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The Missouri Foster Parent Portal
Jun 22, 2026
19m 42s
“It’s Not Easy, But It Is Truly Worth It”: A Foster Mom Reveals the Truth Behind the Myths
Mar 19, 2026
37m 43s
"You've gotta be able to love them beyond the hurt."
Feb 20, 2026
39m 20s
"It's the home-cooked meals, honestly."
Jan 30, 2026
29m 59s
Finding Support as a Foster Care Provider in Missouri
Oct 16, 2025
45m 09s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/22/26 |  The Missouri Foster Parent Portal | In this episode of the Missouri Foster Parent Portal Podcast, Ashton sits down with Lauren Masterson, Assistant Deputy Director over Adoption, Subsidy, Foster Care Licensing, and ICPC, to introduce the new Missouri Foster Parent Portal launching this July. They discuss how the portal will streamline licensing and re-licensing for foster, relative, and respite providers; reduce paperwork for Children’s Division staff; and make the entire process more accessible and efficient. Lauren shares what families and staff can expect, the features that will make licensing easier, and why this modernization is such an important step forward for Missouri’s foster care system.If you know someone considering fostering, this conversation will leave them inspired and informed. Please share it with them and help them get started on their foster parenting journey on our website. | 19m 42s | ||||||
| 3/19/26 |  “It’s Not Easy, But It Is Truly Worth It”: A Foster Mom Reveals the Truth Behind the Myths✨ | foster parentingmyths about fostering+3 | Michelle Ward | — | — | foster caremyths+5 | — | 37m 43s | |
| 2/20/26 |  "You've gotta be able to love them beyond the hurt." | In this heartfelt episode of The Call to Foster Podcast, hosts Shasta Miller, Jessica Huckstep, and Ashton Kever sit down with Yolanda, a kinship foster parent, and her 13-year-old nephew, Jeremiah, to share their inspiring story. Yolanda opens up about her own experience in foster care as a child and how it shaped her decision to step in when Jeremiah needed a safe, loving home. Together, they discuss the challenges and joys of fostering teens, the importance of family bonds, and practical advice for navigating technology, setting boundaries, and finding support.Jeremiah offers a unique perspective from a youth in care by sharing what helped him feel safe, his coping strategies, and his honest advice for future foster parents. From powerful insights on “loving beyond the hurt” to the role of community and counseling, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and real-life experiences that every foster parent or prospective foster family needs to hear.If you’ve ever considered fostering or want to better understand the impact you can make, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed. Learn how to get started on our website. | 39m 20s | ||||||
| 1/30/26 |  "It's the home-cooked meals, honestly." | In this episode, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton, talk with Makenzie Muse. Makenzie is an older youth in foster care with a passion for independence. She shares her story and encourages foster parents to just listen. She also speaks highly of her foster placement and highlights that foster parents don't have to make big, grand gestures to win over the kids in their care. Sometimes, they just need the quality time and attention. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website. | 29m 59s | ||||||
| 10/16/25 |  Finding Support as a Foster Care Provider in Missouri | In this episode, Ashton and Shasta welcome a few guests who are making a difference in the lives of foster parents and children across Missouri. Their guests are: Jennifer Adams from FosterAdopt ConnectRiannon Franklin from the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption AssociationKenya Willis from the Foster and Adoptive Care CoalitionTogether, they explore many of the resources available to the Missouri foster care community, including support and independence programs tailored for older youth, innovative respite field trips, and family finding initiatives. Discover the physical resources available, such as clothing and food, and learn about the comprehensive foster parent training and support groups.If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website. | 45m 09s | ||||||
| 9/17/25 |  "Get into the arena." | Listen along as Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton chat with Becca Underwood about her experiences as a foster parent. Becca works with an organization called CarePortal, which helps families around the country meet needs that contribute to children entering the state welfare system. Through her work, Becca was prepared to take on the care of a couple of children on a temporary basis through her job; however, the children were brought into care just before her team was able to make it happen. She and her family had never intended to get into foster care, but they stepped up and were able to work with the state to help take care of those children.Becca also has two children whom she's adopted internationally, and she discusses the differences between that and local adoption through foster care.If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website. | 33m 47s | ||||||
| 8/19/25 |  "You have to know it's not gonna be easy." | In this episode, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton chat with Katie Tipton, a former foster youth who shares her experience and advice for current and future foster parents. Katie shares a lot of insight about the trauma a child coming into care might have and she encourages caregivers to remember that kids in care essentially come with a resume, but it is up to you to give them a chance to be more than their past. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 21m 08s | ||||||
| 7/15/25 |  "The biggest steps in life might be the scariest, but they are the most rewarding." | In this episode, hosts Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton speak with Barry and Hannah Cahill. These two foster parents are an incredible team with huge hearts. A biological family of five, the Cahills stay very busy providing the best care for all of the children in their home. When they started their foster parenting journey, it wasn't with teenagers in mind. After their first placement, a teenage girl, they decided to only foster teenage girls, even adopting their daughter, Felicity. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 31m 12s | ||||||
| 6/27/25 |  "Not all youth are delinquents." | In this episode, our hosts talk with an older youth with experience in the foster care system. Kurtis Dehart shares his story and provides hope to anyone considering fostering or worried about fostering teenagers. He's driven and responsible and shares the importance of helping teens, especially foster youth, become independent and responsible adults! If you've ever considered fostering, you don't want to miss this episode! If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 29m 23s | ||||||
| 5/21/25 |  "Embrace what's coming your way." | In this episode, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk to DeeDee Button. DeeDee is a former foster parent, adoptive parent, licensed foster parent trainer, a college student seeking a degree in social work, a foster parent ambassador, and the creator and owner of a nonprofit called "The Chaos Closet." DeeDee is doing it all and showing the world that supporting foster parents and foster children can extend far beyond becoming a foster parent. When she was young, her mother was a social worker and regularly shared stories of her work that made an impact on DeeDee. Listen along as she shares her story and passion!If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 33m 50s | ||||||
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| 4/29/25 |  "I would rather have loved and lost than to have never loved at all." | This month, our hosts have a conversation with Angel Williams, a former foster child who became a foster parent. Angel talks about her experience in the system, the challenges she's had in her journey to become a foster parent, and gives a raw and honest look at what it means to love the kids in your care knowing they may not be with you forever. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 38m 14s | ||||||
| 3/6/25 |  "Find some way to get involved." | In this episode, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton speak with Tim Hite. Tim is the Executive Director of Divine Nest in Missouri. One piece of this nonprofit is the Sparrow House, a place for kids to go when they are removed from their homes for their safety and wellbeing while their case worker is in search of a foster placement. Tim and his wife are foster and adoptive parents and they've been passionate about helping kids in foster care for as long as they can remember. Their passion has created a legacy for their biological children - their oldest biological child is also a foster parent! Listen along and learn how you can make a difference for foster children - even if you don't become a foster parent! If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 43m 35s | ||||||
| 1/15/25 |  "I don't know that anyone really feels totally ready for it." | Join Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton as they talk with Hillary Lammert. Hillary was adopted as a child and talks about her experience growing and learning as a foster/adoptive parent. She shares advice for working with biological parents, and practical information about taking care of yourself while you go through a foster and adoptive journey, the many lessons she learned in her first year of fostering, and the power and purpose in respite care. You don't want to miss this episode! If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 40m 37s | ||||||
| 12/20/24 |  "If we don't take care of ourselves, how are we going to take care of our kids?" | This month's guest, Micah Smiley, shares her experience as a "medical home." Micah is currently a respite only foster home, but she started as a full foster home! Micah even moved to a new home to get closer to medical care for a child in her home. This episode is full of great information for anyone who is considering the opportunity to care for these children! If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 36m 18s | ||||||
| 11/20/24 |  "Love can fix a lot..." | Our hosts, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk to a very special guest this month - Shasta's husband, Chris Miller. Chris grew up in foster care, experiencing 6 or 7 placements before finally aging out of the system. While his story was not always positive, Chris does his best to share that even through the hard times, there is a lot of positive swirled in his life. Listen along as Chris shares his story and advice for anyone considering becoming a foster or adoptive parent. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 41m 02s | ||||||
| 10/17/24 |  "Get attached." | This month, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk with Tori Ward. Tori was introduced to foster parenting at a young age when her parents became licensed. She saw, first-hand, the impact foster parents have in the lives of children. As soon as she could, she became a foster parent and is a mentor and advocate for foster parenting. Tori is living proof that you can be a foster parent at a young age and be successful and make a difference. Want to know more about Tori? Check out this short interview she did with DSS.If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 46m 30s | ||||||
| 9/11/24 |  Safe Haven Baby Boxes | Listen in on a conversation with the Founder and current CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Monica Kelsey. Safe Haven Baby Boxes' (SHBB) mission is to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns through education, raising awareness of the safe haven law, and offering the only anonymous option, the Baby Box. Monica talks about how the organization got started, where the idea came from, and the impact of the boxes across the United States. Currently, Missouri has one box in Mehlville, MO, and several other Missouri communities trying to raise the appropriate funding to acquire a box. A former foster parent herself, Monica encourages anyone considering foster care or adoption to take the leap and "Just do it!"If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 39m 01s | ||||||
| 8/19/24 |  "Every kid needs a family history." | This month, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton sit down with Deborah Stukey. Deborah is a retired school teacher and principal and is a resourceful learner. Her natural educating talents, as well as the training she received as an educator and to become a foster parent, has been extremely valuable in her foster parenting journey. Deborah has an adopted son with significant medical challenges and has learned a lot about how to take care of children with high medical needs while learning to care for him! She encourages all foster parents and potential foster parents to not shy away from caring for kids with high medical need - the learning curve is not too sharp and she says it is worth it! Most of all, she encourages all foster parents to never stop asking questions, even the hard ones. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 39m 35s | ||||||
| 7/18/24 |  "They deserve help just as much as anyone else." | This month we had a wonderful call with the Kueblers! Alexus Kuebler, a former foster child, is passionate about being a safe home for Missouri's foster children. She knew she wanted to be a foster and adoptive parent since she was taken into care. The Kueblers are excited to work with families to achieve reunification. Listen along and soak up their passion! If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 45m 43s | ||||||
| 6/18/24 |  SOUND OF HOPE: The Story of Possum Trot | The fight for children starts July 4, 2024. In this episode of the Call to Foster, our hosts are joined by Darrell Missey, the Director of Children's Division, and Rebekah Weigel, Writer and Producer of "SOUND OF HOPE: The Story of Possum Trot". Hear from the writer of this incredible film about the writing process, the characters, and the true story of Possum Trot, Texas, as well as her experience as a foster parent and social worker. Rebekah has great advice and practical solutions that you need to hear. You don't want to miss this movie - get your tickets today! Want more information about how you can host a private showing of this film? Learn more on the Angel Studios website. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 45m 31s | ||||||
| 5/16/24 |  "101 Considerations for Foster Parents" | In this episode, our hosts speak with author, youth pastor, and foster parent, David Wermuth. David has over 11 years of experience as a foster parent to older teen boys with a goal of independence. He used his experience as a foster parent to share stories of encouragement and helpful tips in his book, "101 Considerations for Foster Parents." A licensed therapist in Missouri, David specializes in working with children and families. You won't want to miss this episode! Pick up your own copy of David's book or share it with a foster parent you know.If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 35m 21s | ||||||
| 4/15/24 |  "If they go home and you're not a little sad, you didn't do your job." | Listen along as Jessica and Shasta talk with Jason Seter, a foster parent and co-trainer in Missouri for over 10 years. Jason admits that they started fostering to adopt, but then quickly fell in love with fostering and realized the great need for foster homes. Having cared for children from one day old to fifteen years old, he has found that each child is unique and different. Jason also discusses the reality that some families "get it together" after their children have been adopted to someone else and the opportunities he has had to help his children foster their relationships with their biological families - even after they are his adopted children. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 35m 53s | ||||||
| 3/13/24 |  "The whole system isn't made up of that horrible news headline." | Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk with Missouri Foster Parent Pauline Roberts in this episode. Pauline shares a lot of practical advice and wisdom with for future and current foster parents. She stresses the importance of remembering that foster parents are coming into this family's story at one of the worst possible moments imaginable. These parents love their children and she is passionate about knowing the main goal of foster care, reunification. Listen along as she speaks candidly and whole-heartedly about her journey as a foster parent. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 45m 30s | ||||||
| 2/9/24 |  “It's gonna be the most amazing thing you ever do.” | In this episode, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk with a very impressive foster parent, Ali Keck, who at the time of recording was 25 years old! After only 3 months of foster parenting, Ali has a lot of practical advice and experience to share with young, new, or even seasoned foster parents. She also addresses how foster parenting fits in when it comes to her personal life and her passion truly shines through. Don't miss this episode! Be sure to share with anyone you know who might be interested in foster parenting and send them to our website to get started: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 39m 09s | ||||||
| 1/10/24 |  “You get to be a lifelong part of their family.” | In this episode, Shasta, Jessica and Ashton spoke with Jared Baker, a current foster parent in Missouri. Jared and his wife are ambassadors, advocates, and trainers for future foster parents and are passionate about the cause. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, share this episode with them! You can also find out more information on our website at https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm | 43m 48s | ||||||
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