Welcome back to the What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting podcast! I’m Christine Marie — adoptive mom, former foster parent, and biblical mindset coach — and today’s guest is someone whose voice and impact in the foster care space cannot be overstated.

I’m honored to sit down with Dr. John DeGarmo, founder and director of The Foster Care Institute, international speaker, best-selling author of 10 books, and foster/adoptive dad to over 60 children. Dr. DeGarmo has worked alongside child welfare agencies across the globe and is a leading voice for system change and trauma-informed parenting.

In this conversation, we dive into the realities of foster care that few are willing to talk about — from the mental health crisis and over-medication of foster youth to the growing burnout among caregivers. We also talk about practical tools and mindsets that can help foster and adoptive parents stay grounded, effective, and full of hope even in the hardest seasons.

Whether you’re currently fostering, considering it, or simply want to better support foster families in your community, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and truth.

☕ So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in.

XO, Christine Marie

🎧 In this episode, we cover:

• The over-medication crisis in foster care

• How trauma shows up in children and how to respond with connection

• The importance of mental health support for foster families

• What foster parents need most (and why many are walking away)

• Dr. DeGarmo’s personal journey and why he still believes in the system, despite its flaws

About Dr. John DeGarmo:

International keynote speaker and trainer Best-selling author of 10 books on foster care and parenting TED Talk presenter and media contributor Expert witness for foster care and child welfare legal cases Recipient of the Good Morning America Ultimate Hero Award and the Heroes of the Homeless Award

Connect with Dr. DeGarmo: Website: www.drjohndegarmofostercare.com More Resources: The Foster Care Institute

💕 Join Our Free Community of Christian Foster & Adoptive Moms: 👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen 🎥 YouTube Channel

This one is for the foster and adoptive parents carrying the weight no one sees—who keep showing up, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Today, I’m sitting down with Devin Schubert—an adoptive dad of three—for a conversation about the cost of obedience, the depth of trauma, and the God who restores what we thought was lost forever.

After adopting his son, Devin walked through five years of chaos: -Explosive trauma -Daily police calls -System after system that failed -And the heartbreak of watching his marriage fall apart

When his wife left, Devin stepped into solo fatherhood, determined to fight for his son—alone. Until the fight nearly killed him. Diagnosed with trauma shock Given 3 months to live

Flat on his back, ready to give up, Jesus walked in and said: “You left the 99 to save the 1. Now I’m giving you the 99 to tell your story to the nations.”

And now—four years later—his son is being reunited with him and moving back home in just 4 months.

This episode is a story of resilience, radical love, and full-circle redemption for every parent who’s ever wondered, “Is it worth it?”

Tune in now and be reminded: God sees your sacrifice. He restores what was lost. And the story isn’t over yet.

☕ Grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in. XO, Christine Marie

📌 Connect with Devin: www.facebook.com/schubertdevin www.storiestostages.com

🎥 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@fosteringandadopting 💕 Join our community: facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

Today, I’m joined by the incredible DJ Noble, a former radio host, teacher, and long-time foster parent with a powerful 15-year journey that spans across Virginia and Kansas. In this episode, we’re talking about the REAL side of foster care—the emotions, the relationships, the red tape, and the redemption.

Together, we unpack: ✨ What it’s like navigating two different state systems ✨ How to honor and embrace biological families ✨ The impact fostering can have on your own bio kids ✨ Practical advice for navigating relationships, grief, and growth

DJ brings so much wisdom—not just from his professional background in sociology, urban affairs, and theology—but from living this life every single day. With his wife, Sanna, they’ve raised two biological sons and fostered dozens more. Right now? They’ve got three boys in their home and are still showing up with heart, humor, and purpose.

This conversation is full of real talk, practical insight, and encouragement for anyone currently fostering or considering the call.

Listen now to hear how DJ balances faith, family, and fostering—and why the way we view biological families could change everything.

Check out DJ’s podcast “Off The Grid” at www.IndiesCollective.com for more of his powerful voice and mission.

☕ Grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in!

XO, Christine Marie

📌 Follow for more faith-based foster care conversations: @cortisol_coach 💕 Join the community: facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fosteringandadopting