073. Foster Care: A Fresh Perspective with Hillary Richards

<p>On the first day Hillary Richards and her husband got their foster license, they got a call to take in two small children. And they did. Their foster journey ended in adoption and Hillary is here with us today to share about her journey as a way to shine a light on the foster care system &amp; provide a fresh perspective for all of us.</p> <p>She also shares new terminology that I wasn’t aware of. In Hawaii, foster families are referred to as “resource families.” She talks more about that on the show and why those terms are used. I have to say, that info and that new term really got me thinking.</p> <p>If you have ever considered foster care or feel it is on your heart to look into it, Hillary’s firsthand account will provide a loving lens through which to hear the real, the easy, the hard, the details—all of it. Hillary shared with me that when they were thinking about fostering, she sought out firsthand accounts to help with her decision and I’m honored to be able to host her on this worldwide platform to share her firsthand account as a way to support others who are considering fostering.</p> <p><strong>In this episode, Hillary &amp; I talk about:</strong></p> <p>· Her family’s story about when and how they started their foster care journey</p> <p>· How fostering turned into adoption</p> <p>· The foster care licensing process</p> <p>· The rollercoaster of emotions of fostering: the rub is holding opposing forces at the same time</p> <p>· New terminology: in Hawaii, “Foster Care Families” are called “Resource Families”</p> <p>· Understanding that you’re a resource for the whole family</p> <p>· The nitty gritty of the foster care: visitation, lawyers, the court system, etc.</p> <p>· Visitation—how that works and what it looks like</p> <p>· Birth parents</p> <p>· The change, uncertainty, and loss…and the bright side, too</p> <p>· Loss of control</p> <p>· Feeling “touchy” in certain seasons of fostering</p> <p>· Dealing with insensitive comments</p> <p>· Being the buffer</p> <p>· Fostering when you already have