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Summary: Fostering Voices returns with an important conversation about marijuana use among young adults and why the growing normalization of cannabis may carry deeper consequences than many realize. Brian and Kim explore the impact legalization has had on youth, especially those connected to foster care, housing instability, and mental health challenges. This episode examines emerging research linking cannabis use to increased risks for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, school disruption, impaired driving, and long-term instability. The discussion also highlights why vulnerable youth populations may face even greater risks and how substance use can affect motivation, relationships, education, employment, and housing outcomes. Most importantly, this conversation approaches addiction with compassion rather than judgment. Brian and Kim discuss what may be happening beneath the surface in a young person's life and share practical pathways toward help, including support groups, behavioral health services, outpatient care, and inpatient treatment options. Join us for a thoughtful and honest discussion about youth, mental health, and hope.   Resource Links: Risk of Adolescent and Young Adult Cannabis Use https://ncsacw.acf.gov/files/cannabis-tipsheet4.pdf  Adolescent Cannabis Use and Risk of Psychotic, Bipolar, Depressive, and Anxiety Disorders | Health Policy | JAMA Health Forum | JAMA Network Driving under the influence of cannabis and alcohol: Evidence from a national sample of young drivers - PMC Marijuana Use Tied to Worse School Outcomes for Teens | Just Think Twice Not My Kid - Resource Arizona notMYkid Substance Use Resources For Adolescents and Young Adults – SAHM National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues | SAMHSA   1-800-662-4357   Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: Today, we're joined by Leah and Brian from the Gift of Adoption Fund to explore how families are supported as they welcome youth who have faced adversity into permanent, loving homes. With more than 6,500 children served and over $22 million in adoption funding provided, their work is creating tangible pathways to stability and belonging. While many people associate adoption with infants, this conversation broadens the lens to highlight critical needs within our communities. Leah and Brian share their personal journeys into adoption advocacy, what drew them to this work, and the moments that have shaped their impact. We also take a closer look at the realities inside the foster care system, including guardianship transitions, relative licensing, private adoptions from foster care, and the role of pre-adoption grants. Beyond the system, we discuss emerging needs like young adult adoptions, what families should expect in the process, and why stepping into this space matters now more than ever. This episode offers both insight and inspiration, grounded in real stories of lives changed through connection and commitment. Resource Links: Gift of Adoption Grants Apply for a Gift of Adoption Grant Now Foster Arizona - Learn more about foster care and adoption  Foster Arizona | Foster & Adobt Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: Isolation is one of the most consistent challenges we hear from the young adults we serve. Many feel like they are navigating life on their own, and that sense of disconnection doesn't just affect them—it impacts their families as well. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to break that isolation and how we can step in with meaningful support. We're joined by Wendi Cross, author of Not Forgotten and CEO of xHope. Wendi shares how her personal journey—including adoption, ministry, and building community—shaped her passion for helping others experience connection. Her story highlights how access to relationships and resources can shift not just circumstances, but mindset. We talk about the real need behind the issue: connection. What happens when it's present, and what happens when it's missing. Through stories and practical insight, this conversation brings clarity to the role we can all play. Finally, we ask a simple but challenging question: what does it look like to be a safe connection for someone else? From recognizing healthy relationships to showing up with encouragement, honesty, and awareness, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful path forward.   Resource Links: Not Forgotten by Wendi Cross: Book | X Hope Inc xHOPE Missions   Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In a time marked by division and uncertainty, today's conversation confronts a hard reality. Many of the youth we care about are struggling to find their footing. Fragmentation across culture, ideology, and community has not just created tension. It has created confusion for young people trying to navigate identity, belonging, and direction. Ignoring it is not an option. This episode invites a direct and honest discussion about what we are seeing on the ground. As adults, whether leaders, parents, mentors, or caregivers, we carry a responsibility to move beyond observation and toward action. The goal is not to debate positions, but to better understand the pressures shaping today's youth and to develop practical ways to guide them forward. Regardless of political perspective, there is common ground in the desire to see young people thrive. That shared goal is where meaningful progress begins. Joining the conversation is Estefana Johnson. Her work within the foster community is deeply informed by her experience as a first-generation child of immigrants. Her story brings both professional insight and personal depth. It offers a perspective that bridges cultural complexity with thoughtful, therapeutic care. This episode challenges us to listen more carefully, respond more thoughtfully, and lead more intentionally. The aim is clear. The youth we serve should not be left to navigate these challenges alone. They should be equipped with clarity, resilience, and hope. Resource Links: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking: Gladwell, Malcolm: 9780316010665: Amazon.com: Books The True Story Behind 'The Best of Enemies' Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In this episode, we explore how parents and caregivers can find strength, encouragement, and resilience through shared experiences with others who understand their journey. Parenting—especially within the foster care community—can sometimes feel isolating, but connection with others who have walked a similar path can provide the support and perspective families need to keep moving forward. Joining the conversation is Ricky Denwood, who has served the foster care community in many roles. As a foster parent, adoptive dad, parent trainer, and community advocate, Ricky brings both professional insight and personal experience. He shares his own journey in foster care and the lessons he has learned along the way. We begin by getting to know Ricky—his professional path and the personal experiences that shaped his passion for supporting foster families. Then we dive into the importance of peer support within the foster community. Ricky discusses why meaningful connection matters, what healthy and supportive relationships can look like, and how parents can balance the responsibilities of daily life while still building a strong, supportive community around them. Resource Links: Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents Foster Cooperative Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: When a mental health crisis escalates to the point of police involvement, most families feel overwhelmed, unprepared, and unsure of what happens next. In this episode, we step into that difficult space with clarity and practical guidance. Youth mental health concerns are rising at alarming rates. Data from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that 40% of high school students report persistent sadness or hopelessness, and 18% have experienced major depression. At the same time, 53% of public schools report an increase in students seeking mental health support. For youth who have experienced foster care, the risk is even greater, with significantly higher rates of mental health challenges than their peers. So what do families do when prevention is no longer enough? We are joined by Al Moore, retired sergeant of the Mesa Police Department and former head of security for Mesa Public Schools. Drawing from decades of frontline experience, Al walks us through: • Practical steps to prevent or de-escalate a crisis • How to build and practice a crisis plan • Warning signs that indicate additional support is needed • When a crisis team should be called—and when police intervention becomes necessary We also discuss what to expect during police engagement, including why handcuffs may sometimes be used for safety, how families can cooperate effectively, and what not to do in high-stress moments. Finally, we unpack what happens after officers leave: mandatory 72-hour mental health holds, court-ordered evaluations, and how the mental health court process operates outside the traditional justice system. If you want to be prepared rather than panicked, this conversation offers grounded insight for navigating one of the most difficult moments a family can face. Tune in. Resource Links: How to Work Effectively with Police When Youth are in Mental Health Crisis: a guide for families of children and youth with mental, emotional, or behavioral health problems: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/eeeef8_9e379a5b9d2c495aa560f16b1b16d6ee.pdf Youth Mental Health Stats Youth Mental Health Statistics in 2024 - The Annie E. Casey Foundation The Future of Behavioral Health Services for Youth with Foster Care Experiences Foster Youth Mental Health Policy Brief - NFYI Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: When a child can't stay at home, families are often left asking one painful question: how do we stay connected without making things harder? In this episode, we talk about how families can stay emotionally connected when a child is placed in out-of-home care. Whether a child is receiving temporary services or more intensive wrap-around support, separation from the home can be one of the most challenging experiences for families—especially those connected to foster care, residential treatment, or therapeutic services. We're joined by returning guest Estefana Johnson, a licensed therapist and social worker with firsthand experience working in residential treatment centers and alongside families navigating out-of-home placement. Estefana helps us explain what out-of-home care can look like outside of formal child welfare systems, why children may need this level of support, and how families can remain involved throughout the treatment process. Together, we explore the experience from multiple perspectives, including the child, the caregiver, and siblings who remain at home. We also share practical strategies for maintaining connection, strengthening family relationships, and creating stability during a difficult season. If you're a parent, caregiver, foster family, or professional supporting children in out-of-home care, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and hope. Listen in for a thoughtful conversation designed to help families stay connected—even when circumstances are hard. Resource Links: Residential Treatment by National Alliance on Mental Illness: Residential Treatment | NAMI The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma: van der Kolk M.D., Bessel: 9780143127741 Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In this episode of the Fostering Voices podcast, Brian and Kim explore what happens when we shift our focus inward—toward what we can control, what we need, and how we choose to respond—and how that shift shapes our relationships with others. They kick things off with a few real-life moments we can all relate to, from navigating chaotic drivers to the unique stress of New Year's Eve, using these everyday experiences as a springboard for deeper reflection. From there, the conversation turns toward intentionality: how we want to show up in the world, the power of choosing our response, and what it looks like to release the weight of others' expectations. Along the way, Brian and Kim share practical language and mindset shifts that help create space for healthier boundaries. The episode wraps with a focus on grace—both for ourselves and for others—and a simple, grounding takeaway you can carry into your week. Tune in for an honest, relatable conversation that invites you to lead with intention, extend grace freely, and show up more fully in your everyday relationships. Resource Link: The Choice: Embrace the Possible: Eger, Dr. Edith Eva: 9781501130793: Amazon.com: Books Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: Happy 2026! In this reflective kickoff episode, Brian and Kim look back on 2025 through their shared perspective as the Vehons—an honest conversation about a year that taught them deeply, stretched them unexpectedly, and surprised them with moments of real joy. Together, they unpack what 2025 revealed: the lessons that shaped them, the challenges that pushed them beyond their comfort zones, and the places where joy showed up in meaningful ways. From there, they turn the corner toward the new year, naming what they are intentionally carrying forward into 2026—and what they are choosing to leave behind. You will hear Brian's and Kim's personal "keepers," the mindsets and practices worth holding onto, including a renewed commitment to focus in and freak out less. You will also hear their "tossers," the habits, pressures, and patterns that no longer deserve space in the year ahead. This episode closes with clear, grounded takeaways—offering listeners encouragement, perspective, and a thoughtful framework for reflecting on their own year and stepping into what comes next with greater clarity and intention. Resource Links: The Wingfeather Saga The Hope Institute of CUSD Gilbert, Arizona Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In this episode, you're invited into a personal, honest conversation about what really happens when you say yes to trauma parenting. Peter Mutabazi joins you for a heartfelt discussion about why fostering doesn't just change the lives of children—it changes the adults who step in for them. If you're fostering now or considering stepping into this world, this episode speaks directly to you. Peter shares how his journey began as a ten-year-old homeless child in Uganda and how the kindness of others shaped the man he is today. He opens up about becoming a foster parent to more than forty-seven children, adopting three, and discovering that trauma parenting reveals parts of yourself you didn't know were there. You'll hear how expectations collide with reality, how hidden scars surface, and how triggers you thought you buried suddenly demand attention. Together, you'll explore the uncomfortable but transformative truth: caring for kids with trauma often brings your own wounds into the light. Peter walks through how bias, fear, and old pain can unexpectedly show up—and how choosing unconditional love helps you grow through it rather than run from it. This episode also offers practical reflections for anyone preparing to foster, helping you think through what it really means to bring a child's trauma into your daily life, and what it requires from your heart. If you're ready for a real conversation about the cost and beauty of trauma parenting, this episode is for you. Resource Links: Peter Mutabazi Now I Am Known - YouTube Foster Arizona - foster and adopt page to learn how to get involved Foster Arizona | Foster & Adobt Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In this week's episode of Fostering Voices, Kim and Brian dig into the recent presidential executive order released on November 13th: Fostering the Future for American Children and Families. After receiving many questions about what the order means for the foster care community, Kim and Brian break down the key components, highlight potential benefits, and raise important concerns. They begin with an overview of the order's call to modernize the child welfare system, including improved data collection, better information sharing, and enhanced collaboration with non-government partners. They also discuss the ethical risks of increased technology and data use, and the ongoing gaps that the order does not address—such as declining foster parent numbers and the limited support for caregivers navigating safety plans. The conversation then shifts to the proposal to create a national platform for youth, which could expand access to funding for education, workforce development, and financial literacy. While these additions may offer meaningful support, Kim and Brian also explore the challenges, including the lack of focus on root causes, the risks of poorly applied funding, and the reality that educational barriers remain steep for youth in care. Finally, the hosts examine the section aimed at maximizing partnerships with Americans of faith. They discuss how increased awareness and reduced discrimination could help more families step forward, while acknowledging the complexities for children and caregivers whose beliefs may differ. Join the conversation as Kim and Brian unpack what this executive order could mean for youth, families, and the future of foster care. Resource Links: Executive Order: Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Fostering the Future for American Children and Families – The White House The future of AI in government services and global risks: insights from design fictions Brief Family First Prevention Services Act Arizona's Invisible Achievement Gap: education outcomes of students in foster care in the State's public schools Arizona's Invisible Achievement Gap | FosterEd ARS 8-921 Arizona State Legislature  https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/8/00921.htm Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: This week, we're diving into a topic that many of us would rather avoid—how stress and trauma affect our bodies. If you're like Kim, it's not a conversation you're eager to have, but it's one that matters deeply if we want to live as our healthiest, most authentic selves. Joining the discussion is our friend and regular guest, Estefana Johnson, who helps unpack what happens "when the body says no." Together, we explore the hidden ways internal stress and unresolved trauma can shape our health, behaviors, and overall wellbeing. From understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their lifelong impact, to recognizing the subtle signs that our nervous system is struggling, this episode sheds light on the deep connection between emotional wounds and physical health. We'll also talk about what it means to take ownership of your future—how to reduce stress-related risks, support those you love, and make small, intentional choices that lead to lasting healing. Tune in for an honest, compassionate conversation about breaking free from the toll of stress and building resilience for the life you were made to live. Resource Links: Book: When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress Disease Connection by Gabor Mate, M.D. When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection TEDMED Talk: How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime  by Nadine Burke Harris Nadine Burke Harris: How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime | TED Talk ACEs Quiz Take The ACES Quiz - American SPCC Book: The Gift - 14 Lessons to Save Your Life by Edith Eger   The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life: Eger, Dr. Edith Eva: 9781982143091 Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: This week, we're diving into an important and often overlooked topic — when grandparents step into the role of parent. In 2024, Duet reported that more than 64,000 grandparents in Arizona are raising their grandchildren, and census data shows the state ranks above the national average for grandparents providing care. For every one child raised by kin within the foster care system, there are eight being raised by kin outside of it. In this episode, we're honored to talk with Oralia, a grandmother navigating the challenges and joys of raising her grandchildren, and Lisa from Duet, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting grandparents and kinship caregivers. Together, we explore what drives grandparents to step up, the unique struggles they face, and the community resources making a difference. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, love, and the power of family across generations. Resource Links: Duet: Partners in Health and Aging Help For Grandparents Raising Grandchildren | Duet Grandfacts - State Fact Sheets for Grandfamilies https://www.grandfamilies.org/Portals/0/State%20Fact%20Sheets/Arizona%20GrandFacts%20State%20Fact%20Sheet%202021%20Update.pdf NCRC - Resources for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Resources for grandparents raising grandchildren » NCRC Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: This week on the podcast, we wrap up our series on substance use with an honest and compassionate conversation about supporting young adults who are struggling with addiction. Joining us again are Kim McWilliams and Sarah Grado, who bring both personal insight and professional experience to this deeply important topic. We begin by exploring why this issue is so relevant today—looking at current statistics, the driving factors behind them, and the real-life experiences of youth that go beyond the numbers. From there, we shift to the power of connection on the other side of addiction: what healthy connection looks like, how to hold loving boundaries, and how to tell the difference between enabling and supporting. Finally, we turn our attention to those who walk alongside someone battling addiction. Kim and Sarah share practical ways supporters can stay healthy, find hope, and access meaningful resources and peer support. Whether you're personally impacted or seeking to understand more, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and encouragement for anyone navigating the journey of addiction and recovery. Resource Links: NotMyKid Recovery Support Groups for Addiction: One Size Does Not Fit All Find Help - Celebrate Recovery Where to Get Started Support Groups for Families of Addicts – Guide 2025 Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In our last episode, we explored how substances affect infants. But what about adolescents? Is marijuana really a big deal for today's youth, and what do parents and communities need to know to keep them safe? In this episode, we welcome Kim McWilliams, an award-winning licensed counselor, and Sarah Grado, Executive Director of Not My Kid, a local Arizona nonprofit dedicated to substance use prevention and recovery. Together, they shed light on the realities of marijuana use among teens, the ripple effects it creates at school, at home, and among peers, and how communities are seeing the impact. Kim and Sarah share their personal journeys—what drives their passion for helping families and youth—and offer valuable insights on identifying warning signs, understanding the law, and recognizing the connection between substance use and adverse childhood experiences. Most importantly, they highlight the role of education: the information families need, the support available, and how communities can work together to strengthen and protect our youth. This is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone invested in the wellbeing of the next generation. Resource Links: NotMyKid Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence: Berenson, Alex: 9781982103675: Amazon.com Treatment Considerations for Youth and Young Adults with Serious Emotional Disturbances and Serious Mental Illnesses and Co-occurring Substance Use  How to Quit Smoking Weed (Marijuana) Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org