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“Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever..” -Psalm 23:6   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with Jesse Faris. Jesse is the Director of Community Engagement and Training at Empowered To Connect—a nonprofit equipping foster, adoptive, and kinship families, along with churches with trauma-informed, connection-based parenting tools. She lives in Memphis, TN with her husband of 20 years and two teenage daughters who came to her family as toddlers through international adoption.   Drawing from their personal adoption journeys, Sandra and Jesse explore how understanding trauma, attachment, and the unique needs of fostered and adopted children can transform parenting.   Listeners will discover the 9 Connecting Practices that help strengthen relationships and build trust, along with practical strategies for balancing nurture and structure, building life skills, and responding thoughtfully to challenging behaviors.   Sandra and Jesse remind parents that even when parenting gets messy, there's always room for repair, growth, and connection!   Find Sandra and Jesse’s conversation wherever you get your podcasts.   Links mentioned in this episode: Empowered to Connect Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” -1 Thessalonians 5:11   On this episode, host Sandra Flach shares reflections from her recent experiences at the CAFO Summit in Atlanta and FASD United’s national symposium and advocacy events in Washington, D.C.   From connecting with fellow parents to meeting researches, professionals, and advocates working to improve the future for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and their families, Sandra shares encouraging news about the growing movement for awareness, education, resources, and support.   If you are parenting a child, teen, or young adult with FASD, you know the journey can feel overwhelming and isolating—you are not alone. There is hope and this episode will encourage you. While there is still much work to be done,  we are making progress—and we are stronger together.   Links mentioned in this episode: FASDUnited.org Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

“This is what the Lord Almighty said, “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.” -Zechariah 7:9 This episode continues our  FASD Awareness Month series with special guest, foster and adoptive mom, Rebecca Ciesielski. After years of searching for answers, Rebecca’s child received an FASD diagnosis at age eight. Along the way, she discovered the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Approach and began viewing challenging behaviors through a brain-based lens—recognizing differences in processing, regulation, memory, and inconsistent performance and responding with appropriate accommodations and support. That shift was so impactful that Rebecca eventually became a certified FASCETS facilitator and now serves as president of the Texas FASD Network, helping educate, encourage, and advocate for families and professionals in Texas. If you’re parenting or supporting someone with FASD, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that when we understand the brain differently, we can respond differently. Listen in as Rebecca shares her FASD story on episode 552 of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey podcast. Links mentioned in this episode: FASDUnited.org Texas FASD Network Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'” -Isaiah 52:7   This episode continues our  FASD Awareness Month series with our special guest, Kathrin Hui Gregorovic. Kathrin grew up in Switzerland and now lives in Austria with her family. She and her husband are foster parents to two neurodivergent kiddos. Kathrin is also an artist. As a child she loved drawing and that passion was rekindled as she learned about FASD and started drawing again for self-care. Kathrin calls herself an ‘advocartoonist’—using her illustrations and cartoons to advocate for people with FASD.   Listen in as Kathrin Hui Gregorovic shares her family’s FASD story and how she uses her talents on behalf of the FASD community worldwide.   Links mentioned in this episode: https://redshoesrock.com/ FASDUnited.org Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” -Psalm 139:13-14   This episode continues our  FASD Awareness Month series with our special guest, Patricia Kasper. Patti is an author, podcast host, self-advocate, life coach, social worker, as well as a former therapist and hospice chaplain. With over thirty years of experience in addiction, mental health, and  child welfare, Patti took a deep dive into FASD to better support the children and families on her caseload. In the process, she discovered that she too is on the FASD spectrum. Her self-identification was later confirmed with an FASD diagnosis.    The magnitude of seeing oneself differently, through a truer lens, and understanding the impacts of prenatal brain injury upon one’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development, uniquely experienced by everyone, revolutionized both her personal and professional life. Patti’s work pivoted to focus solely on FASD in hopes of bringing a monumental shift in understanding and grace to the nearly 15 million adults in the U.S. who have never understood why life was harder for them than for most.   Listen in as Patti Kasper shares from both her professional experience and as an adult diagnosed with FASD.   Links mentioned in this episode: patriciakasper.com FASDUnited.org Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” -Psalm 139:13-14   This episode continues our  FASD Awareness Month series with our special guest, Jessica Sachs. Jessica is the FASD Specialty Dept. Coordinator & Family Peer Supervisor at Children’s Service Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA. She has more than 14 years of experience supporting families and navigating mental and behavioral health systems—with a strong focus on FASD education, advocacy, and family support.   Jessica is also the mom of 5 children. Her FASD journey began personally when she started navigating mental and behavioral health services with her oldest kids. Her passion is bringing greater understanding of FASD to families and professionals, so individuals are better understood and receive the support, accommodation, and treatment they truly need.   Listen in as Jessica shares from both her professional experience and as a birth mom of a child with FASD.   Links mentioned in this episode: Children’s Service Center PA FASDUnited.org Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; Ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up of the poor and helpless,  And see that they get justice.” -Proverbs 31:8-9   This episode kicks off FASD Awareness Month with our special guest, Emma Baldwin.  Emma is a sibling of a person with FASD and an autistic self-advocate. Emma’s work in the FASD field began with the FASD Network of Southern California and training initiatives at Proof Alliance in Minnesota. While living in Minnesota, Emma served on the advisory council of the Univ. of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration and chaired St. Paul Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. Today, Emma is the Director of Partnerships at FASD United—leading the FASD United Affiliate Network (which JFO is a member of), supporting the Living Experience track of the International FASD Research Conference, and overseeing the development of the FASD Symposium and White Papers.   Listen in as Emma shares how FASD United, the national organization in the U.S., is empowering people living with FASD, educating systems of care and the public, enacting policy and uniting communities everywhere so that those living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure are recognized and supported.   Links mentioned in this episode: FASDUnited.org Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

“Be Still and know that I am God.” -Psalm 46:10 What happens when the traditional school system simply isn’t working for your child? For families raising children impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), finding the right educational environment can require flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to let go of what we thought education was supposed to look like. In this episode of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey, Sandra reconnects with Melissa Dunn Corkum for an honest, informal conversation about their experiences homeschooling children with FASD. Neither approaches the conversation as an educational expert—they're sharing from the perspective of moms who have lived it. Melissa and Sandra talk about the freedom homeschooling can provide to slow down, follow a child's strengths and interests, reduce unnecessary pressure, and create an educational experience around the child's actual needs rather than forcing the child to fit a predetermined curriculum. They also explore the importance of structure, repetition, experiential learning, individualized accommodations, and recognizing that what works for one child may not work for another. From Ninja Warrior and bouldering to learning through everyday routines, their stories demonstrate how strengths-based education can open doors that traditional approaches sometimes miss. But this conversation isn't just about educating our children. Melissa introduces the concept of blocked care and explains why caring for the caregiver's nervous system is essential for long-term parenting. Together, they discuss practical ways parents can recognize stress, reconnect with supportive people, regulate their nervous systems, and give themselves permission to make changes when something isn't working. Whether you're currently homeschooling, considering a change in educational placement, or simply trying to figure out how to help your child learn and thrive, this conversation offers encouragement that there isn't one right way to educate a child—and it's okay to find the way that works for your family.   Links mentioned in this episode: Melissa is also offering a free 10-question Blocked Care Assessment specifically for Justice for Orphans listeners:  risetoregulation.com/jfo Facebook Group: Homeschool the FASD way-a global community Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” -Romans 8:28 What happens when a child is taken from everything he knows and placed in a completely different culture, language, and family? For Isaac Melber, adoption was the beginning of a journey that would lead him through grief, questions of identity, healing, faith, and ultimately a calling to ministry. In this episode of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey, Isaac shares his powerful story of growing up in Ethiopia, losing his parents, spending time in a Christian orphanage, and eventually being adopted by an American family. He opens up about the challenges of cultural transition and the questions he wrestled with as an adoptee—and how Scripture became an anchor for his identity and healing. Isaac also shares about returning to Ethiopia as a teenager to meet members of his birth family and the unexpected opportunity God gave him to share the gospel with them. His story is a beautiful reminder that God can redeem even the hardest parts of our stories and use them for His purposes. In This Episode, We Talk About: Isaac’s childhood in Ethiopia and his experience in a Christian orphanage The transition from Ethiopia to life with an American adoptive family Navigating language, culture, food, grief, and loss as an adoptee How Scripture helped Isaac process grief and establish his identity The importance of grounding identity in Christ rather than circumstances or achievements Isaac’s journey through soccer, football, and wrestling—and learning to use sports to honor God Discovering his calling to ministry His emotional return to Ethiopia and reunion with members of his birth family Sharing the gospel with his family during his visit Isaac’s book, Twice Delivered, and his desire to encourage adoptees, adoptive families, and the church Practical encouragement for parents raising children from hard places A Word of Encouragement for Foster & Adoptive Parents One of Isaac’s most important messages for parents is simple: keep loving your child, even when they reject that love. There may not be a formula for parenting a child from a hard place, but faithful, consistent love matters. Isaac encourages parents to look for everyday opportunities to talk about adoption, identity, grief, and trauma. A movie, a holiday, a family gathering, or an ordinary conversation can open the door to questions a child may already be carrying inside. His story also reminds us that our children’s stories don't end with their trauma, loss, or adoption. God is still writing their stories—and sometimes we have the privilege of walking beside them as they discover who they are in Christ. Scripture Mentioned Isaac reflects on the importance of immersing children in God's Word from an early age, drawing from passages including Deuteronomy 6, James 1, and John 3. “Our identity isn't found in what we accomplish. Our identity is found in Christ.” About Isaac Melber Isaac Melber is an adoptee from Ethiopia, pastor, speaker, and author of Twice Delivered. His personal experience of adoption, cultural transition, faith, and reunion with his birth family has shaped his passion for encouraging adoptees, adoptive families, and the church to see adoption through a biblical and hope-filled perspective. Resources Twice Delivered — Isaac Melber’s book explores the beauty and complexity of adoption through the perspectives of adoptees, adoptive families, and the church. It combines personal stories, Scripture, discussion questions, and prayers to encourage families and communities. Connect & Listen If this episode encouraged you, share it with a foster or adoptive parent, an adoptee, or someone who wants to better understand the adoption journey. And remember: God doesn't waste our stories. Even the hard chapters can become part of His redemptive work. Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.isaacmelber.com/ Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

“Behold, I am going to do something new,  Now it will spring up; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.” -Isaiah 43:19   On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Holly Seaver. Holly is a Christian, wife, mom of a multiracial and multicultural adoptive family, foster mom, and children’s book author. Her writing is inspired by her family’s lived experience including titles such as “My New Home & Me” and "Jack & Max & the Happy Home—A Foster Care Story”   Listen in as Holly shares her family’s journey from empty nest to full house after she and her husband felt led to become foster parents. Fostering led to adopting—something they never planned to do. Now their nest is full! Along the way she started writing children’s books for kids in foster care.   Enjoy Holly’s inspiring story and be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: https://hollyseaverbooks.com/ Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

“You will keep in perfect peace All who trust in You, All whose thoughts are fixed on you!” -Isaiah 26:3   On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with our favorite returning guest, Dr. Jerrod Brown, about Frontal Lobe Impairment and what it means for children impacted by FASD, trauma, and other neuro-developmental differences.   Dr. Brown explains how the frontal lobe plays an important role in: self-regulation, executive functioning, decision making, communication, and adaptive functioning. When these areas of the brain are impaired, what looks like defiance or poor behavior may actually be a sign that a child is struggling with a brain-based difference.   Dr. Brown has 6 PhD’s and specializes in topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth fire-setting. You can check out his full bio on our website along with dozens of our bonus episodes featuring Dr Brown.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: Bonus Episodes with Dr. Brown Dr. Brown’s email: [email protected] Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

"An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside Him. Then He said to them, 'Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.'" -Luke 9:46-48   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate, and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care, and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with Scott Fuller, Vice President of Advancement at Murphy-Harpst Children's Centers, a ministry that has been serving vulnerable children in Georgia for more than 100 years.   Scott shares his unexpected journey from church planting to advocating for children in foster care, along with a powerful story of hope that demonstrates what can happen when children receive consistent care, compassionate support, and adults who believe in their future.   Together, Sandra and Scott discuss the life-changing work of Murphy-Harpst, the importance of community for foster and adoptive families, how trauma-informed care helps children heal and thrive, and the Bible passage that transformed Scott's understanding of ministry and service.   Whether you're a foster or adoptive parent, someone who supports vulnerable children, or simply looking for encouragement, this conversation is a reminder that God often accomplishes His greatest work through ordinary people who faithfully say "yes."   Listen to Sandra's conversation with Scott Fuller on Episode 543 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: https://murphyharpst.org/ [email protected] Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace." -Matthew 11:28 & 29 MSG   Children with trauma and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) often aren't choosing challenging behaviors—they're struggling with brain-based differences that affect memory, impulse control, and executive functioning. In this week's episode of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey Podcast, Sandra Flach explores: What confabulation is (and why it's often mistaken for lying) Why consequences and punishment frequently don't work How shifting from consequences to accommodations can transform your relationship with your child   When we recognize the difference between can't and won't, we can replace frustration with compassion and create the supports our children truly need.   Listen now and discover practical, brain-based strategies that can bring more peace and connection to your parenting journey.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" -Jeremiah 32:27   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   In this episode host Sandra Flach sits down with Dr. Mark Andrews, adoptive father and founder of Adoptive Family Resources, to talk about his family's adoption journey and how it shaped his life's work of supporting foster and adoptive families.   Mark shares how learning about trauma, attachment, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) transformed both his parenting and his professional ministry. Together, they discuss the importance of understanding the brain behind the behavior, finding the right support, and remembering that we don't have to walk this journey alone.   If you're raising children impacted by trauma or prenatal substance exposure—or you simply need a reminder that God sees your family and is with you every step of the way—this conversation will encourage and equip you.   As Mark reminds us, "The Lord loves your child even more than you do."   Listen wherever you get your podcasts!   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: Adoptive Family Resources See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." -Proverbs 22:6   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   In this week's episode of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey, Sandra Flach sits down with pediatric physical therapist and foster dad Trevor Carlson to explore how trauma, neglect, and prenatal substance exposure can impact a child's development—from tummy time to walking. Trevor shares practical, hope-filled strategies to help caregivers support healthy development while reminding us of one essential truth: connection comes before correction. In this episode, you'll discover: Why developmental milestones matter—but don't tell the whole story How trauma can affect a child's physical development Simple ways to encourage tummy time and movement Why safety and connection are the foundation for growth Encouragement for parents raising children with developmental delays Whether you're parenting a newborn, toddler, or a child with a history of trauma, this conversation will equip you with practical tools and a fresh perspective.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: Tummy Time Book therapykids.org See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon