For children in adoptive, foster, or kinship families—especially those in transcultural placements or with complex trauma histories—developing a strong sense of identity and belonging doesn’t happen automatically. In this episode, we explore why racial mirrors and shared-experience support are essential tools for nurturing healthy identity in kids who may not see themselves reflected in their families, schools, or communities. We unpack how regular interactions with peers and mentors of similar racial or cultural backgrounds—and especially those who’ve also experienced adoption or foster care—can affirm a child’s sense of worth, value, and place in the world. These connections offer more than representation—they offer belonging, language, and healing.

This episode is sponsored by Show Hope, a movement to care for orphans by engaging the church and reducing barriers to adoption. Learn more at showhope.org. This podcast is produced by The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic, an independent nonprofit interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic clinic that provides trauma-informed comprehensive medical and ongoing therapeutic services for adoptive, foster and kinship care families (both pre and post adoption)—learn more at adoptionfosterclinic.org

Vacations are meant to be relaxing—but for children in adoptive, foster, or kinship families, travel can stir up unexpected emotions, triggers, and challenges. In this episode, we unpack why changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, and even the idea of “leaving home” can be difficult for kids with trauma histories. Our clinicians share insight on how to prepare for travel, signs your child may be struggling, and practical tools to create connection, safety, and fun—even on the go. Whether you're planning a road trip or just a weekend away, this conversation is for you.

This episode is sponsored by Show Hope, a movement to care for orphans by engaging the church and reducing barriers to adoption. Learn more at and showhope.org. This podcast is produced by The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic, an independent nonprofit interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic clinic that provides trauma-informed comprehensive medical and ongoing therapeutic services for adoptive, foster and kinship care families (bothpre and post adoption)—learn more at adoptionfosterclinic.org.

Welcome to the "Beneath the Branches" podcast. In this first episode, three of The Adoption and Foster Care Clinic staff members sit down to talk about why we’re launching this podcast and what we hope it will become.

Our goal? To be real, to be vulnerable, and to normalize the hard. Adoption, foster and kinship care come with so much beauty—but also deep challenges, messy emotions, and moments that feel overwhelming. We want this podcast to be a space where you don’t feel alone in any of it.

So, here’s our commitment to you: Presence over perfection. We’ve walked this road, we are walking this road, and we want you to know—you’re not alone.

Adoption is often described as a beautiful solution—but for adoptees and their families, it's never the beginning of the story. It's born out of loss.

In this first episode of Beneath the Branches, we open the conversation with honesty and heart, exploring the invisible losses that come with adoption—loss of biological connection, identity, culture, history, and sometimes even safety and stability.

We talk about how early trauma—whether remembered or not—shapes the nervous system and emotional world of an adoptee, and how those wounds may show up in behavior, relationships, or self-understanding. Most importantly, we offer insight into how parents and caregivers can support healing by leaning into connection, curiosity, and compassion.

This conversation is a foundational one. It’s for families who want to move beyond the highlight reel and into the real work of building trust, honoring grief, and cultivating belonging.

Because the beauty of adoption is real—but so is the loss. And we believe there's space to hold both. We are so glad you're here!