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A Conversation About Saying Yes to Kids in Foster Care

What It Means to Say Yes to Kids in Foster Care

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Say YES to Kids in Foster Care

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Over 3,000 babies, children, and teens in Clark County need loving homes on any given day. In this Foster Later conversation, two recruiters share what saying yes to a child in foster care really looks like, including one team member who first entered care herself at 14.

Lynn and Beth bring two perspectives to this conversation. Lynn joined Clark County Family Services in 1996 and also lived the experience firsthand, entering foster care as a teen and finding one caregiver who did not give up on her. Beth came to social work about a decade ago after studying child psychology, and speaks with real passion about helping families understand why children respond to trauma the way they do.

Much of the episode focuses on relationship building. The training introduces Trust-Based Relational Interventions and the idea that behavior is a language, so a tired or hungry child may act out rather than say what they feel. The hosts share memorable stories, including a foster mom and a plain hamburger that revealed a child's hidden history, to show why patience, humility, and a clean slate matter so much.

The discussion also covers the practical side: who qualifies, what an information session involves, reimbursement versus pay, free medical coverage for children in care, and community resources that help families feel supported. There is an honest look at reunification too, and why saying goodbye, while hard, can be part of doing this work well.

Whether you are considering fostering, thinking about becoming a court-appointed advocate, or looking for smaller ways to help, this episode offers a grounded, encouraging place to begin. Press play to hear the full conversation, then start your journey at clarkcountyfostercare.com.