In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Travis and Courtney celebrate the show’s 100th episode while welcoming Kristin Allender as the podcast’s new cohost. As Courtney prepares to step away, Kristin shares her background as an adoptee, social worker, longtime Executive Director of Tennessee Kids Belong, and now CEO of America's Kids Belong. She reflects on a career that has taken her from child abuse investigations in Los Angeles to helping build foster-friendly communities across the country.

The three look back on memorable episodes, lessons learned, and the perspectives that have shaped the podcast over its first 100 episodes. Courtney shares how hearing from foster parents, former foster youth, adoptees, and other voices has encouraged her even after 20 years of fostering. The conversation also explores the importance of keeping children at the center of foster care decisions and creating communities that support foster families rather than simply recruiting more of them.

Kristin shares an inspiring example of what it means for everyone to find their role in foster care. She tells the story of a Tennessee car dealership that began helping foster families access larger vehicles so siblings could remain together—and how that simple idea inspired other dealerships to get involved. The episode closes with a look at what’s ahead for the podcast, including an upcoming series featuring former foster youth who have aged out of care, and Courtney offers a final message of gratitude to listeners who have supported the show through its first 100 episodes.

Takeaways

• The Foster Friendly Podcast celebrates its 100th episode.
• Kristin Allender is joining the podcast as its new cohost.
• Kristin’s experience as an adoptee helped lead her toward a career in social work.
• Her career has included child abuse investigations, adoption work, and leadership within America’s Kids Belong.
• Courtney reflects on the encouragement and practical tools she has gained from the podcast while fostering.
• Listening to different perspectives can help even experienced foster parents continue learning and growing.
• Children must remain the priority in every part of the foster care system.
• Foster families need strong communities of support if they are going to thrive.
• Recruiting foster families without simultaneously building support around them can contribute to burnout and attrition.
• Everyone can play a role in foster care, even if they never become a foster or adoptive parent.
• Businesses can use their unique resources and expertise to remove practical barriers for foster families.
• A Tennessee car dealership helped foster families access larger vehicles so sibling groups could stay together.
• Small acts of community support can create ripple effects far beyond a single family.
• The podcast has worked to elevate the voices of former foster youth and others with lived experience.
• Upcoming episodes will include a series focused on young adults who have aged out of foster care.
• Courtney encourages listeners to continue supporting the podcast as it enters its next chapter.
• Every child deserves to have a voice, to be loved, and to be seen.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

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