Big news first: we’re taking a short breather so we can come back strong on December 2 with Season Three of Behind the Curtain. While we pause, we’re pointing you to two powerful replays and a brand-new support that can change the daily rhythm for foster and adoptive families.

We start with a listener favorite: a candid look at foster care through the eyes of Brianna, a former foster youth, alongside her case manager. It’s raw, grounded, and deeply human, offering a window into what healing looks like over time—how trust is rebuilt, where systems help and harm, and what consistent adults can do to make a difference. Then we move to the school front with a practical breakdown of IEPs and 504 plans. If you’re navigating evaluations, meetings, or behavior plans, this episode turns jargon into steps, gives you language for advocacy, and explains how trauma-informed supports fit into real classrooms.

We’re also excited to share a new resource at Haven: our Family Advocate position. If you’re overwhelmed by school processes or unsure how to find local services, the Advocate helps you navigate IEPs and 504s and connects you with community programs that already exist but are hard to find. Think of it as a guide who knows the map and walks it with you. If you would like more information, email sara@havenretreatins.org. And, for foster and adoptive moms who need true rest, mark your calendar for our therapeutic retreat in Jacksonville, Fl, February 20–22, 2026—registration opens mid-December.

We’ll meet you back here on December 2 with fresh stories, practical tools, and a steady reminder that you’re not alone.