Home
Categories
EXPLORE
True Crime
Comedy
Society & Culture
Business
Health & Fitness
Technology
Sports
About Us
Contact Us
Copyright
© 2024 PodJoint
Loading...
0:00 / 0:00
Podjoint Logo
US
Sign in

or

Don't have an account?
Sign up
Forgot password
https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts221/v4/e1/10/ba/e110bade-f2ad-8033-9715-455b49ccba7b/mza_9864076870176022554.jpg/600x600bb.jpg
Wards of the State
Dillard Media
88 episodes
2 weeks ago
Karlos Dillard, Author, Speaker, and Lived Experience Foster Care Advocate host this illuminative show about the truth of the foster care system. Joined weekly by former foster youth and adoptees, Karlos and his guest will shine a light on what it really is like being in the foster care and adoption systems. Karlos has a background in entertainment and production, so expect this show to be real, eye-opening, and sometimes funny.

If you are a former foster youth and would like to share your experience with the foster system please email me karlos.r.dillard@gmail.com
Show more...
Parenting
Kids & Family
RSS
All content for Wards of the State is the property of Dillard Media and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Karlos Dillard, Author, Speaker, and Lived Experience Foster Care Advocate host this illuminative show about the truth of the foster care system. Joined weekly by former foster youth and adoptees, Karlos and his guest will shine a light on what it really is like being in the foster care and adoption systems. Karlos has a background in entertainment and production, so expect this show to be real, eye-opening, and sometimes funny.

If you are a former foster youth and would like to share your experience with the foster system please email me karlos.r.dillard@gmail.com
Show more...
Parenting
Kids & Family
Episodes (20/88)
Wards of the State
Ep: 80 "Abner"
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.

Watch the Video Podcast! 

If you would like to be on the show, please fill out the form here

Please help us keep shining light on the truths of the foster care system by donating. Please click the link to donate! 
Show more...
1 week ago
32 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 79 "Diana"
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.

Follow her on Tiktok

Watch the Video Podcast! 

If you would like to be on the show, please fill out the form. 

Show more...
1 month ago
53 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 78 "Shantel"
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.


Watch the Video Podcast! 

If you would like to be on the show, please fill out the form here

Show more...
2 months ago
53 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 77 "Shana"
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.

Watch the Video Podcast! 

If you would like to be on the show, please fill out the form here.



Show more...
2 months ago
48 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 76 "Dr. Cre"
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.

Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube 

If you would like to be on the show, please fill out the form here


Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 31 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 75 "Jasmine"
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!

Watch the Video Podcast

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

If you would like to be on the show, please sign up here

Show more...
4 months ago
48 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 74 "Hart & Michael"
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 

Watch the Video Podcast!

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


If you would like to be on the show, please sign up here 

Please help us keep shining light on the truths of the foster care system by donating. Please click the link to donate!
Show more...
5 months ago
1 hour 3 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 73 "Jasmine"
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.

Watch the Video Podcast HERE! 

Check me out on Patreon and get 1 on 1 time to get your questions answered!

If you would like to be on the show please sign up HERE! 

Please help us keep shining light on the truths of the foster care system by donating. Please click the link to donate! 

Sign up for our monthly newsletter The Ward Connection.
Show more...
6 months ago
40 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 72 "Lisa"
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. 

Watch the Video Podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@KarlosDillard 
www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZwdv6RQrI49p0kqtzBblV5eQIGAE81dV3Ey3ZQRgmWOeS1A/viewform?usp=preview 

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
Show more...
6 months ago
1 hour 4 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 71 "MGD"
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. 

www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true 
If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZwdv6RQrI49p0kqtzBblV5eQIGAE81dV3Ey3ZQRgmWOeS1A/viewform?usp=preview 

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
Show more...
7 months ago
50 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 70 "Tara"
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.

Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true 

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZwdv6RQrI49p0kqtzBblV5eQIGAE81dV3Ey3ZQRgmWOeS1A/viewform?usp=preview 

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
Show more...
7 months ago
1 hour 7 minutes

Wards of the State
EP: 69 "Cassidy"
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.

Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true 

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZxNnCSntbuvjrxjjvZco3BmsCVNELmU1WzlYPCOongNNiA/viewform?usp=pp_url 

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
Show more...
8 months ago
59 minutes

Wards of the State
We Are Back!
I am so excited to share with you more stories of lived experiences so we can all learn and grow! 

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZxNnCSntbuvjrxjjvZco3BmsCVNELmU1WzlYPCOongNNiA/viewform?usp=pp_url 

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
Show more...
8 months ago
2 minutes

Wards of the State
Biological Parents Special: Laura
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
 
Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZxNnCSntbuvjrxjjvZco3BmsCVNELmU1WzlYPCOongNNiA/viewform?usp=pp_url

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
Show more...
1 year ago
28 minutes

Wards of the State
Biological Parent Special: CJ (update)
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

Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true
 
If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZxNnCSntbuvjrxjjvZco3BmsCVNELmU1WzlYPCOongNNiA/viewform?usp=pp_url

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
Show more...
1 year ago
51 minutes

Wards of the State
Biological Family Special: ShaVonnda
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

Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZxNnCSntbuvjrxjjvZco3BmsCVNELmU1WzlYPCOongNNiA/viewform?usp=pp_url 

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
Show more...
1 year ago
1 hour 29 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 68 "George"
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
 
Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZxNnCSntbuvjrxjjvZco3BmsCVNELmU1WzlYPCOongNNiA/viewform?usp=pp_url 

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
Show more...
1 year ago
40 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 67 "Scottie"
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 

   Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true
If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZxNnCSntbuvjrxjjvZco3BmsCVNELmU1WzlYPCOongNNiA/viewform?usp=pp_url

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
Show more...
1 year ago
48 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 66 "Petrea"
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    

Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true 

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZxNnCSntbuvjrxjjvZco3BmsCVNELmU1WzlYPCOongNNiA/viewform?usp=pp_url 

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

Come march with me ! https://www.blackmothersmarch.com/
Show more...
1 year ago
39 minutes

Wards of the State
Ep: 65 "Tiffany"
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/

Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true 

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZxNnCSntbuvjrxjjvZco3BmsCVNELmU1WzlYPCOongNNiA/viewform?usp=pp_url 

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
Show more...
1 year ago
48 minutes

Wards of the State
Karlos Dillard, Author, Speaker, and Lived Experience Foster Care Advocate host this illuminative show about the truth of the foster care system. Joined weekly by former foster youth and adoptees, Karlos and his guest will shine a light on what it really is like being in the foster care and adoption systems. Karlos has a background in entertainment and production, so expect this show to be real, eye-opening, and sometimes funny.

If you are a former foster youth and would like to share your experience with the foster system please email me karlos.r.dillard@gmail.com