"It's the home-cooked meals, honestly."

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 [https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm].

“It’s Not Easy, But It Is Truly Worth It”: A Foster Mom Reveals the Truth Behind the Myths

In this powerful episode, hosts Shasta Miller, Jessica Fox, and Ashton Kever sit down with foster mom Michelle Ward to uncover the raw truth about foster parenting - the myths, the heartbreak, the healing, and the life‑changing rewards. Michelle opens up about how a mission trip first sparked her interest in fostering, and how her own family’s history with abuse inspired her to open her home specifically to teens — including her daughter, who wanted to help other teens overcome trauma just as she had. But Michelle didn’t think she could foster at first. She was single, renting her home, and didn’t have a high income — three of the biggest misconceptions about foster parenting. Together, the hosts break down these common myths and explain what actually qualifies someone to foster. Michelle also shares unforgettable stories from her earliest placements, including a teen mother and her baby who became like family — and why their move‑out became her first true heartbreak as a foster parent. She doesn’t shy away from the hard parts either. From kids making false allegations to “hotlining” her over normal household rules, Michelle explains how trauma shapes behaviors — and why many foster kids sabotage happiness simply because they’ve never experienced it safely before. Through it all, she delivers a message every potential foster parent needs to hear:  “It’s not easy, but it is truly worth it.” This episode is an honest and hope‑filled conversation for anyone curious about fostering, anyone who has ever doubted their qualifications, or anyone who simply wants a deeper understanding of the resilience, courage, and love found in the foster care community. 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 [https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm].

"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 [https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm].

"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 [https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm].

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 Connect [https://www.fosteradopt.org/] * Riannon Franklin from the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association [https://mofosteradopt.com/] * Kenya Willis from the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition [https://www.foster-adopt.org/] Together, 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 [https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm].