Best WinShape Podcasts (2025)

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REPLAY: How To Love Your Spouse Well | Dr. Gary Chapman 30:58

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3d ago30:58

30:58

Merry Christmas Eve from WinShape Marriage! If you’ve never listened to our most popular podcast episode, now’s your chance. In lieu of a new episode today, catch this REPLAY episode, How To Love Your Spouse Well, with the one and only Dr. Gary Chapman! We hope this Christmas season has been joyous and peace filled, and we can’t wait to catch you b…

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WinShape Homes: Leading the Way Through Collaboration in Foster Care with Callie Priest 42:18

23d ago42:18

42:18

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Travis Vangsnes welcome Callie Priest, the director of strategic partnerships for WindShape Homes. They discuss the mission of WindShape Homes, which was founded by the founders of Chick-fil-A to support children in foster care. Callie shares her unique journey into the fo…

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Replay: How to Best Navigate the Holidays as a Foster Family with Bethany Hall 45:42

3d ago45:42

45:42

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis and Courtney, along with guest Bethany Hall, discuss the complexities of navigating the holidays for children in foster care. They explore the emotional challenges, the importance of managing expectations, and strategies for preparing both parents and extended family for the unique dynami…

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Digital Safety for Foster Homes: Insights from Cybersecurity Experts 46:48

10d ago46:48

46:48

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams engages with cybersecurity experts Chad Rychlewski and Kae David to discuss the critical importance of protecting children in the digital age. They explore various topics including digital footprints, the risks associated with social media, and the necessity of open communicatio…

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The Truth Behind Marriage Expectations 34:18

8d ago34:18

34:18

Marriage expectations—a phrase that can trip couples up from time to time. What does it mean to have marriage expectations? Is this biblical? How do you and your fiancé and/or spouse have healthy conversations around marriage expectations? We dive into these questions and more on today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast. Genee Francis, retu…

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What Does It Mean To Have an Emotionally Safe Marriage? | Dr. Joshua Straub 51:17

16d ago51:17

51:17

Are you and your spouse fostering an emotionally safe environment in your marriage and in your home by extension? What does this actually mean? On today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, Dr. Joshua Straub joins Marlee Arnold to unpack this conversation. Dr. Straub is an author, speaker, and podcaster, and he and his wife Christi founded F…

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The Alarming Connection Between Foster Care and Sex Trafficking with Hollie Strand 50:32

17d ago50:32

50:32

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Hollie Strand, a forensic examiner with extensive experience in child safety and trafficking. The conversation delves into the complexities of sex trafficking, the grooming process used by predators, and the alarming connection between foster care and …

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Talking the Enneagram and Marriage | Jeff & Beth McCord 53:41

24d ago53:41

53:41

What does the enneagram have to do with marriage? Jeff and Beth McCord, cofounders of Your Enneagram Coach, join Marlee Arnold on today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast. For those unfamiliar with the enneagram and to serve as a refresher for others, they spend part of the conversation providing an overview of the enneagram and how Your En…

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Cross Cultural Adoption Insights and Their Native American Adoption Story with Greg and Sam Hollback 39:24

1M ago39:24

39:24

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Greg and Sam Hollback, a couple who have adopted two Native American daughters through the I Belong Project. They discuss their life in Daytona Beach, their community engagement, and their professional backgrounds in youth advocacy and education. The…

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REPLAY: Building a Culture of Gratitude in Your Marriage 26:39

1M ago26:39

26:39

In lieu of posting a brand-new episode today ahead of tomorrow’s holiday, we are posting a replay of last year’s Thanksgiving episode. This timely topic, then, is still very timely now. If you’re prepping in the kitchen or cleaning your bathrooms, we hope you’ll enjoy relistening to this episode on building a culture of gratitude in your marriage a…

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Navigating the Unique Challenges of Transracial Adoption with Isaac Etter 59:13

1M ago59:13

59:13

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney and Travis engage in a deep conversation with Isaac Etter, a transracial adoptee and social entrepreneur. They explore the complexities of adoption, particularly transracial adoption, and the grief that often accompanies it. Isaac shares his personal journey, highlighting the importance…

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How Do You Actually Know You’re Ready for Marriage | Jeff & Debby McElroy 44:06

1M ago44:06

44:06

How do you actually know you’re ready for marriage? What are the biggest red flags you’ve seen in couples that are about to get married? What is something no one tells you about marriage? You guys asked these questions, and we’re answering them in today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast! Jeff and Debby McElroy have been married for over 40…

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How To Apologize to Your Spouse | Dr. Gary Chapman 30:58

1M ago30:58

30:58

When you apologize, what do you typically say or do? When someone apologizes to you, what do you want to hear them say or do? These questions were the basis for Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Jennifer Thomas’ book, “The 5 Apology Languages.” Last season’s episode with Dr. Gary Chapman was well loved by you all, so he’s back on today’s episode to unpack t…

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Gaining a Better Understanding of Grief and Loss in Adopted Children with Pam Bauer 58:59

1M ago58:59

58:59

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Pam Bauer, a mother of 14 adopted children, to discuss the complexities of adoption, grief, and parenting. Pam shares her insights on the challenges of raising a large family, the importance of addressing grief in adopted children, and the need for ope…

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Adopting From Foster Care: Common Myths and Helpful Tips and Insights 39:06

2M ago39:06

39:06

In this kickoff to National Adoption Month, host Brian Mavis sits down with his cohosts (and adoptive parents) Courtney and Travis to discuss the real-world challenges and beauty of adoption. Together they unpack common myths about adoption, share their own powerful stories—from fostering to international adoption—and explore the ethical and emotio…

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A Marriage Story: The Robys 48:08

2M ago48:08

48:08

Do you know that you and your spouse have a marriage story? Yes, you! You do. And it’s worth reflecting on and considering sharing. On today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, we are trying something a bit different, so stick with us! From week to week, you’ll still hear from marriage experts you know and love, but this season, we will als…

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Go Upstream: A Call to Action in Response to the 10 Social Wounds Affecting Foster Care 31:37

2M ago31:37

31:37

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Brian Mavis discuss the themes of foster care and adoption as outlined in Brian's book, Upstream. They explore the importance of self-assessment for potential foster parents, the preparation needed for welcoming a child, and the realities of transitioning from foster care t…

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Finding Family in Unexpected Places: The Inspiring Story of Foster Care Alum Liz Sutherland 37:49

2M ago37:49

37:49

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams and co-host Travis Vangsnes welcome Liz Sutherland, a former foster youth and author. Liz shares her journey through foster care, the challenges of aging out, and the importance of resilience and support. She discusses her experiences of finding family in unexpected places, the …

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Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Marriage | Ted Lowe 52:26

2M ago52:26

52:26

Did you know you have between 16,000 and 64,000 thoughts a day?! What if you could begin to change your thoughts in a way that would positively change your marriage? Ted Lowe, Founder of For Us Marriage and author of multiple books including, “Us In Mind: How Changing Your Thoughts Can Change Your Marriage,” joins Rob Philo on today’s episode. Toge…

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Creating a More Supportive and Connected Foster Care Ecosystem with Jason Weber 50:57

2M ago50:57

50:57

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Travis Vangsnes engage with Jason Weber, a seasoned advocate for foster care and co-founder of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). They explore Jason's journey into fostering, the challenges faced in the foster care system, and the importance of community collaborat…

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Social Media Is Lying to You About Marriage | Katie Bulmer 44:40

2M ago44:40

44:40

Author, speaker, and podcaster, Katie Bulmer, is known for “help(ing) twenty-somethings understand their worth.” Additionally, she has been married to her husband for over 20 years, and from time to time they serve as a WinShape Marriage Host Couple. Her day-to-day platform combined with her personal marriage experience collides in today’s episode.…

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REPLAY: Getting on the Same Page at Christmas 1:12:37

2M ago1:12:37

1:12:37

Talking with your family about holiday plans can be stressful, to say the least. We know! We recorded this podcast episode last year, but unfortunately, we released it too late. One of the main pieces of advice we heard from couples related to planning for the holidays was, "Talk about holiday schedules early." So, we are dropping this episode agai…

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Go Upstream: The Social Wounds Homelessness, Incarceration, Teen Pregnancy, and Generational Foster Care 42:17

2M ago42:17

42:17

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney and Brian Mavis delve into the critical social issues surrounding foster care, including homelessness, incarceration, teen pregnancy, and generational foster care. They discuss the alarming statistics related to these social wounds and emphasize the importance of family connections and …

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From Foster Care to City Hall: The Story, Lessons, and Inspiring Vision of Mayor Jason Salamun 49:32

2M ago49:32

49:32

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Travis Vangsnes and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Jason Salamun, the mayor of Rapid City, South Dakota. They discuss Jason's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a community leader. Jason has a profoundly unique lens of seeing foster career and ways to support foster families havi…

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20 Dates To Try Before 2025 Is Over 39:17

2M ago39:17

39:17

It’s hard to believe it’s mid-October already! Don’t let the last few months of this year pass by without intentionally planning time to connect with your spouse. In today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, cohosts Marlee Arnold and Rob Philo talk through their top 20 fall and Christmas date ideas. Wait...Christmas?! Yes! We want you to st…

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Building a Church With a Heart for Foster Care and Birth Families with Kelly and Tracie Ward 46:49

3M ago46:49

46:49

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Travis engage with Kelly and Tracie Ward, a couple deeply involved in foster care and adoption. They share their personal journey, the challenges and joys of fostering, and how their church has embraced a mission to support families in crisis. The Wards emphasize the importance o…

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Is It OK To Connect With God Differently Than My Spouse? | Gary Thomas 32:03

3M ago32:03

32:03

What if the way you connect with God is totally different than how your spouse does? Is that OK? Rob Philo and Gary Thomas, author and speaker, explore the sacred pathways—nine ways to connect with God. They discuss the differences in each pathway and how every person has a unique wiring, contributing to how they experience and worship God. This af…

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Go Upstream: The Social Wounds Sex Trafficking, Addiction, and Poverty in Foster Care 46:49

3M ago46:49

46:49

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Courtney and Brian Mavis delve into critical social issues affecting foster youth, including sex trafficking, addiction, and poverty. They discuss the alarming realities of sex trafficking in the U.S., particularly how foster youth are disproportionately affected. The conversation shifts to the cycle …

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Foster Parenting and Electronics: Navigating the Challenges of Smartphones, Screens, and Social Media 37:28

3M ago37:28

37:28

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis discuss the challenges of parenting in the digital age, particularly focusing on the impact of electronics on children and foster youth. They explore the complexities of managing technology access, the implications of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, and the importanc…

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Be a Trampoline in Your Marriage, Not a Mirror | Bob Goff 38:22

3M ago38:22

38:22

By WinShape Foundation

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Trailer: Season 3 1:37

3M ago1:37

1:37

Season 3 of The WinShape Marriage Podcast kicks off next Wednesday—don't miss it! We’ve got incredible guests lined up like returning favorites, Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Juli Slattery, and brand-new guests, authors, speakers and marriage experts—Ted Lowe and Gary Thomas. Stay tuned for new episodes dropping every Wednesday and catch up on seasons 1…

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From Foster Care to Bestselling Author: An Inspiring Conversation with Kate Angelo 45:17

3M ago45:17

45:17

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview bestselling author Kate Angelo, who shares her inspiring journey from foster care to becoming a successful writer. Kate discusses the impact of her traumatic childhood experiences on her writing and the themes of belonging and family in her work. S…

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Go Upstream: The Social Wounds Trauma, Physical Illness, and Suicide in Foster Care 50:50

3M ago50:50

50:50

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Courtney and Brian Mavis delve into the critical social wounds affecting youth in foster care, focusing on trauma, physical illness, and suicide. They discuss the complexities of trauma experienced by foster youth, the link between trauma and physical health issues, and the alarming rates of sui…

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Practical Tips and Patient Perseverance in Dealing with Challenging Behaviors with Danny and Ashley Smith 49:57

3M ago49:57

49:57

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams welcome Danny and Ashley Smith, who share their journey as foster parents and their experiences working with children in foster care in various settings. They discuss the importance of consistency, understanding root causes of behaviors, and the challenges f…

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Representing All Parties Involved in Foster Care with Ryan O'Donnell 38:45

4M ago38:45

38:45

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams engage with Ryan O'Donnell, a tech entrepreneur and former foster parent, who discusses his journey from organizing a record-breaking food drive to creating a technology platform aimed at improving communication and collaboration within the foster care sy…

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Go Upstream: A Powerful Book About Foster Care and 10 Social Wounds 37:16

4M ago37:16

37:16

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams, Travis Vangsnes, and Brian Mavis discuss Brian's new book, 'Go Upstream,' (releasing soon) which explores the connection between foster care and various social issues such as homelessness, addiction, and trafficking. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early interven…

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Transformed: From Foster Care to Miss Kentucky with Ariana Rodriguez 29:32

4M ago29:32

29:32

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview Ariana Rodriguez, Miss Kentucky 2025. Ariana shares her inspiring journey from being a homeless child in foster care to winning the title of Miss Kentucky! She discusses her advocacy work through The Lucky Ones Foundation, which aims to empower you…

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Fostering to Adoption to Advocacy: Building Stronger Communities with Greg and Valerie Buccola 44:42

4M ago44:42

44:42

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian and co-host Travis welcome Greg and Valerie, a couple who have made a significant impact in the foster care community. They share their journey of becoming foster parents, the challenges and joys of raising four adopted children, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation touch…

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Creating Safe Spaces of Belonging for Every Youth with Kim Botto 43:37

5M ago43:37

43:37

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian and co-host Travis welcome Kim Botto, an author and advocate for children in foster care and those with disabilities. They discuss the importance of trauma-informed care, the need for inclusive spaces in churches, and the role of hope and belonging in the lives of children. Kim shares her e…

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Fostering Front Door: An Exciting New Initiative From America's Kids Belong with Laura Mobley 33:34

5M ago33:34

33:34

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Laura Mobley, who shares her extensive experience in the foster care and adoption space. They discuss the launch of the Fostering Front Door initiative, aimed at providing a curated resource for individuals interested in foster care. The conversat…

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Seeing Foster Care and Faith Converge on the Big Screen with Filmmaker Erin Dooley 34:08

5M ago34:08

34:08

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams and co-host Travis Vangsnes interview Erin Dooley, an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. Erin shares her journey from being a volunteer to becoming a foster parent and eventually creating the impactful short film 'Adopting Faith.' The conversation delves into the themes o…

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Powerful Children’s Book Illuminates Truths About Foster Care with Jessica Mathisen 28:43

5M ago28:43

28:43

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney and Travis speak with Jessica Mathisen, a former elementary school teacher and a foster adoptive mom. They discuss Jessica's journey into foster care and adoption, her experiences as a foster parent, and her recent children's book, No Matter Where I Go: God's Love for Kids in Foster Car…

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A Legacy of Support and Care: A Mayor Champions Foster Families with Tommy Allegood 38:09

5M ago38:09

38:09

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian and co-host Travis engage with Mayor Tommy Allegood of Acworth, Georgia. They discuss his nonpartisan approach to leadership, the significant growth of Acworth under his tenure, and his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Working alongside Georgia Kids Belong, Acw…

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One Year Anniversary of the Podcast: The Most Inspiring Moments and Stories 50:54

6M ago50:54

50:54

In this episode, the hosts reflect on their first year of podcasting, sharing funny moments, inspiring stories, and the diverse topics covered. They discuss the motivations behind the podcast, the importance of community support, and the changes in the foster care system. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocacy and the impact of personal …

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Introducing the Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act with Congressman Landsman 35:10

6M ago35:10

35:10

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams engage with Congressman Greg Landsman, who discusses his advocacy for children and families, particularly those in the foster care system. Landsman shares his journey from local politics to Congress, emphasizing the importance of community support and ear…

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From Meth to Social Worker, a Powerful Reunification Story with Brenna Hunter 42:20

6M ago42:20

42:20

In this deeply moving episode, Travis and Courtney sit down with Brenna Hunter, a mother whose children were removed from her care in 2020 due to substance use. Today, she’s not only a reunited parent, but also a parenting time specialist working to support other families in the child welfare system. Brenna bravely shares her story—growing up in a …

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Home Sweet Home: Ashley and Ashton Share About Their Journey to Reunification 52:48

6M ago52:48

52:48

In this episode, Ashley Darrow and her son Ashton share their emotional journey through addiction, foster care, and reunification. Ashley discusses her struggles with addiction and the impact it had on her relationship with Ashton, who reflects on his experiences in foster care and the challenges of being separated from his mother. The conversation…

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A Foster Mom and Birth Mom Share Their Moving Story with Ashley Darrow and Selena Whitley 58:15

7M ago58:15

58:15

This episode of the Foster Friendly podcast features a heartfelt conversation between hosts Brian and Travis, and guests Ashley Darrow and Selena Whitley, who share their intertwined stories of struggle, hope, and healing within the foster care system. Ashley recounts her journey through addiction and the challenges she faced as a mother, while Sel…

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Reunification: An Honest Conversation Around Foster Care’s Primary Goal 43:20

7M ago43:20

43:20

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, the hosts discuss the complexities of foster care reunification, sharing personal stories and insights. They explore the emotional challenges faced by birth families, the statistics surrounding reunification rates, and the importance of supporting these families. The conversation highlights the mixed …

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Helpful Tips and Advice When the Going Gets Tough for Foster Families with Bethany Hall 34:18

7M ago34:18

34:18

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams welcome back Bethany Hall, a licensed family nurse practitioner and director of training at Chosen. They discuss the importance of foster care awareness, the impact of movies on perceptions of foster care, and the ongoing need for support in the foster care …