Partners in Prevention – Insights from Foster Parents

Host Vivian Ko, Assistant Director of Professional Development and Worker Well-Being Research & Evaluation at the Florida Institute for Child Welfare, explores how Florida’s foster parents serve as frontline partners in prevention, what approaches support positive outcomes for children, and where systems can be improved. Vivian, an adoptive mother and former foster parent, talks with foster and adoptive mothers Lori Ann Chapman and Selena Garrison about their personal journeys through foster care. Both became involved with the system because they wanted to provide stability, love, and advocacy for children who have experienced trauma. Lori and Selena tell stories that reveal how difficult foster parenting can be, but they say watching children heal, grow, and feel safe is what sustains them. “Supporting foster parents is prevention. I hope we're able to clearly identify the gaps so that we can better prepare and support foster parents from the beginning. Because when foster parents are set up for success, kids are going to be more stable, and the outcomes are going to improve.” Selena Garrison Resources mentioned in this episode: The Fostering Foundation: https://www.thefosteringfoundation.org/ The Pearl Project: https://www.thepearlproject.org/ “Memoirs of a Middle Mama”: https://www.facebook.com/memoirsofamiddlemama/ Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare Podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare Facebook: @fsuchildwelfare Instagram: @fsuchildwelfare LinkedIn: @fsuchildwelfare Host:  Vivian Ko Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring