In this episode of Wards of the State, host Karlos Dillard introduces Brittany, a guest with a profound story of being a foster youth and an adoptee. Brittany shares her early life in foster care, the challenges she faced in her adoptive family, and her eventual reunion with her biological family. The conversation delves into the complexities of identity, the impact of trauma, and the resilience required to navigate life as an adoptee. Brittany emphasizes the importance of asking questions about one's origins and encourages others to seek their truth. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of love, support, and the journey of healing.

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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 overcoming adversity.

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 it, as well as advice for future foster and adoptive parents. 

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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 on his life. He discusses the importance of setting boundaries, the complexities of family dynamics, and the challenges of parenting. Ron emphasizes the need for empowerment and the significance of sharing personal stories to inspire others.

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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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In this episode of the Wards of the State podcast, host Karlos Dillard speaks with Abner Sage, who shares his harrowing experiences growing up in the foster care system and later being adopted. Abner discusses the challenges he faced, including frequent separations from his siblings, the stigma of being labeled as 'special needs', and the complexities of navigating identity and trauma. He highlights 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.

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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 neglect. She faced unique challenges as the only black child in her orphanages. Diana experienced severe trauma and abuse during her time in the orphanage. Adoption brought new challenges, including cultural and language barriers. Diana struggled to communicate her past trauma to her adoptive family. Therapy was difficult for Diana as she couldn't open up about her experiences. Diana's relationship with her adoptive mother was complicated and strained. She found solace in her siblings, who provided support during tough times. Diana emphasizes the importance of sharing one's story for healing. She encourages future adoptees to seek understanding and support in their journeys.

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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. Cree 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. Cree 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 conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of love, understanding, and intentionality in guiding youth towards a brighter future. 

Please follow Dr. Cree on social media @IamDrCree and check out her website 

Takeaways
Relationships are crucial for youth development.
Creating safe spaces helps children feel secure.
Open communication fosters trust and understanding.
Foster parents must address their own traumas.
Structure and boundaries provide stability for youth.
Empowering youth through choices builds confidence.
Teaching negotiation skills is essential for independence.
Support systems are vital for overcoming challenges.
Nurturing relationships requires effort and intention.
Youth need to feel loved and respected to thrive.

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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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Join me for the “Bring the Light to Truth Book Tour 2025!


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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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Please help us keep shining light on the truths of the foster care system by donating. Please click the link to donate! https://karlosdillard.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=611ab8be7dbb68767abf984e