Wards of the State

In this episode of Wards of the State, host Karlos Dillard engages with Shanae who shares her profound journey through the child welfare system. Shanae recounts her early experiences with trauma, her struggles with mental health, and the challenges of motherhood. The conversation delves into the complexities of child welfare involvement, including the emotional toll of court proceedings and the importance of support services. Shanae emphasizes the need for accountability and the value of seeking help, offering insights and advice for parents navigating similar challenges. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of community support...

In this episode of the podcast, Karlos Dillard engages in a deep conversation with Priscilla, an adoptee from New York City, about her experiences in the foster care and adoption system. They discuss the importance of including birth parents in adoption conversations, the complexities of the adoption process, and the need for reform in the child welfare system. Priscilla shares her personal journey of discovering her adoption at a young age, the challenges she faced, and the impact of her experiences on her mental health. The conversation also touches on the importance of reunification and the challenges that come with...

In this episode, Karlos Dillard and Tag discuss the often overlooked experiences of men in the foster care system. They explore the stigma surrounding men's mental health, the impact of trauma, and the importance of sharing stories. Tag shares his personal journey through neglect, abuse, and eventual adoption, highlighting the complexities of identity and relationships shaped by his experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue about men's experiences in child welfare and the healing power of therapy.

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In this episode, Karlos Dillard introduces the podcast 'Wards of the State,' focusing on the lived experiences of adoptees and foster youth. The conversation with Ron delves into his traumatic childhood, navigating the foster care system, and the complexities of family dynamics. Ron shares his experiences of abuse, neglect, and the long-lasting effects of trauma, while also discussing the importance of understanding and healing from these experiences. The episode highlights the significance of lived stories in humanizing the statistics surrounding child welfare. In this conversation, Ron shares his journey through foster care, identity struggles, and the impact of religion...

Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, Karlos Dillard speaks with Patricia about her tumultuous journey through the foster care system. Patricia shares her experiences of being taken from her biological family, the challenges she faced in various foster homes, and her eventual transition to a group home where she found stability and support. The conversation highlights the importance of using one's voice, the impact of trauma, and the resilience required to navigate life after foster care. Patricia emphasizes the need for foster children to advocate for themselves and take advantage of available resources.

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Duration: 00:37:02

In this episode of the Wards of the State podcast, host Karlos Dillard speaks with Abner Sage, who shares their harrowing experiences growing up in the foster care system and later being adopted. Abner discusses the challenges they faced, including frequent separations from their siblings, the stigma of being labeled as 'special needs', and the complexities of navigating identity and trauma. They highlight the systemic issues within the foster care and adoption systems, including financial exploitation and the lack of understanding from caregivers. The conversation sheds light on the need for reform and better support for children in these systems.<...

In this episode, Karlos Dillard interviews Diana Colon, who shares her harrowing journey from being born in Russia and living in orphanages to being adopted in America. Diana recounts her traumatic experiences in the orphanage, including abuse and neglect, and the challenges she faced in her adoptive home. Despite the struggles, Diana emphasizes the importance of resilience and healing, and she offers valuable advice for future adoptees. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of sharing one's narrative.

Takeaways
Diana's early life in Russia was marked by hardship and...

In this episode, Karlos Dillard speaks with Shantel about her experiences as a kinship adoptee. They discuss the challenges of growing up in an adoptive home, the impact of abuse and neglect, and the importance of resilience and support systems. Shantel shares her journey through teenage pregnancy, navigating relationships with her biological family, and the resources available for young parents. They also explore the concept of the 'adoption fog' and the necessity of therapy for adoptive families. The conversation emphasizes the importance of sharing lived experiences to create change and support others in similar situations.


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In this episode, Karlos Dillard and Shana discuss the complexities of adoption, including the importance of sharing personal stories, the trauma associated with being adopted, and the role of therapists in understanding adoptee experiences. Shana shares her own adoption story, the challenges of identity, and the impact of closed adoptions on her life. They also explore the legal implications of adoption and the emotional journey of reunification with birth family, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and reform in the adoption industry.

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Hey Lightshiners! In this engaging conversation, Karlos Dillard and Dr. Cre explore the importance of building relationships and support systems for youth, particularly those in foster care. They discuss the significance of creating safe spaces, effective communication, and the role of structure and boundaries in fostering healthy development. Dr. Cre shares insights from her experiences and emphasizes the need for adults to be open, nurturing, and willing to learn from young people. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by foster parents and the necessity of addressing their own traumas to better support the children in their care. Ultimately, the...

Hey, Light Shiners! I am joined by Jasmine, a foster youth who shares her experience. She also speaks to us about what it is like being a kinship caregiver herself!

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Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Hart, who is a pre-birth match adoptee who is joined by their biological brother Michael. They speak about how reunification has been for them and Hart speaks about having a net-positive adoption, but still feeling the loss of their sibling 

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Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Jasmine a former foster youth who has just aged out of foster care. She speaks about life in group homes and how she made a plan to make it out of the system without being institutionalized.

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Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Lisa an adoptee who didn’t find out she was adopted until she was 7 or 8. She also shares about the abuse she survived at the hands of her stepbrother. We share reunification stories and end the podcast with advice for one another. 

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Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by MGD a former foster youth. She speaks about her struggle with her identity and how a DNA test helps discover who she truly is. 

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Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Tara who is a transracial adoptee and she shares her experience with dealing with religious trauma from the Mormon church. She also speaks about how she still loves her white adoptive parents but struggles with her racial identity.

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Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Cassidy a former foster youth who was being abused by her birth brother in their home. She speaks about how hard reunification can be and how child abuse can cause lifelong trauma in families.

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I am so excited to share with you more stories of lived experiences so we can all learn and grow! 

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Hey Light Shiners!  I am joined by Laura a birth mom who almost lost her kids to the system because of a mental health crisis. She speaks about co-parenting with an abusive Ex-spouse and how she was alienated as a mom.
 
Follow the guest on social media! @Iwinnard1982 also check out her business at Crystal Hope Creations
 
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Hey Light Shiners!  I am joined by CJ a birth father who was on the show 2 years ago. He gives us an update and how he has been advocating for himself and his daughter. 

Follow the guest on social media! @Childlessparent

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Hey Light Shiners!  I am joined by ShaVonnda, a birth aunt who helped her brother fight the family policing system and tried to adopt his daughter out to foster parents. They fought for 8 years and won! 

Follow the guest on social media! @kinship.is.care (tiktok) @Emily_brooks_foundation

Support this family and fight back! https://www.gofundme.com/f/u2prd-bringing-emily-home?qid=64b886178566f29b75ddd2a49f67e4c7

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Hey Light Shiners!  I am joined by George a native adoptee who had a net positive adoption experience. He talks about how his adoptive parents keep his birth family and culture involved while growing up and why ICWA is so important.

Follow the guest on social media! @Ibakedinupiaq
 
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Hey Light Shiners! THERE IS A SUICIDE TRIGGER WARNING in this episode. I am joined by Scottie a same-race Black adoptee who shares about their net-positive adoption experiences and religion trauma. We do speak about assisted suicide so please use caution listening and speak to mental health professionals If you are having suicidal thoughts. Always Shine Your Ligjht.

Follow the guest on social media! @scottieslittlelife 

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Petrea an international adoptee who was adopted from Russia. She speaks on her net-positive adoption and how isolating it was to grow up in a single-mother household.

Follow the guest on social media! @dosvidaniyababy6669    

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Tiffany and adoptee who shares her story about her adoption, her adoptive parents divorce and how that affected her life.
 
Follow the guest on social media! @Sistatiph     

Join the BLACK MOTHERS MARCH! https://www.blackmothersmarch.com/

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<...

Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Shellie who speaks about how her adoptive parents paid for her and how that made her feel.

Follow the guest on social media! @ShellBell

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Sandra a foster youth and adoptee whose story will shock you. She shares her experience of being adopted twice...will at least she THOUGHT she was adopted.

Follow the guest on social media! @chickanddog

PRESELL for BOOK @ HERE

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Hey, Lightshiners! In this episode, I am interviewing Will Powerrr an adoptive father who went viral on TikTok for brushing his Transracial adoptee's hair. After going viral and facing backlash Will came onto my Tiktok Live to share his lived experience.

Please be sure to check out the 2024 Black Mothers March on Washington Black Mothers March

Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Rosie who speaks about her childhood and reuniting with her birth family. She explains that reunification is not easy and explains why.

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Ginger, a foster youth bounced between many foster placements and group homes. She speaks about how she could age out and access the resources but how difficult that process was.

Follow the guest on social media! @gingerchaney07

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Holly who explains to us how she was illegally adopted and how that affected her life.

Follow the guest on social media! @YAYA

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Keziah an adoptee who was separated from her twin sister at birth. She speaks about the death of her adoptive mother and how her adoptive father supported her. Keziah also talks about how it is growing up without her Romani culture.

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Tigerlily an international adoptee who shares her experience of being isolated from her culture. She also shares what positives things her adoptive father did to make her feel more comfortable in her adoption.

Follow the guest on social media! @lilytiger779
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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by David a foster youth who shares his experiences bouncing between group homes and foster homes as a child growing up. He shares how he created safety nets for himself like going to college to become successful/

Follow the guest on social media! @

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Barbara a former foster youth and adoptee. With over 25 years of private practice as a ministerial counselor, Barbara Lane has dedicated herself to serving individuals and families. Her educational background in human development, social sciences, and family psychology, with a specialization in child abuse, fuels her passion for sharing expertise on topics close to her heart.

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Diamond who aged out of foster care. She shares her experience entering the foster care system and how it has affected her.


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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Kristyn an adoptee who was given up at birth by her biological mother. She speaks about how her adoption was positive overall but had an issue with reunification as an adult.

Follow the guest on social media! @ThaNuggetsMom17

Do you want to see Karlos speak as a Keynote Speaker in Virginia in November? Check out the Identity Theft Conference. Get more info here https://e.givesmart.com/events/wGC/

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Cult Adoptee who was adopted into a religious cult… hence their name! They tell us about their experience as a young child being brainwashed into a cult that made them think that everything they did wrong would send them to hell.

Follow the guest on social media! @cultadoptee

Wanna see Karlos speak as a Keynote Speaker in Virginia in November? Check out the Identity Theft Conference.
Get more info here https://e.givesmart.com/events/wGC/
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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Cammie a fictive kin adoptee whose birth mother died of cancer and was placed for adoption. Cammie talks about the trials she experienced as a Black child growing up in a white household. This is a POWERFUL episode.
Follow the guest on social media! @Thespeckled1

Do you want to see Karlos speak as a Keynote Speaker in Virginia in November? Check out the Identity Theft Conference. Get more info here https://e.givesmart.com/events/wGC/

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Carrie who grew up in kinship care. She shares her experience with her birth parents and her family guardians. We speak about mental health and how she has been able to navigate the trauma she experienced as a child.

Do you want to see Karlos speak as a Keynote Speaker in Virginia in November? Check out the Identity Theft Conference. Get more info here https://e.givesmart.com/events/wGC/

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See you in September! Always Shine Your Light!

Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Kateryna an international adoptee who was adopted from Ukraine. They speak about the abuse they endured at the hands of their adoptive mother. They also share about how much international adoptees lose like language and culture.
Be sure to follow the guest on social media: @kaaaaaateryna

Do you want to see Karlos speak as a Keynote Speaker in Virginia in November? Check out the Identity Theft Conference. Get more info here https://e.givesmart.com/events/wGC/

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Jen an adoptee adoptee who was left in the hospital as an infant was started the first couple years of her life in and out of foster care until she was adopted at 5.

Be sure to follow the guest on social media: @TranceJen

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Mack a Former Foster youth and adoptee who shares his experience of being adopted with his twin living with an abusive adoptive mother.

Be sure to follow the guest on social media: @mackthemuser

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Carlos a biological father whose daughter was unjustly taken from his custody. This is a very emotional episode because we speak to this father as he is going to the CPS to pick up his daughter for the first time since she was removed.

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Stâurm a biological parent who is disabled and fighting for her children. She has faced many challenges but says she will never give up.

Be sure to follow the guest on social media: @OperationRhiannon

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Ebony a former foster who is a 32-year-old Afro-Caribbean mother of 4 children, her Afro-Indiginous Son ( my eldest) was apprehended in 2016 by Family and Children Services. They refused to turn the file over to Native Child and family services and did not offer a placement in the Native community as an option.

Be sure to follow the guest on social media: @operationbringisaiahhome

Support this Parent here! (https://gofund.me/208ea305)

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Tracey an adoptee whose adoptive mother died and she was displaced with her siblings. She speaks about how awful it felt to hear her adoptive extended family says they didn't want them and how she survived.
Be sure to follow the guest on social media: @traceyhughes

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Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Outspoken Adoptee who is a Transracial adoptee who shares her experience with us. She speaks about the childhood sexual assault she survived at the hands of her adoptive father and we hear her question him and hold him accountable for his actions.

Be sure to follow the guest on social media: @theoutspokenadoptee

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