In this final episode of the year we sit down with Konecka Drakeford, from Gaston County DSS, and explore the intricacies of foster care, focusing on the daily responsibilities of social workers, the challenges faced in finding placements, and the critical need for more foster homes, especially for teenagers. Konecka emphasizes the importance of community support, training for foster parents, and personal experiences that highlight the emotional rewards and challenges of fostering. 00:00 Introduction to Foster Care and Licensing 06:37 The Need for Foster Homes 11:00 Challenges of the Holiday Season 15:04 Advice for Aspiring Social Workers 18:50 Requirements for Becoming a Foster Parent 21:54 Community Support and Collaboration 🕒 New episode drops every Monday🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook

In this episode, host Tiffany Jothen speaks with Trent Taylor, a former foster youth and co-founder of the ministry Watch Me Rise. Trent shares his harrowing experiences in the foster care system, the trauma he endured, and the eventual adoption that changed his life. He discusses the importance of faith in his healing journey and how he now dedicates his life to helping others through his ministry, which provides support and education for foster and adoptive families. Trent emphasizes the potential for healing and the importance of community support for those affected by trauma. "Healing is possible, but it takes time." 00:00 Introduction to Trent Taylor's Journey 01:40 Experiences in Foster Care 06:46 The Transition to Adoption 10:48 Healing and Trust in a New Family 14:46 Founding Watch Me Rise 21:29 Key Takeaways from Training 26:31 Faith and Healing 29:25 Ways to Support Foster Families 32:41 Least of These (Podcast theme song).mp3 🕒 New episode drops every Monday🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook

Derek Clark, a former foster youth turned motivational speaker, shares his journey from a troubled childhood filled with trauma and adversity to becoming a beacon of hope and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, the power of music as a form of expression, and the need for compassion in parenting and mentoring. Derek encourages listeners to take responsibility for their lives, support foster youth, and be a source of light in their communities. "Adults in the foster system need to understand the trauma behind behaviors." 00:00 Introduction to Derek Clark's Journey 03:08 Transforming Pain into Purpose 05:46 The Power of Music and Expression 09:02 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Hope 11:47 Parenting Through a Trauma-Informed Lens 15:08 Empowering Adults in the Foster System 18:00 Ways to Support Foster Youth 20:50 The Importance of Mentorship 24:12 Reflecting on Growth and Transformation 🕒 New episode drops every Monday 📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms Visit: lotcarolinas.com Follow: https://www.instagram.com/lotcarolinas Like: https://www.facebook.com/lotcarolinas

In this episode, host Tiffany Jothen interviews Susie Taylor, the adoptive mother of Jess Vestal, who gained fame on the reality show Love is Blind. "I had to learn to take a back seat." Susie shares her journey from being a single mother to becoming a foster parent and ultimately adopting Jess. The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of fostering a teenager, the bond that developed between Susie and Jess, and the impact of their relationship on both their lives. Susie also discusses her involvement in the foster care system and offers advice for those considering becoming foster parents. 🕒 New episode drops every Monday 📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms Join us for this moving conversation that bridges understanding and inspires change.

Walking in Her Shoes In this conversation, Aaliyah Drake shares her experiences growing up in foster care and the impact it has had on her life. She reflects on her childhood, the importance of family dynamics, and the role of faith in her journey. Aaliyah offers insights for foster parents on how to create a welcoming environment for children in care and provides advice for foster kids on navigating their experiences. The discussion highlights the significance of community support and the potential for personal growth despite challenging backgrounds. 🕒 New episode drops every Monday 📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms Join us for this moving conversation that bridges understanding and inspires change.

Walking in Her Shoes This week on PERSPECTIVES, Aaliyah Drake opens her heart and shares her powerful journey through the foster care system – from the moment she was taken into care to how those experiences shaped who she is today. Raw. Honest. Unforgettable. Aaliyah's story reminds us why these conversations matter. Her perspective as a former foster youth offers invaluable insights that every foster parent, social worker, and advocate needs to hear. "These aren't just stories – they're lived experiences that can help shape a better future for foster youth." 🕒 New episodes drop every Monday 📺 Watch on YouTube 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms Join us for this moving conversation that bridges understanding and inspires change.

New Series Alert! PERSPECTIVE Happy Monday! This week, we're diving into a powerful conversation with District Attorney Travis Page as he pulls back the curtain on how the foster care system intersects with our justice system. As a DA, Travis brings a unique lens to the foster care conversation – one that many of us rarely get to see. His insights shed light on the complexities and challenges that shape the lives of foster youth and families when they interact with the legal system. From courtroom experiences to community impact, this episode offers a perspective that will challenge what you think you know about foster care. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel @leastofthesecarolinas2574 and follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in for your Foster Carolinas fix! Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook @lotcarolinas AND visit our website: www.lotcarolinas.com

We're backkkkkk! This was a long time coming, and I know it was worth it. Listen in today to Mikaila as she speaks such wisdom and insight to our audience. Who knew becoming educated on a deeper level would make a true, positive impact on a child who is experiencing the foster care system?? YOU CAN DO THAT! You can learn more, listen more, and ultimately, HELP MORE!!! We want to help you accomplish this by leaving links to become more educated: Trauma Informed Care Conference in Dallas, NC: https://lotcarolinas.networkforgood.com/events/63775-trauma-informed-care-conference Advocate for kids in court - Guardian Ad Litem website for NC: https://volunteerforgal.org/ Resources to educate and advocate well - Foster Family Alliance of NC - https://www.ffa-nc.org/ If you are not in NC, type in similar descriptions in your search bar, and it should bring you to a place to get started for your area. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Follow along with us on: Instagram: @lotcarolinas Facebook: Least of These Carolinas AND visit our website: www.lotcarolinas.com

We had a STACKED lineup for this past series of Foster Carolinas. We heard from so many powerhouses in the world of foster care. If you can believe it, this next series is going to be EVEN BETTER! Tune in today to see who and how we are about to finish out this year here on Foster Carolinas. We are SO GLAD you are listening! This upcoming season is also going to be exciting because we are now video recording the podcast and will have that uploaded to YouTube! You can find us and this episode on YouTube at Least of These Carolinas - @leastofthesecarolinas257424 THANKS FOR LISTENING! Follow along with us on: YOUTUBE: @leastofthesecarolinas257424 Instagram: @lotcarolinas Facebook: Least of These Carolinas AND visit our website: www.lotcarolinas.com

Thank you for listening this week as Abbey is back on the podcast interviewing Emily Wood, the Founder and Director of Mosaic Hope. Mosaic Hope is a nonprofit that desires to see "every child and family surrounded by a community of support." If you cannot tell, Abbey and Emily are friends in real life, and really enjoyed their conversation today full of practical advice on entering into the world of serving those experiencing the foster care system. We hope you leave this episode knowing there are people that were in your shoes when beginning their process of serving in the world of foster care. Education and experience, little by little, will help quiet those fears you may be experiencing of the unknowns. This is a big topic and "issue," but you have a place to fill and serve here, we all do. This episode helps you see where and how you may be needing to plug in! If you would like to check out what is going on at Mosaic Hope, go to their website at: www.mosaichope.org THANKS FOR LISTENING! Follow along with us on: Instagram: @lotcarolinas Facebook: Least of These Carolinas AND visit our website: www.lotcarolinas.com