Podcast
The Forgotten Podcast
Hosted by The Forgotten Initiative · EN
We want to see people everywhere supporting the foster care community and experiencing Jesus together. So, in this podcast, we are sharing the stories of the foster care community to bring awareness that leads to action!
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Coping With A Dangerous Child (w/Vania Ferreira) Ep.296
Jun 2200:32:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Vania Ferreira to address a sensitive and profoundly challenging topic that foster and adoptive families occasionally face but rarely discuss: what to do when your child hurts another child. Vania opens up about her family's lived experiences with severe behavioral challenges, trauma-induced chaos, and navigating the heartbreaking revelation of child-on-child sexual abuse. Vania shares the raw realities of her family's journey, which began under-prepared as an unexpected kinship emergency placement in late 2013. She details the intense initial year of dealing with extreme anger, threats, and violence from children who had been exposed to heavy domestic abuse. Just as their home was transitioning into a season of calm and trust, the family faced their ultimate nightmare when their child disclosed experiencing sexual abuse and vocalized an active intent to hurt other children. Vania openly describes the overwhelming whirlwind that followed, including police reports, hospital evaluations, state investigations, and a complete lack of public inpatient resources. Throughout the conversation, Vania details how this crisis forced her family into deep isolation, unable to safely participate in church or community events. She addresses the painful legal and emotional crossroads her family endured, caught between threats of child abandonment and child endangerment from the state. Ultimately, the episode highlights the profound spiritual turning point where the Lord challenged Vania to move past natural anger and hatred, choosing to extend the unconditional love and forgiveness of Christ to a child acting out in brokenness. This episode offers critical, life-saving guidance on body safety and boundary rules for young children. Vania provides invaluable advice on teaching accurate body terminology without shame, defining the strict line between secrets and surprises, and establishing safe words. It stands as a vital resource and a message of redemption, reminding caregivers that they are not alone and that true healing is possible through the strength and identity found in Christ. About the Guest Vania Ferreira has been an active part of the foster and adoption community alongside her husband, Rob, since 2013. She is a mother to many, including four children whom they have adopted. Having walked through unexpected kinship placements and navigating complex trauma within her home, Vania is dedicated to breaking the silence surrounding child-on-child abuse by offering families practical boundary education and gospel-centered hope. In This Episode The unique vulnerabilities of entering kinship care through emergency guardianship without traditional foster parent training. Managing extreme childhood trauma behaviors, threats of violence, and a desire for chaos in the home. Navigating the intense aftermath of a child's sexual abuse disclosure, including medical evaluations and state agency investigations. The severe isolation families face when dealing with behavioral safety concerns that prevent them from accessing church or local community groups. Facing systemic gaps, including the total lack of inpatient services for young children and a state system that leaves parents trapped between child abandonment and endangerment charges. The challenging spiritual calling to protect biological children through separation while continuing to love, forgive, and advocate for a child who has caused harm. Practical body safety guidelines for parents, including teaching correct anatomy terms, establishing household boundary rules, and practicing situational exits. Redefining the difference between dangerous "secrets" and safe "surprises" to equip vulnerable children with a protective voice. Creating a family culture centered on Ephesians 6, daily scriptural anchoring, and trusting in the Lord's strength over your own. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/
Transcribe →Overcoming Fears of Saying Yes to Autism (w/Candace Smouse) Ep. 295
Jun 800:39:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Candace Smouse, a TFI advocate from Spokane, Washington, who is a foster, adoptive, and birth mom to six kids. Fostering as a family for five years, Candace shares her journey of opening her home to children with special needs and navigating the unique joys and demands of raising her now-adopted son who has autism. She explores the common fears foster parents face when considering a special needs placement and offers insight on moving forward through the unknown with faith and expectation. Candace candidly details the realities of bringing her son home just before his fourth birthday as his fourth placement in a short span of time. She describes the initial challenges of caring for a child who was completely nonverbal, not potty trained, and struggling with behavior and severe dietary restrictions. Through her family's story, she highlights the exhausting early months, the complex dynamics and feelings of parental guilt that can surface with biological siblings, and the turning point of finding the right in-home therapeutic support. The conversation also breaks down the different levels of autism to help listeners better understand the wide spectrum of care children may require. Candace shares practical advice on how to become a "squeaky wheel" and fiercely advocate within the school system, utilizing resources like Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and special education accommodations. Ultimately, this episode provides deep encouragement for any caregiver feeling isolated or overwhelmed in the thick of special needs parenting. Candace points listeners toward a profound hope rooted in the Lord, reminding foster and adoptive families that they are never truly alone and that stepping into the hard places can expand a family's world with unexpected blessings, deeper empathy, and unconditional love. About the Guest Candace Smouse is a TFI advocate based in Spokane, Washington. She has been married for 18 years and is a mother to six children through birth, foster care, and adoption. With five years of active fostering experience, Candace is deeply passionate about serving the foster care community, supporting families, and sharing the lessons she has learned through years of dedicated care for her adopted son with autism. In This Episode An introduction to Candace's background and how a recurring dream prepped her heart to accept a special needs placement. The realities of navigating the foster care licensing system and handling the emotional weight of saying no to difficult placements. A look into the early days with her son Anthony, including the challenge of being his fourth placement in less than six months. Understanding the three levels of autism, ranging from high-functioning traits to intense, around-the-clock physical care needs. Navigating the hidden challenges of special needs parenting, such as public outbursts, sibling jealousy, and the pressure of public judgment. Learning to advocate in the school system by utilizing therapeutic partners, tracking data, and calling IEP meetings. How special needs parenting expands a family's perspective, fostering deep empathy, awareness, and immediate acceptance within biological children. A message of hope and perseverance for caregivers enduring seasons of parenting exhaustion and spiritual despair. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/ Full Spectrum Parent by Christian Parenting (podcast) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/full-spectrum-parent-christian-autism-support-special/id1589016732 The Warner Boys by Ana and Curt Warner (book) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40552513-the-warner-boys Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm (book) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/163659.Ten_Things_Every_Child_with_Autism_Wishes_You_Knew
Transcribe →Supporting My Child's Sensory Needs (w/Melissa Murphy & Chandler Edge) Ep.294
May 2500:34:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Melissa Murphy and Chandler Edge from Beyond Measure Pediatric Therapies to discuss Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). As occupational therapy professionals, they share how this frequently undiagnosed condition impacts children in foster care and the families who love them. Melissa and Chandler break down how the central nervous system controls our daily experiences and what happens when a child's sensory system is out of balance due to genetics, prenatal care, birth history, or early childhood trauma. They explore how sensory dysregulation is often misinterpreted as defiance or hyperactivity, offering practical guidance to help caregivers distinguish between a sensory meltdown and goal-directed behavior. Learn how to implement actionable tools like sensory diets, heavy work, and calming spaces to support your child today. About the Guests Melissa Murphy is an occupational therapist, owner of Beyond Measure Pediatric Therapies, and a dedicated advocate for complex medical diagnoses and community inclusion. Chandler Edge is an occupational therapist assistant and partner at Beyond Measure Pediatric Therapies, working alongside Melissa to support families navigating daily functional challenges. In This Episode Introduction to sensory processing disorder and the central nervous system. Why sensory processing challenges are highly prevalent within the foster care community. Root causes of sensory dysregulation: genetics, prenatal care, and early life trauma. The three patterns: sensory seeking, sensory over-responsivity, and sensory under-responsivity. How to distinguish between a true sensory meltdown and standard behavioral tantrums. Practical home tools: sensory diets, heavy work activities, and weighted blankets. Setting up calm corners and advocating for inclusive spaces in churches and classrooms. The importance of parental patience, self-compassion, and trusting your gut instincts. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/
Transcribe →Introducing In Case You Forget
May 1100:01:29Tap to summarizeFrom The Forgotten Initiative comes a brand-new series created specifically for the Foster Care Caseworker. At The Forgotten Initiative, we’ve always believed that you shouldn’t have to carry the weight of this calling alone. For years, The Forgotten Podcast has been a place for our whole community to gather—but we know that those of you on the front lines carry a unique kind of weight. That’s why we’ve created something just for you. Hosted by Jami Kaeb and Jamie Finn, In Case You Forget is a space to breathe, to process the things that follow you home, and to remember the "why" behind your "yes." The weight of child welfare work doesn’t stay at the office. It follows you home, fills the quiet hours of the night, and often leaves you feeling scattered, guilty, or numb. If you are a foster care caseworker, you know the reality of carrying a heavy caseload while managing the emotional toll of decisions often beyond your control. In Case You Forget is a 12-part series offering faith-based encouragement and honest stories from the field to help you navigate the spiritual and emotional realities of your specific calling. Whether you are walking into a difficult court hearing, responding to a late-night crisis call, or quietly wondering how much longer you can keep showing up, this podcast is here to remind you that you aren't alone. Our mission remains the same: to provide a steady source of hope and practical guidance so you can stay in this calling long-term without losing your faith, your family, or yourself. The First Five Episodes Available Now: Episode 1: Wondering If Your Work Matters (w/Austin Ludwig) Spotify or Apple Episode 2: Noticing Your Attachment Style At Work (w/Kimberly Glaudy) Spotify or Apple Episode 3: Walking Your Story Alongside Theirs (w/Mia Arrington) Spotify or Apple Episode 4: Learning From Your Anxiety (w/Blair Linne) Spotify or Apple Episode 5: Managing Your Hard Days (w/Blake Boyer) Spotify or Apple
Transcribe →Helping My Child Thrive Post-High School (w/Jonathan Brush) Ep. 293
Apr 2700:37:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb sits down with Jonathan Brush, CEO of Unbound and a foster and adoptive dad of eight, to discuss how to help young adults—especially those not pursuing a college degree—successfully transition into adulthood and thrive. The conversation addresses the unique challenges facing children from the foster care community, such as trauma and learning gaps, by focusing on resilience, practical career opportunities in a questions-based economy, and the necessity of high expectations paired with endless patience. Jonathan reframes success as "thriving" and offers guidance on understanding the "creation of value" in the workplace and the irreplaceable power of community. About the Guest Jonathan Brush is the President and CEO of Unbound. As a first-generation homeschool graduate and a foster and adoptive dad of eight, he is passionate about preparing young adults for life and has spoken on the subject for over a decade. In This Episode Defining success as “thriving” (living a meaningful, important life) rather than fame, fortune, or power. Exploring non-college career options in business (marketing, sales, technology/AI) and the trades (welding, plumbing, electrician). The shift from an "answers-based" paradigm to a "questions-based" paradigm in the modern job market, emphasizing the ability to quickly and effectively master complicated information (QE MCI). Why the inherent resilience and survival skills of foster children are valuable assets in the current market. Setting the “high expectation” that young people can thrive, combined with “infinite patience” to help them achieve it. Understanding work as the “creation of value” by showing up, working hard, treating others well, and “thinking like an owner”. How to cultivate natural curiosity and the ability to ask better questions by looking for “the game being played underneath the game”. The critical role of community in driving careers and the willingness to open your home despite imperfections. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative Learn more about what at TFI Advocate does
Transcribe →Loving My Distanced Adult Child (w/Renaut van der Riet) Ep. 292
Apr 1300:56:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Renaut van der, Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Orlando, Florida, to discuss the difficult and often unspoken challenge faced by adoptive and foster parents: what to do when your adult child rejects you. Renaut and his wife, Brooke, are parents to eight children, including four adopted from Ethiopia. Renaut shares the deeply personal and painful experience of having two adopted daughters cut off relationship and label the family as "toxic" and "abusive". The conversation frames this experience using the prodigal child paradigm to provide a biblical framework for navigating this complexity. Renaut discusses the tension between pursuing and letting go, distinguishing between normal rebellion and the child wanting the parents' provision ("stuff") but not the relationship ("you"). He offers practical guidance on setting boundaries, parenting the children who remain in the home, and maintaining an open heart while trusting God with the timing of potential reconciliation, reminding listeners that they are in a "safe story, just a dangerous chapter". About the Guest Renaut van der is the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Orlando, Florida, which he and his wife, Brooke, planted in 2002. Together, they have eight children, four of whom were adopted from Axo, Ethiopia. Renaut is transparent about his family’s experience with two adult daughters cutting off contact, prompting him to find a functional, biblical approach to dealing with the personal rejection and pursuit of a prodigal child. In This Episode - The personal experience of two adopted daughters rejecting the family and creating a narrative of abuse and toxicity. - How the "prodigal child" paradigm helps parents navigate personal rejection and pursuit with a biblical framework. - Distinguishing between typical rebellion and the prodigal essence, which is a child wanting the parent’s stuff but not the parent. - The necessity of progressively removing transactional pieces of the relationship to stop affirming that non-relational dynamic. - The importance of directing energy toward parenting the children who stayed, to ensure the grief over the prodigal does not steal attention from them. - Guidance on handling sibling dynamics, including how to set boundaries with the children who remain connected to the rejected adult child. - How to keep the "porch light on" in your heart and set relational protocols for a progressive return and reconciliation. - Finding peace and comfort by reminding yourself that you are in a "safe story, just a dangerous chapter" Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative Learn more about what at TFI Advocate does
Transcribe →Strengthening GenZ Mental Health (w/Stephanie Shackelford) Ep. 291
Mar 3000:33:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, a Senior Fellow at Barna Group, to talk about the power of relationships, purpose, and tech-free spaces for improving kids' mental health. Dr. Shackelford shares insights from her recent Barna report, Gen Z, Mental Health and Wellbeing. Dr. Shackelford discusses the six themes identified in her research for supporting Gen Z mental health, including the critical need for tech-free spaces and consistent rhythms for connection. She explains that the youth mental health crisis, marked by skyrocketing anxiety and depression, correlates with the rise of smartphone availability between 2010 and 2015. Throughout the conversation, she offers practical advice for parents on setting boundaries, such as removing phones from bedrooms and dinner tables, and modeling healthy technology use. This conversation reflects on how to cultivate purpose and meaning in Gen Z, arguing that focusing on purpose—using one's gifts to serve others—is more fulfilling than chasing happiness. This discussion highlights that half of Gen Z Christians value seeing Christianity promote good in the world more than knowing it is true. She emphasizes that in-person church attendance is a major buffer against poor mental health outcomes like suicide and depression, encouraging families to prioritize being contributors at church and cultivating a culture of service at home. This episode is an encouraging reminder that when parents and caregivers approach these changes with a humble vision and start with small, actionable steps, they can foster deep connection and meaningful purpose for their children. About the Guest Dr. Stephanie Shackelford is a Senior Fellow at Barna Group. She has researched and written for nationwide research studies covering topics such as Gen Z, mental health, purpose, calling, and discipleship. She and her husband live on the campus of Eagle Ranch, a ministry for Families in Crisis. In This Episode What defines Gen Z (ages 9-27) The six practical ideas from the Gen Z, Mental Health and Wellbeing report How the rise of smartphones is correlated with increased youth anxiety and depression Creating tech-free spaces and the benefits of being bored and connecting with nature The meaning of "thick community" and "embodied experiences" to combat loneliness Inviting Gen Z into a narrative of purpose and redemption rather than happiness The protective role of in-person church attendance against poor mental health Cultivating a culture of service and calling at home and in the community Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative Learn more about what at TFI Advocate does
Transcribe →Understanding the Court Process (w/Cari Huddleston) Ep. 290
Mar 1600:32:55Tap to summarizeCourt is one of the most intimidating parts of the foster care journey—but you are not powerless in the process. Today, a Guardian ad Litem shares insight into how the court system works, how “best interest” decisions are made, and why your voice matters more than you may realize. Be encouraged: even when it feels confusing, your presence and partnership make a lasting impact.
Transcribe →Obeying with Action Where You Are (w/Mary Perdue) Ep. 289
Mar 200:34:13Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes Mary Perdue—wife of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue—to share her journey into foster care and her years as the First Lady of Georgia (2003–2011). Mary shares how fostering newborns awaiting adoption in the late 1990s opened her eyes to the broader foster care system and inspired her to make foster care her primary initiative while in office. She describes the cultural stigma and lack of awareness surrounding the system, her focus on educating communities that there are many ways to help beyond becoming a foster parent, and efforts like Champions for Children that engage businesses, civic groups, and churches. Additionally, Mary discusses her work in creating Georgia’s Children’s Cabinet to coordinate state agencies serving children. She reflects on lessons of obedience and calling while urging the church to take responsibility for supporting foster children, families, and caseworkers alike.
Transcribe →Encouraging Foster Parents to Persevere (w/Tony Mitchell) Ep.288
Feb 1600:39:41Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Host Jami Kaeb interviews Tony Mitchell, who entered foster care as a newborn, was adopted at age two into a loving but impoverished farm family, and grew up learning work ethic, faith, and integrity. Tony shares learning about his adoption around age 9–10, wrestling with identity and belonging while facing racial isolation and teenage rebellion, and later coming to faith in college after reading the New Testament. In his forties he located his birth mother to thank her for choosing not to terminate the pregnancy, and at 59 he was contacted by the son of his foster family, filling in the missing story of his early years and confirming he was deeply loved. Tony emphasizes gratitude, grounding identity in God, and encourages foster/adoptive parents to never give up, reminding adoptees that God can redeem painful stories for good.
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