Episode 230: A Grown Up Love Story: Adoption after Later Stages

About this episode

The episode discusses adoption advocacy and the support for families welcoming youth from foster care into permanent homes.

Summary: Today, we're joined by Leah and Brian from the Gift of Adoption Fund to explore how families are supported as they welcome youth who have faced adversity into permanent, loving homes. With more than 6,500 children served and over $22 million in adoption funding provided, their work is creating tangible pathways to stability and belonging. While many people associate adoption with infants, this conversation broadens the lens to highlight critical needs within our communities. Leah and Brian share their personal journeys into adoption advocacy, what drew them to this work, and the moments that have shaped their impact. We also take a closer look at the realities inside the foster care system, including guardianship transitions, relative licensing, private adoptions from foster care, and the role of pre-adoption grants. Beyond the system, we discuss emerging needs like young adult adoptions, what families should expect in the process, and why stepping into this space matters now more than ever. This episode offers both insight and inspiration, grounded in real stories of lives changed through connection and commitment. Resource Links: Gift of Adoption Grants Apply for a…

People in this episode

Guests: Leah, Brian

Topics covered

• adoption
• foster care
• youth advocacy
• family support
• permanency
• community needs

Keywords

• adoption
• foster care
• youth
• advocacy
• permanent homes
• community support
• grants

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Gift of Adoption Fund, Foster Arizona

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• Episode 226: Crisis Intersection: Policing with Compassion · February 24, 2026 · 46 min
• Episode 225: Navigating Connection in Out-of-Home Placement · February 10, 2026 · 45 min
• Episode 224: Focus In, Freak Out Less · January 27, 2026 · 43 min