Special Episode - Resourcing Foster Families: An Interview with the Foster Coalition

S2 Ep. 9- Catching up Delayed Development

Amy Elmore, a developmental therapist with 23 years of experience, shares insights on supporting children in the first six months after adoption. She emphasizes the importance of attachment, quality over quantity in development, and practical strategies for parents to foster growth through play and parent coaching. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:29 Amy Elmore's Role and Focus in Early Development 01:22 Initial Assessment and Observing the Child's Current Skills 02:19 Focusing on Quality of Developmental Skills 03:18 Understanding Developmental Age vs. Chronological Age 04:45 Strategies for Supporting Development Through Attachment 06:06 Incorporating Development into Play Without Therapy Feelings 07:34 Lessons from a Veteran OT on Prioritizing Developmental Focus 08:56 Avoiding Overwhelm with Focused, Essential Interventions 10:19 Using Books and Simple Activities to Promote Language and Cognition 12:13 Setting Realistic Expectations and Addressing Parental Fears 13:11 The Role of Early Intervention and Parent Involvement 14:10 Recognizing Communication and Attachment Cues 16:04 Parent Coaching via Video and In-Home Support 18:49 The Power of Play in Development and Attachment 19:42 Adjusting Parenting to Developmental Level for Better Outcomes 21:30 Tracking Rate of Catch-Up and Progress Over Time 23:54 Expectations for Speech and Communication Delays 25:21 Knowing When to Push Developmental Milestones 26:07 Conclusion and Final Tips for Parents

S2 Ep. 8- Choosing Childcare or School Placement

This episode features a developmental therapist discussing the critical first six months after a child is placed in a new environment, focusing on attachment, regulation, and making informed decisions about childcare and school placement for foster and adopted children Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Child Placement and First Six Months 00:27 What Supports Regulation and Attachment 01:26 Creating a Safe, Regulated Space for Children 02:24 Challenges of School Settings for Newly Placed Children 03:20 Making Informed Childcare and School Decisions 04:16 Delaying School Entry and Home-Based Care Options 06:09 Choosing Developmentally Appropriate Settings 07:48 Impact of Overstimulation and Overwhelm 08:48 Monitoring Adjustment and Behavior Changes 10:22 Grade Placement and Academic Expectations 12:22 Homeschooling and Alternative Education Options 13:48 Gradual Entry and Transition Strategies 16:48 Attachment and School Readiness 18:58 Supporting Developmental and Language Transitions 20:51 Collaborating with Schools and Educators 22:40 Addressing Medical and Developmental Appointments 26:10 Balancing Medical Needs and School Readiness 27:19 Focusing on Safety and Attachment in Placement Decisions

S2 Ep. 7- Language Transition

This episode explores the complexities of language transitions in international adoptees, emphasizing the importance of connection, communication techniques, and supporting language development to foster attachment and identity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Language Transitions in Adoption 05:07 The Grief of Losing a First Language 10:00 Understanding Language Acquisition in Children 15:11 The Role of Non-Verbal Communication 20:09 Maintaining a Child's Native Language 25:06 Navigating School and Language Challenges 30:07 The Importance of Communication in Attachment

S2 Ep. 6 - Food and Nutrition

This episode explores the complex relationship between food, memory, and safety in the first six months of a child's placement in a new home. Kelly and Amy share insights on managing food behaviors, cultural considerations, and strategies for fostering security and attachment through nutrition. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Food in Early Childhood 05:52 Understanding Feeding Behaviors in Newly Adopted Children 12:07 Addressing Overeating and Restrictive Eating 17:46 Cultural Considerations in Feeding 33:59 Navigating Feeding Issues in Adopted Children

S2 Ep. 5- The Power of Cocooning in Early Attachment

This episode explores the critical importance of cocooning in the first six months of adoption or foster placement. It covers how slowing down, creating a safe space, and reducing external interactions can strengthen attachment and regulate the nervous system, especially for children with trauma backgrounds. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cocooning 06:11 Understanding Cocooning and Its Importance 12:17 Challenges of Cocooning 17:51 Resistance from Others 23:39 Consequences of Poor Cocooning 30:23 Cocooning in Foster Care 32:20 Signs of Readiness to Stop Cocooning