Host Sandra Flach is a mom of 8 children, 5 through adoption—one kinship and 4 international. Her youngest 2 are teens diagnosed with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). With over 30 years of parenting experience and 20 plus years as an adoptive and kinship parent, she’s made mountains of mistakes and learned loads of lessons. She understands the difficult road of parenting children with trauma histories—and she is still in the trenches! The Adoption & Foster Care Journey is a podcast to encourage, educate, and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care, and kinship care. We aim to support adoptive and foster families by sharing encouraging real-life stories and equipping them with modern-day research and parenting techniques.
Episodes
2 hours ago
2 hours ago
1 hr 18 min
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” -Romans 8:28
What happens when a child is taken from everything he knows and placed in a completely different culture, language, and family? For Isaac Melber, adoption was the beginning of a journey that would lead him through grief, questions of identity, healing, faith, and ultimately a calling to ministry.
In this episode of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey, Isaac shares his powerful story of growing up in Ethiopia, losing his parents, spending time in a Christian orphanage, and eventually being adopted by an American family. He opens up about the challenges of cultural transition and the questions he wrestled with as an adoptee—and how Scripture became an anchor for his identity and healing.
Isaac also shares about returning to Ethiopia as a teenager to meet members of his birth family and the unexpected opportunity God gave him to share the gospel with them. His story is a beautiful reminder that God can redeem even the hardest parts of our stories and use them for His purposes.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
- Isaac’s childhood in Ethiopia and his experience in a Christian orphanage
- The transition from Ethiopia to life with an American adoptive family
- Navigating language, culture, food, grief, and loss as an adoptee
- How Scripture helped Isaac process grief and establish his identity
- The importance of grounding identity in Christ rather than circumstances or achievements
- Isaac’s journey through soccer, football, and wrestling—and learning to use sports to honor God
- Discovering his calling to ministry
- His emotional return to Ethiopia and reunion with members of his birth family
- Sharing the gospel with his family during his visit
- Isaac’s book, Twice Delivered, and his desire to encourage adoptees, adoptive families, and the church
- Practical encouragement for parents raising children from hard places
A Word of Encouragement for Foster & Adoptive Parents
One of Isaac’s most important messages for parents is simple: keep loving your child, even when they reject that love.
There may not be a formula for parenting a child from a hard place, but faithful, consistent love matters. Isaac encourages parents to look for everyday opportunities to talk about adoption, identity, grief, and trauma. A movie, a holiday, a family gathering, or an ordinary conversation can open the door to questions a child may already be carrying inside.
His story also reminds us that our children’s stories don't end with their trauma, loss, or adoption. God is still writing their stories—and sometimes we have the privilege of walking beside them as they discover who they are in Christ.
Scripture Mentioned
Isaac reflects on the importance of immersing children in God's Word from an early age, drawing from passages including Deuteronomy 6, James 1, and John 3.
“Our identity isn't found in what we accomplish. Our identity is found in Christ.”
About Isaac Melber
Isaac Melber is an adoptee from Ethiopia, pastor, speaker, and author of Twice Delivered. His personal experience of adoption, cultural transition, faith, and reunion with his birth family has shaped his passion for encouraging adoptees, adoptive families, and the church to see adoption through a biblical and hope-filled perspective.
Resources
Twice Delivered — Isaac Melber’s book explores the beauty and complexity of adoption through the perspectives of adoptees, adoptive families, and the church. It combines personal stories, Scripture, discussion questions, and prayers to encourage families and communities.
Connect & Listen
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a foster or adoptive parent, an adoptee, or someone who wants to better understand the adoption journey.
And remember: God doesn't waste our stories. Even the hard chapters can become part of His redemptive work.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
Aug 17, 2026
Aug 17, 2026
47 min
“Behold, I am going to do something new,
Now it will spring up;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.”
-Isaiah 43:19
On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Holly Seaver. Holly is a Christian, wife, mom of a multiracial and multicultural adoptive family, foster mom, and children’s book author. Her writing is inspired by her family’s lived experience including titles such as “My New Home & Me” and "Jack & Max & the Happy Home—A Foster Care Story”
Listen in as Holly shares her family’s journey from empty nest to full house after she and her husband felt led to become foster parents. Fostering led to adopting—something they never planned to do. Now their nest is full! Along the way she started writing children’s books for kids in foster care.
Enjoy Holly’s inspiring story and be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
Aug 10, 2026
Aug 10, 2026
58 min
“You will keep in perfect peace
All who trust in You,
All whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
-Isaiah 26:3
On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with our favorite returning guest, Dr. Jerrod Brown, about Frontal Lobe Impairment and what it means for children impacted by FASD, trauma, and other neuro-developmental differences.
Dr. Brown explains how the frontal lobe plays an important role in: self-regulation, executive functioning, decision making, communication, and adaptive functioning. When these areas of the brain are impaired, what looks like defiance or poor behavior may actually be a sign that a child is struggling with a brain-based difference.
Dr. Brown has 6 PhD’s and specializes in topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth fire-setting. You can check out his full bio on our website along with dozens of our bonus episodes featuring Dr Brown.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Brown’s email: Jerrod01234Brown@alive.net
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
Aug 3, 2026
Aug 3, 2026
48 min
"An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside Him. Then He said to them, 'Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.'" -Luke 9:46-48
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate, and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care, and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with Scott Fuller, Vice President of Advancement at Murphy-Harpst Children's Centers, a ministry that has been serving vulnerable children in Georgia for more than 100 years.
Scott shares his unexpected journey from church planting to advocating for children in foster care, along with a powerful story of hope that demonstrates what can happen when children receive consistent care, compassionate support, and adults who believe in their future.
Together, Sandra and Scott discuss the life-changing work of Murphy-Harpst, the importance of community for foster and adoptive families, how trauma-informed care helps children heal and thrive, and the Bible passage that transformed Scott's understanding of ministry and service.
Whether you're a foster or adoptive parent, someone who supports vulnerable children, or simply looking for encouragement, this conversation is a reminder that God often accomplishes His greatest work through ordinary people who faithfully say "yes."
Listen to Sandra's conversation with Scott Fuller on Episode 543 wherever you get your podcasts.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
Jul 27, 2026
Jul 27, 2026
53 min
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.
I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace."
-Matthew 11:28 & 29 MSG
Children with trauma and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) often aren't choosing challenging behaviors—they're struggling with brain-based differences that affect memory, impulse control, and executive functioning.
In this week's episode of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey Podcast, Sandra Flach explores:
- What confabulation is (and why it's often mistaken for lying)
- Why consequences and punishment frequently don't work
- How shifting from consequences to accommodations can transform your relationship with your child
When we recognize the difference between can't and won't, we can replace frustration with compassion and create the supports our children truly need.
Listen now and discover practical, brain-based strategies that can bring more peace and connection to your parenting journey.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
Jul 20, 2026
Jul 20, 2026
1 hr 2 min
"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" -Jeremiah 32:27
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
In this episode host Sandra Flach sits down with Dr. Mark Andrews, adoptive father and founder of Adoptive Family Resources, to talk about his family's adoption journey and how it shaped his life's work of supporting foster and adoptive families.
Mark shares how learning about trauma, attachment, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) transformed both his parenting and his professional ministry. Together, they discuss the importance of understanding the brain behind the behavior, finding the right support, and remembering that we don't have to walk this journey alone.
If you're raising children impacted by trauma or prenatal substance exposure—or you simply need a reminder that God sees your family and is with you every step of the way—this conversation will encourage and equip you.
As Mark reminds us, "The Lord loves your child even more than you do."
Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
Jul 13, 2026
Jul 13, 2026
1 hr 11 min
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." -Proverbs 22:6
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
In this week's episode of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey, Sandra Flach sits down with pediatric physical therapist and foster dad Trevor Carlson to explore how trauma, neglect, and prenatal substance exposure can impact a child's development—from tummy time to walking.
Trevor shares practical, hope-filled strategies to help caregivers support healthy development while reminding us of one essential truth: connection comes before correction.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why developmental milestones matter—but don't tell the whole story
- How trauma can affect a child's physical development
- Simple ways to encourage tummy time and movement
- Why safety and connection are the foundation for growth
- Encouragement for parents raising children with developmental delays
Whether you're parenting a newborn, toddler, or a child with a history of trauma, this conversation will equip you with practical tools and a fresh perspective.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
Jul 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026
1 hr 32 sec
“And He (Jesus) awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” -Mark 4:39
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with returning guest favorite, Dr. Jerrod Brown. Dr. Brown has 6 PhD’s and specializes in topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. You can check out his full bio on our website along with dozens of our bonus episodes feating Dr. Brown.
Here Dr. Brown unpacks the prevalence of migraine headaches among children with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Listen in or watch on our YouTube channel to learn risk factors, symptoms, and lifestyle medicine choices to improve outcomes.
You can find episode 539 wherever you get your podcasts!
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
Jun 29, 2026
Jun 29, 2026
1 hr 30 min
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with Michael Gaither. Michael is a Black adoptee raised by a white family in Lincoln, Nebraska. He spent 49 years living the transracial adoption experience before reuniting with his biological family and finally understanding what it meant to see himself in someone else. With 30 years in education as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and executive leadership coach, Michael founded Beyond the Moment Adoption Studio, a digital resource for white parents raising Black children.
Listen as Michael shares his story and recommends 7 Conversations Every White Parent Must Have With Their Black Children on Episode 538 wherever you get your podcasts.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
https://beyondthemomentadoptionstudio.com/
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
1 hr 16 min
“I will restore to you the years the swarming locust has eaten…” -Joel 2:25
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with Lainie Hartley. Lainie is an author, speaker, foster and adoptive mom, and former foster youth whose voice carries the weight of lived experience and the hope of redemption. Through raw and deeply personal storytelling, she speaks about childhood neglect, trauma, grief, survival, and the God who still restores what was never supposed to be broken.
Listen to Lainie’s powerful story of healing and redemption on Episode 537 wherever you get your podcasts.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
https://www.instagram.com/authorlainiehartley/
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon