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In this episode, we're looking at an addiction treatment program in Ohio that has helped more than 5,000 parents get sober and keep their kids out of foster care.

A lot of conversations in child welfare and human services begin with reform. How do we reduce harm? How do we address disparities? How do we improve policies, practices, training, accountability, and outcomes? Samantha Mellerson and Tshaka Barrows, Co-Executive Directors of the Haywood Burns Institute, bring decades of experience working with communities and systems to address racial and ethnic disparities, build community power, and imagine more just conditions for children, families, and communities.

What does it cost an adopted person to wear a mask just to keep the world comfortable—and what does it take to finally take the armor off? In this October episode of Born in June, Raised in April, host April Dinwoodie sits down with Erik Mohn, author of his debut memoir Stranger in My Own Story, for an electric, soul-baring conversation on transracial adoption, race, culture, family and Black masculini

On this week’s headlines edition we discuss recent actions by the Trump administration, including efforts to improve the background check process for foster home licensing. We also discuss why in some states, the end of SNAP waivers for former foster youth won’t mean much, because they never got the waivers in the first place; and the push to build more juvenile facilities in states that can barely staff the ones they have.

Dr. Peter Gray, a research professor emeritus of psychology at Boston College, joins us to share his expertise across developmental psychology, neuroendocrinology, anthropology, and education. He is the author of a widely acclaimed introductory psychology textbook, currently in its eighth edition. He also wrote the popular book, Free to Learn, emphasizing the importance of childhood freedom to learn. Dr. Gray’s recent scholarly work explores how play shaped human evolution and how children naturally educate themselves through self-directed play and discovery. He joins Michael to discuss his latest release, Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety. This conversation takes us through the timeline of events in the United States and parenting that have contributed to where we are today.

Our all-former-foster-youth squad tells all about menstrual health and periods: what they are, why they happen, and what it feels like to get one. We also share our own stories and provide tips on how to stay comfortable. We even explain the many period products you’ll see out there, such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, etc. After listening in, we hope you’ll realize that periods are a normal part of growing up and nothing to be embarrassed about. Your body and everything that comes with it is unique, and that’s okay. You’ve got this!

Lenore Skenazy, President of Let Grow and founder of the Free-Range Kids movement, joins Michael Ramey to discuss a recent Virginia case involving a mother who was convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor after allowing her five-year-old son to walk alone in their gated community. She received a six-month jail sentence that was suspended, while the child welfare investigation also resulted in her placement on Virginia’s child abuse and neglect registry.

In this episode: Our all-former-foster-youth crew takes an honest, compassionate look at healing from sexual trauma. We talk about what it means to reclaim your story— deciding if, when, and with whom to share it. Together, we explore what it looks like to heal on your own terms, without pressure or timelines imposed by society. We also offer practical tips & helpful resources to help you navigate your own healing journey. Take it from us: healing *is* possible, but it looks different for everyone. You deserve the patience, support, and space to heal at your own pace.

What does it take to help raise a child when you’re not their parent? Ivory sits down with her sister Ebony Turner to talk about becoming Jayden’s mother and aunt, the joys and exhaustion of caregiving, and the gap between having a village and having people who show up.

Sarah Katz, Clinical Professor of Law at Temple University Beasley School of Law, and April Lee, founder of Philly Voice for Change, join us to discuss a Pennsylvania proposal that would allow parental rights to be reinstated in certain circumstances after they have been terminated. Sarah brings her experience in family law and child welfare, while April brings lived experience as a parent involved in the child welfare system and her work advocating for families.

On this week’s episode we are joined by Toni Watt, a sociology professor at Texas State University of San Marcos, who has worked diligently along with others to help foster youth in the state get to college and get a degree.

Host April Dinwoodie sits down with journalist, writer, and AdoptMent mentor Siobhan Neela-Stock. Adopted from India at 1.5 years old and raised in rural Vermont alongside three adopted sisters, Siobhan spent much of her life believing her adoption didn't deeply impact her. But an ordinary moment watching her young niece unlocked an undeniable truth: our bodies, minds, and nervous systems hold early memory, attachment, and love that conscious memory cannot always access.