Happy Monday and welcome to WNTU!

What do you think of when you hear the words "Foster Care?" I have to admit that before talking to today's guest, I was woefully uninformed about the topic and was quick to assume things that were simply just wrong. As my Dad taught me at the tender age of 19 when I royally messed up (a story for another time), to assume is to make an "ass" out of "u" and "me." Thanks for the lesson, Dad.

Today we're leaving assumptions behind and getting informed on the foster care system, learning the harsh realities these children face and the life-changing impact of ordinary people stepping up to help. This week's podcast guest, Austin Anderson, founder of Puddin' Pop, is one of those heroes.

Austin's journey into foster care advocacy began with a startling realization: children in the system were facing unimaginable challenges, often with little support. Determined to make a difference, she started Puddin' Pop, an organization based on Dallas, TX, that provides personalized care packages to foster children, reminding them that they are seen, loved, and not forgotten. Follow Puddin' Pop on IG to donate and see stories of the children they've helped.

Whether we realize it or not, the foster care crisis affects us all. These children are our future leaders, innovators, and change-makers; they just need our support to get there. By understanding their struggles and taking action to help them, we can create a ripple effect of hope and healing that will impact generations to come.

Here are just a few of the highlights from Austin's and my amazing discussion:

✨ Myth-Busting Misconceptions Around Foster Care

✨ 5 Surprising Facts About the TX Foster Care System

✨The Unsung Heroes of Foster Care: Tireless Advocates

✨ The Aging Out Crisis & Harsh Reality For Foster Youth

✨ How YOU Can Make A Difference

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Guest Spotlight: Austin Anderson

Founder, Puddin' Pop & Foster Care Advocate

Myth-Busting Misconceptions Around Foster Care

Myth #1: Foster kids are "troubled kids" who misbehave because they're inherently bad.

Reality: Many children enter the foster system due to neglect or abuse, not because of their own actions. Austin shares, "Over 60% of children in Texas are removed from their families due to neglect, often drug-related." These children are victims of circumstance, not troublemakers.

Myth #2: Foster parents are only in it for the money.

Reality: While foster parents do receive financial support to help cover the costs of caring for a child, the vast majority are motivated by a genuine desire to provide a loving home. "I've met incredible people and people, I would say the most generous people I have met since we started doing this are the people who have the least to give, whether it's caseworkers, foster parents, biological families that come together," Austin reveals.

Myth #3: Fostering a child will negatively impact your biological children.

Reality: While fostering can present challenges, it can also be an incredibly enriching experience for biological children. "Including the other kids in the home was something that was told to me when I very first started... And she said, support all the kids in the house, because everything shows up for the kids in care, and bio kids and adopted kids get left out," Austin explains. By involving all children in the fostering process, families can cultivate empathy, resilience, and a greater appreciation for the blessings in their lives.

Myth #4: Once a child is in foster care, their problems are solved.

Reality: Entering the foster system is just the beginning of a long and often arduous journey. Austin shares a heartbreaking statistic: "On average, most kiddos change homes about six to seven times in the first 18 months." This constant upheaval can take a toll on a child's emotional well-being and sense of stability. That's why supporting organizations like Puddin' Pop is so crucial - they provide a consistent source of love and care amidst the chaos.

5 Surprising Facts About the TX Foster Care System

The Unsung Heroes of Foster Care: Tireless Advocates

In this section, we'll highlight the often unrecognized work of professionals who dedicate their lives to supporting children and families in the foster care system.

Social Workers: Social workers are the backbone of the foster care system, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of children. According to the National Association of Social Workers, there are over 700,000 social workers in the United States, many of whom work directly with foster youth and families. They provide crucial services such as case management, counseling, and advocacy.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs): CASAs are trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children in foster care. In 2020, over 85,000 CASA volunteers served more than 242,000 children in the United States.

Foster Care Agencies and Non-Profits: Countless organizations work behind the scenes to provide vital resources and support for foster children and families. In addition to Puddin' Pop, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has helped over 10,000 children in foster care find permanent, loving homes through its signature program, "Wendy's Wonderful Kids."

The 'Aging Out' Crisis & Harsh Reality For Foster Youth

These outcomes underscore the critical need for comprehensive support services that extend beyond the age of 18. A 2019 study by the University of Chicago found that foster youth who received extended care services until age 21 had better outcomes in education, employment, and housing stability compared to those who aged out at 18.**** Programs that provide housing assistance, job training, educational support, and mental health services can make a life-changing difference for foster youth as they age out of the system.

It's time for our society to step up and ensure that no young person is left to fend for themselves after growing up in foster care. We must invest in proven programs and policies that give foster youth the best possible chance at a bright future.

How YOU Can Make a Difference

Each of us, no matter our circumstances, has the power to positively impact the lives of children in foster care. As Austin says, "I tell my children this: you have to be a part of something bigger than yourself and advocate for something. It doesn't have to be this. But there's so many amazing causes...It doesn't have to be grandiose." And she's right. Here are some practical ways to get involved in bringing a little magic into the lives of foster children:

Become a Respite Provider.

"Kids in foster care, let's say you guys decided to foster, and you had a couple little foster children, and you were going on a trip with your daughter, and the judge said friends cannot go for some reason...What are you gonna do? You can't just call your sister, right? They have to be approved by the state." That's where respite providers come in. By getting certified to offer short-term care, you give foster parents much-needed flexibility and support. "It's like babysitting for children in foster care," Austin clarifies.

"Adopt" a Foster Family.

As Austin explains, "There's a lot of programs like DFW Angels, which is part of the National Angels Network. They have a mentor program for foster families where you, you and your family said, we're gonna give one year, we will adopt a family. And once a month you provide a basket, a theme, food. But it's once a month, but you commit a year." This consistency reminds foster families that they're not alone in the journey.

Volunteer Your Time and Talents.

Love to cook? Organize a meal train for a foster family. Enjoy tutoring? Ask local foster agencies if you can provide academic support to a child in need. Have a knack for party planning? Austin suggests contacting residential treatment centers and asking, "Hey, we want to buy new swimsuits for everybody at the RTC. It could be 15 kids. You got a mom's group, you got a dad's golf group, whatever it is." The possibilities are endless!

Give Goods and Resources.

"We forget about the kids that are in care who are also moms themselves...Everything then is purchased for the baby. And we, I always try to include the moms, too. And the look on their face is like, you know, these are 14, 15 year old girls, and to have someone to recognize them as the children that they are and be like, here's a book for you, a blanket for you." Austin's organization, Puddin' Pop, as well as many others, accepts donated clothing, diapers, toys, school supplies, and more to give these kids a sense of dignity and care.

Let this be your invitation to find your unique way to make a difference. As Austin beautifully puts it, "Use your power for good. And the good is so different to all different kinds of people. You don't know what your efforts are going to mean to the people receiving it or what it's going to do to inspire other people to give."

My Biggest Thanks

Helping people is exactly why I created "What Nobody Tells Us" personalized coaching programs. If you want to learn more, simply reply to this email, get in touch on LinkedIn or my website, or learn more about the WNTU platform and capabilities here. It's truly my honor to work with you.