Episode 6

The Foster Medina podcast is meant to help potential foster parents learn answers to questions that might be causing fear or uncertainty as they make decisions about the future for themselves, their families, and potential foster kids whose lives they could impact.

Summary

In this episode, host Bryan Lefelhoc interviews Alex Hedden, the biological child of a foster parent, about his experience growing up with foster siblings.

Alex shares his initial concerns about losing his room and having to share space with foster children, but ultimately realizes the importance of providing a loving home for them.

He discusses the bond he formed with the foster children and the impact it had on his family dynamic.

And in an enlightening and heartwarming moment, Alex expresses his desire to become a foster parent in the future and highlights the capacity for everyone to love and care for foster children.

Takeaways

-The decision to become a foster parent can be challenging, but it is important to address concerns and make informed choices.

-Sharing space with foster children can initially be difficult for biological siblings, but it can also strengthen family bonds and teach responsibility.

-Foster siblings often form deep attachments to each other, and the pain of separation is worth the love and care provided.

-Becoming a foster parent requires a significant time commitment and financial stability.

-Everyone has the capacity to love and care for foster children, and their presence can bring out compassion and empathy in individuals.

Helpful Links:

Foster Medina website: https://www.mcjfs.us/foster-and-adopt or https://www.fostermedina.com

Medina County Job and Family Services: https://www.mcjfs.us/

Layne Hedden, Foster Parent Recruiter Email: info@fostermedina.com

Episode 5

The Foster Medina podcast is meant to help potential foster parents learn answers to questions that might be causing fear or uncertainty as they make decisions about the future for themselves, their families, and potential foster kids whose lives they could impact.

In this episode, host Bryan Lefelhoc interviews Layne Hedden, a foster parent and a foster parent recruiter for Medina County Job and Family Services, about the concerns and myths surrounding foster parenting.

Layne discusses the biggest concern for potential foster parents, which is the unknowns and uncertainties that come with fostering. She also addresses the myth that becoming attached to a foster child may be a negative, emphasizing the importance of providing love and support to these children.

Layne shares her own surprises as a foster parent, and highlights the need for more foster parents in the Medina County area. She also explains the training process and reassures potential foster parents that they will receive support throughout their journey.

Takeaways

-The biggest concern for potential foster parents is the unknowns and uncertainties that come with fostering.

-Becoming attached to a foster child is not a negative thing; it is important to provide love and support to these children.

-There is a significant need for foster parents, and more families are needed to provide safe and loving homes for children in the foster care system.

-The training process for becoming a foster parent typically takes about four to six months and includes 24 hours of training.

-Medina County Job and Family Services provides support and resources for foster parents throughout their journey.

Helpful Links:

Foster Medina website: https://www.mcjfs.us/foster-and-adopt or https://www.fostermedina.com

Medina County Job and Family Services: https://www.mcjfs.us/

Layne Hedden, Foster Parent Recruiter Email: info@fostermedina.com

Episode 4

The Foster Medina podcast is meant to help potential foster parents learn answers to questions that might be causing fear or uncertainty as they make decisions about the future for themselves, their families, and potential foster kids whose lives they could impact.

In this episode of the Foster Medina podcast, host Bryan Lefelhoc discusses the concerns and myths surrounding becoming a foster parent.The show addresses common worries such as affordability and time commitment and provides facts and resources to alleviate these concerns.

Bryan interviews Holly Toporowski, a single mother and foster parent, who shares her experience and journey. Holly talks about her initial doubts and the support she received from her community and faith. She also discusses the importance of maintaining a relationship with birth parents and the impact of fostering on her family.

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reach out and learn more about becoming a foster parent.

Takeaways

-Becoming a foster parent is a significant decision that comes with its own set of concerns and myths.

-Affordability and time commitment are common worries, but there are resources and support available to help foster parents.

-Single parents can successfully become foster parents with the support of their community and faith.

-Maintaining a relationship with birth parents can be beneficial for the child and the foster family.

-Taking the first step and reaching out to learn more about becoming a foster parent is important.

Helpful Links:

Foster Medina website: https://www.mcjfs.us/foster-and-adopt or https://www.fostermedina.com

Medina County Job and Family Services: https://www.mcjfs.us/

Layne Hedden, Foster Parent Recruiter Email: info@fostermedina.com