No One Talks About This in Open Adoption…

How to Advocate for Your Child | Paula Yost on Special Needs, Foster Care & Educational Rights

What do you do when you're told your child won't succeed? How do you navigate special education, foster care, disabilities, mental health challenges, school advocacy, and educational advocacy? In this powerful episode of the A Act of Love Adoptions Podcast, we sit down with Paula Yost—attorney, advocate, foster care supporter, adoptive mother, and author—to discuss how parents can become strong advocates for the children they love. Paula shares her personal experiences raising children with unique challenges, working within the foster care system, and helping families navigate IEPs, 504 plans, special education services, disability resources, educational advocacy, and mental health support. She offers practical advice, encouragement, and hope for parents who may feel overwhelmed by diagnoses, school systems, or the challenges their children face. Whether you're an adoptive parent, foster parent, grandparent, educator, social worker, caregiver, or simply someone who loves a child with special needs, this episode is filled with valuable insights and inspiration. In this episode: • Advocating for children with special needs • Understanding IEPs and 504 plans • Foster care and adoption perspectives • Mental health resources for families • Educational advocacy and disability support • Overcoming limiting labels and diagnoses • Empowering parents to speak up for their children • Finding hope in difficult circumstances Paula's message is simple but powerful: You are not alone, and you are never wrong when you advocate for a child. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need encouragement on their parenting, foster care, adoption, or advocacy journey. Are you Pregnant? We can help: Text us at: 801-450-0094 Call us: 1-800-835-6360 Get more info: https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregnant/ [https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregnant/] Are you considering adoption?  Call us: 1-888-767-7740 Request a Free Application Packet: https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adoptive-parents/ [https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adoptive-parents/]  Connect With Us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aactoflove/ [https://www.facebook.com/aactoflove/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_act_of_love/ [https://www.instagram.com/a_act_of_love/]  X: https://x.com/ActofLoveAdopt [https://x.com/ActofLoveAdopt]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@actofloveadoptionsutah [https://www.tiktok.com/@actofloveadoptionsutah]  Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlVgW4lopNIBWGUcCJzWY1vwge8jE7R5_ [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlVgW4lopNIBWGUcCJzWY1vwge8jE7R5_]  Would you like to be on our podcast? Please fill out the form below: https://aactofloveadoptions.com/podcast/ [https://aactofloveadoptions.com/podcast/Warmly] The A Act of Love Podcast is brought to you by A Act of Love Adoptions, a licensed Utah adoption agency with over 30 years of experience and more than 2,500 successful placements. Led by an adoptive mom, we provide compassionate adoption support for birth parents, adoptive families, and anyone exploring private adoption services. Learn more at aactofloveadoptions.com [https://aactofloveadoptions.com] 📲 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @aactofloveadoptions

Lenaya’s Adoption Story | Honoring Birth Mother’s Day |

In this powerful episode of the A Act of Love Adoptions Podcast, we sit down with Lenaya to share her personal adoption story. This heartfelt conversation highlights the real emotions, strength, and love that come with the adoption journey. As we recognize Birth Mother’s Day, we honor the incredible courage, sacrifice, and love of birth mothers everywhere. Lenaya’s story is a beautiful reminder of the strength it takes to choose adoption and the lifelong impact that decision has on everyone involved. Birth Mother's Day Eventwww.lifeafterplacement.org/lapevents [http://www.lifeafterplacement.org/lapevents] Whether you are a birth parent, adoptive family, or exploring adoption, this story offers hope, understanding, and connection. Real adoption story Honoring birth mothers and Birth Mother’s Day Adoption journey insights Supporting families through adoption At A Act of Love Adoptions, we believe love builds families and every story matters.  Subscribe for more real adoption stories, education, and support. Are you Pregnant? We can help: Text us at: 801-450-0094 Call us: 1-800-835-6360 Get more info:https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregnant/ [https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregnant/] The A Act of Love Podcast is brought to you by A Act of Love Adoptions, a licensed Utah adoption agency with over 30 years of experience and more than 2,500 successful placements. Led by an adoptive mom, we provide compassionate adoption support for birth parents, adoptive families, and anyone exploring private adoption services. Learn more at aactofloveadoptions.com [https://aactofloveadoptions.com] 📲 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @aactofloveadoptions

No One Talks About This in Open Adoption…

Open adoption can be beautiful—but it can also be challenging if expectations aren’t clear. In this episode of the A Act of Love Adoptions Podcast, we talk about the #1 reason open adoptions struggle: communication. Whether you are a birth parent, adoptive family, or exploring adoption, this episode gives real, practical guidance to help you build healthy relationships.With over 30 years of experience, we share what we see most often—where communication breaks down, what both sides are feeling, and how to set clear expectations that support everyone involved.💛 In this episode: * What open adoption really means * The biggest communication mistakes * Birth parent vs. adoptive family perspectives * How to create a clear communication plan * Tips to build trust and long-term connection At A Act of Love Adoptions, we believe adoption is built on love, trust, and support.👉 You don’t have to navigate adoption alone.✨ Subscribe for real adoption stories & expert guidance ✨ Like & share to help others understand adoption The A Act of Love Podcast is brought to you by A Act of Love Adoptions, a licensed Utah adoption agency with over 30 years of experience and more than 2,500 successful placements. Led by an adoptive mom, we provide compassionate adoption support for birth parents, adoptive families, and anyone exploring private adoption services. Learn more at aactofloveadoptions.com [https://aactofloveadoptions.com] 📲 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @aactofloveadoptions

"That One Adopted Guy” on TikTok Shares His Adoption Journey!

In this episode of the A Act of Love Adoptions Podcast, we sit down with Kellen Hansen, known on TikTok as “That One Adopted Guy.” Kellen shares his powerful and personal adoptee story, including meeting his birth father, discovering more about his birth family, and the meaningful decision to name his daughter after his birth mother. This heartfelt conversation explores the real experiences of adoptees, identity, reunion, family relationships, and the emotional journey many adopted individuals face while learning about their origins. Whether you are an adoptee, birth parent, adoptive parent, or someone exploring adoption, Kellen’s story offers insight, hope, and perspective on the lifelong journey of adoption. At A Act of Love Adoptions, we believe in sharing authentic stories from adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families to help educate and support those navigating adoption. If this story resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe to hear more real adoption stories. Check out That One Adopted Guy link below https://www.tiktok.com/@thatoneadopte. [https://www.tiktok.com/@thatoneadopte.].. Are you Pregnant? We can help: Text us at: 801-450-0094 Call us: 1-800-835-6360 Get more info: https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregn. [https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregn.].. Are you considering adoption? Call us: 1-888-767-7740 Request a Free Application Packet: https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adopt. [https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adopt.].. Connect With Us: Facebook:   / aactoflove   Instagram:   / a_act_of_love   X: https://x.com/ActofLoveAdopt [https://x.com/ActofLoveAdopt]  TikTok:   / actofloveadoptionsutah   Podcast Playlist:    • Act of Love Adoptions Podcast   Would you like to be on our podcast? Please fill out the form below: https://aactofloveadoptions.com/podcast/ [https://aactofloveadoptions.com/podcast/]  00:00 Introduction 01:12 Kellen’s Adoption Story 04:20 Growing Up Adopted 08:45 Searching for Birth Parents 13:10 Meeting His Birth Father 18:35 Naming His Daughter After His Birth Mother 23:50 Adoption Identity 29:40 Advice for Adoptees The A Act of Love Podcast is brought to you by A Act of Love Adoptions, a licensed Utah adoption agency with over 30 years of experience and more than 2,500 successful placements. Led by an adoptive mom, we provide compassionate adoption support for birth parents, adoptive families, and anyone exploring private adoption services. Learn more at aactofloveadoptions.com [https://aactofloveadoptions.com] 📲 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @aactofloveadoptions

The Adoption Triad Our Story Our Voices

In this powerful episode of the Act of Love Adoption Podcast, a birth mom, adoptee, and adoptive mom come together to share their real adoption stories honest, emotional, and full of love. You’ll hear what adoption feels like from every side of the triad. The courage of a birth mother’s choice, the perspective of an adoptee growing up, and the heart of an adoptive mom learning through love and openness. You will hear a Birth mom that shares her adoption journey and decision, an Adoptee opens up about identity and connection and an Adoptive mom that reflects on the meaning of family and open adoption. Honest emotions, healing, and hope. If you’re an expectant mom considering adoption, or someone who wants to understand adoption more deeply, this conversation will inspire you. Subscribe for more real adoption stories, birth mom interviews, and adoption journey podcasts from A Act of Love Adoptions.  Are you considering adoption? Call us:  1-888-767-7740 Request a Free Application Packet: https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adopt.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3NpejdPd3RqT0M5aUROWnYwNFFxcFVNeER0UXxBQ3Jtc0tsc1BCbERPX0RwNXhjNnEzZjJDdHo5SjY4bXgtS0VJcm8waktSR0d5ZUhPcS1PaXlTWWhlamZmZ29TVzNfTWJjWmlpa2E1V0xqak5STmdtVjNZV0h2QnQ1ZjEwX2x0cW9BeGQyUGk0bXh4RGl1TUxVRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Faactofloveadoptions.com%2Fadopt..&v=FIjx2A3-JVQ]. Follow us on Social Media: Facebook:   / aactoflove Instagram:   / a_act_of_love   Twitter:   / actofloveadopt   Pinterest:   / aactoflove   (  / aactoflove  ) Tiktok: @actofloveadoptionsutah The A Act of Love Podcast is brought to you by A Act of Love Adoptions, a licensed Utah adoption agency with over 30 years of experience and more than 2,500 successful placements. Led by an adoptive mom, we provide compassionate adoption support for birth parents, adoptive families, and anyone exploring private adoption services. Learn more at aactofloveadoptions.com [https://aactofloveadoptions.com] 📲 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @aactofloveadoptions