The mission of the National Institute for Permanent Family Connectedness (NIPFC) is to advance permanency for all children and youth, with Family Network Building as a core strategy and a method that adds value to service systems.
Let's Have a Conversation is our podcast that brings together ideas, practice, and discovery of youth services to promote innovation and discussion in the field.
In this episode, Bob Friend and Mike Mertz interview Tristian Smith, author of Against All Odds and foster youth advocate. Tristian Smith is a retired Army officer, author, and advocate for foster youth whose life embodies resilience and hope. Raised in the foster care system, he moved through more than 25 homes and 13 schools across four cities, transforming instability into purpose. A former Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense officer, he brings a powerful perspective on overcoming adversity. In his memoir, Against All Odds, he shares a raw, inspiring journey through loss, abuse, and uncertainty, and how he ultimately found strength and meaning.
Music by Olexy (/users/olexy-25300778/?tab=audio&utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=audio&utm_content=15013) from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=15013)
8 Jan 2026
Episode 20 - Solano County Child Welfare Services
The 20th episode of Let’s Have a Conversation showcases the work of Solano County Child Welfare Services and their Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) program.
The conversation details the culture-changing work that Solano County has done to create an environment that promotes justice and healing for families served. This work is also creating opportunity and safety for staff and leaders to inquire, learn, and challenge approaches that may be furthering agency-centered business as usual practices which have led to injustice and traumatization. We believe this to be one of the more innovative and groundbreaking approaches in child welfare systems nationwide, transforming a system that once prioritized protecting children from their families into one that strengthens family engagement.
Music by Olexy (/users/olexy-25300778/?tab=audio&utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=audio&utm_content=15013) from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=15013)
8 Nov 2025
Episode 19 - Fathers Matter at Star View TEAMMATES
The 19th episode of Let’s Have a Conversation features Tina Binda, MA, LMFT, Star View TEAMMATES Administrator, Mr. Kelley, MPSS, Star View TEAMMATES Parent/Peer Director, and Pedro (Peter) Tafolla, Star View TEAMMATES Parent Partner and Fathers Matter Facilitator.
Star View TEAMMATES is a part of Stars Behavioral Health Group (SBHG). SBHG serves more than 30,000 children, youth, and families annually throughout the state at more than two dozen program sites. SBHG has more than 45 locations and offer over 50 specialized public mental health programs and a wide array of community-based support services in 10 counties throughout California.
Star View TEAMMATES is one of several leading Wraparound agencies in Los Angeles County. Wraparound is a unique approach to working with Severely Emotionally Disturbed (SED) youth who are in long-term placement within LA County’s Mental Health, Foster Care, or Juvenile Justice systems. TEAMMATES also provides Early Psychosis Intervention for youth and young adults ages 12-25 as well as other programs that reach some of the most vulnerable in the community with intensive mental health needs. TEAMMATES utilizes parent partners to come alongside caregivers and family members, and their Fathers Matter initiative is focused on supporting the active presence of men in children’s lives.
Music by Olexy (/users/olexy-25300778/?tab=audio&utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=audio&utm_content=15013) from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=15013)
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