrong Attorney

04:21 - Leaving with Nothing

06:21 - Getting Help

07:05 - 5 Months and 3 Years

08:00 - Keeping Hope Alive

09:11 - Homelessness

10:27 - A Fork in the Road

12:19 - One More Shot

14:06 - Severance Trial

15:51 - Transition from Visitation

16:54 - A Traumatic Space

17:54 - A Glorified Babysitter?

19:11 - Being Friends with the Fosters

19:53 - A Broken System Challenge

22:13 - Choosing a Solution

23:38 - Choosing Responsibility

25:07 - Advocating in a Meaningful Way

27:18 - Normalizing Relational Support

28:28 - Deficiencies are Opportunities

30:45 - The Takeaway

32:30 - Being the Change

32:54 - Resources

34:25 - Wrap Up

34:56 - Thank You!