Licensed to Love

About Licensed to Love

What does it really take to open your home—and your heart—to a child in foster care? Licensed to Love is the podcast for future foster and adoptive parents who want to understand the foster care system, build trauma-informed parenting skills, and create safe, loving homes for children who need them most. New episodes every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month on the JazzCast Pros Network. Hosted by Lauri and Veronica—directors at Families Thrive Inc., a leading foster care and adoption agency in Rochester, New York—each episode blends real stories from foster youth, birth families, and licensed caregivers with expert guidance drawn from decades of experience helping children find permanent, loving homes. Topics Include: ✅ How to become a licensed foster parent in New York ✅ What to expect during your home study and training ✅ Supporting teens and keeping sibling groups together ✅ The truth about family reunification and the Families First Act ✅ Navigating trauma, grief, and resilience ✅ Preparing youth for adulthood and aging out of the system Whether you’re just starting to explore foster parenting, deep in the licensing process, or preparing for adoption, Licensed to Love gives you the tools, encouragement, and clarity to say yes—with heart and confidence. Because love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a commitment. And every child deserves a place to belong. About Families Thrive Inc. Based in Rochester, NY, Families Thrive recruits foster and adoptive families for children in the foster care system ages 0 to 21. We place referred children in a loving home temporarily with a goal to return to a family member. When children cannot return or are waiting for a family, we provide pre-to-post adoption services and work closely with families through the entire process. Families Thrive offers services and training to our families and skill-building to the children. We host a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter on staff to find resources for children waiting for a family. With two sites in Rochester and the Finger Lakes, our mission is always to provide children with a kin family connection or find a permanent loving place to belong. Donate at: https://givebutter.com/FamiliesThriveDonation Connect with us on Social Media Instagram Facebook Families Thrive, Inc,| LinkedIn Music from #Uppbeat⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/evoli/vancouver ⁠ License code: OP7TONLRWONEVAYD

Publisher

Families Thrive Inc

Category

kids & family · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Aug 2025

Latest episode

24 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Jul 2026

   Can I Be a Foster Parent If....

   Ep.13 Many people assume they're not "the right fit" to foster or adopt because of their life experiences. Whether you've overcome addiction, navigated ADHD, lived with a disability, immigrated to a new country or built a non-traditional family, you may be surprised to learn that your story isn't automatically a barrier to gain your license in New York State. And if you've faced discrimination in the past, maybe it's time to try a new agency. Families Thrive employees Rachel Doig and Michelle Hinds host this engaging discussion about overcoming biases, the significance of supportive agencies, and the unique challenges and triumphs faced by LGBTQ parents in the adoption and foster care community. The key isn't finding "perfect" parents—it's finding the right families and pairing them with the right children through an agency that sees the whole person. In this episode, you'll learn: ❤️ Why your life story may be one of your greatest parenting strengths. 🧠 How lived experience can create more compassionate, trauma-informed caregivers. 🏡 Why finding the right foster care agency matters just as much as becoming licensed. 🤝 How Families Thrive looks beyond labels to understand each family's unique strengths. 💙 Why children don't need perfect parents—they need safe, understanding, and committed adults who are ready to help them heal. If you've ever wondered whether your past or life choices would prevent you from fostering or adopting, this conversation may completely change the way you see yourself and the difference you could make in a child's life. Hosts: Rachel Doig is a marketing assistant at Families Thrive and is personally connected to the LGBTQ community. While she currently does not have children, her work and personal journey have deepened her involvement in fostering and adoption support for all families. Michelle Hinds is the senior home finder and trainer at Families Thrive, focusing on guiding prospective foster and adoptive parents through the initial inquiry to becoming a licensed family. Guests: Melissa and Lidia Kubicar Kunz are longtime foster parents with Families Thrive. Transitioning from another agency, they bring a wealth of personal experience, having previously navigated the adoption process. They are passionate advocates for inclusive foster care practices. Carlos Karan Almeida and Andrew Gilchrist are a couple participating in the Families Thrive adoption program. Both experienced bias when attempting to foster through other agencies, which drove them to Families Thrive, where they found a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Carlos holds a deep desire to foster and adopt due to his own experiences with coming out, and Andrew, whose background includes adoption of a child, brings valuable insights into building a family network. 🔗 Learn more about fostering and support services at 🌐FamiliesThriveinc.org 📞 Call 585-232-5110 Chapters: 00:00:00 Breaking the Bias Against LGBTQ Foster Parents 00:01:15 Meet Families Turning Adversity Into Strength 00:02:14 How the Foster & Adoption Journey Begins 00:05:00 Why Training Builds Trauma-Informed Parents 00:07:10 Finding an Agency That Sees Your Potential 00:12:02 Why They Chose to Foster & Adopt 00:15:49 Building a Family as an LGBTQ Couple 00:18:18 When Life Experience Is Mistaken for a Liability 00:24:39 Immigration, ADHD & Other Hidden Barriers 00:31:02 Myths About LGBTQ Foster & Adoptive Parents 00:37:10 What Children Really Need Is Family 00:39:38 Acceptance Over Assumptions 00:43:48 How Lived Experience Helps Children Heal 00:46:56 Matching the Right Child With the Right Family 00:49:18 Your Past Doesn't Disqualify You 00:50:03 Hope, Healing & Pride Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. 

   12 Jun 2026

   Taking Pride in LGBTQ+ Kids and Parents in Foster Care System

   Ep.12 While thousands of children wait for safe, loving families, too many qualified same-sex parents are discouraged and kids are overlooked by outdated foster and adoptions agency bias. This episode highlights the work of Families Thrive, a New York based agency committed to supporting all families through the foster care and adoption journey. Veronica Black, Lauri McKnight, and Rachel Doig explore why LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately represented in foster care, the mental health impact of rejection, and how foster and adoptive families can create truly inclusive environments where every child feels seen, celebrated, and accepted. Whether you're considering fostering, adopting, or simply want to be a better ally, this conversation offers valuable insight, compassion, and practical resources. Resources Mentioned:• Families Thrive | 585-232-5110• Trillium Health• MOCHA Center Rochester• NAMI Rochester Because every child deserves a safe, loving home—and every family deserves the opportunity to provide one. Chapters: 00:00 Inclusivity in Foster Care 05:17 Supporting LGBTQ Youth 10:56 Embracing Identity and Acceptance in Foster Care 12:57 Acceptance and Education 20:05 Ensuring Safe Spaces and Genuine Inclusivity 21:21 Challenges and Successes in Same-Sex Adoption and Fostering 31:33 LGBTQ Resources in Rochester 34:05 Supporting LGBTQ Families in Foster Care and Adoption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3. 

   10 Apr 2026

   Family Court 101 for Foster Parents | Nicole Bayly Esq.

   Unsure about your rights, your voice, or what comes next in the family court process? Ep. 11 Licensed to Love Nicole Bayly, Esq. a foster and adoptive parent with over 20 years of experience in Monroe County breaks down what really happens inside family court. From understanding why children are removed from their homes to what permanency hearings actually mean for your role as a foster parent, Nicole brings both legal clarity and lived experience to the conversation. Key Takeaways: ⚖️ What “Imminent Risk” Really MeansA child can only be removed when there is clear evidence of immediate danger—this legal threshold is higher than many realize. 🧭 Know the Court MilestonesPermanency hearings and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) decisions shape the long-term outcome for every child in care. 🤝 Your Voice Matters in CourtAs a foster parent, you have the right to participate and advocate for the child’s best interest throughout the legal process. 💔 Balancing Heart & RealityFostering comes with emotional complexity—supporting reunification while forming your own bond. 🏡 Permanency is the PriorityThe system is designed to secure safe, stable homes for children—whether that means reunification or adoption. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome Nicole Bayle Esq. 00:02:20 Foster Parenting 100 Kids in Care 00:06:45 How Child Removal & Foster Care Actually Work 00:15:21 What “Imminent Risk of Harm” Really Means 00:19:58 Kinship Care & Adoption Laws Explained 00:24:56 Adoption Agreements & Foster Parenting Challenges 00:26:14 Navigating Relationships with Birth Families 00:26:55 Permanency Hearings & Reunification Explained 00:34:58 Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) Process 00:41:01 The Emotional Reality & Risks of Fostering 00:45:47 Foster Parents’ Rights in the Courtroom 00:51:22 Guiding Families Through the Foster & Adoption Journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4. 

   27 Mar 2026

   The Real Job of a Foster Parent | Tiffany Rivera

   Ep. 10 pulls back the curtain on the real work of foster care—reunification, healing, and breaking generational cycles. Foster parents Tiffany and Louis Rivera share what it really feels like to love children as your own… and still help them return home. From building relationships with birth parents to managing the emotional toll of goodbye, the Riveras offer a perspective most people don’t talk about—but every foster parent needs to hear. 💔 What do you do when a child you love calls for you as you drive away? 💬 How do you support parents you may not always agree with? 🏡 And how do you remind yourself… they were never yours to keep? ✨ Key Takeaways: Reunification with birth parents is the goal How to support both the child and the parent The emotional reality of letting go—and why it matters Creating stability so children feel safe in both homes 🔗 Learn more about fostering and support services at 🌐Families Thrive  FamiliesThriveinc.org 📞 Contact Families Thrive: 585-232-5110 Chapters: 00:00:00 Why Letting Go Is the Hardest Part of Foster Care 00:01:00 The Real Goal: Reunification, Not Adoption 00:02:00 Building Trust with Birth Parents from Day One 00:04:00 Staying Connected Even After Children Go Home 00:05:00 Supporting Families Through Different Parenting Styles 00:06:30 Why Kids Need Two Families to Love Them 00:08:00 The Emotional Reality of Saying Goodbye 00:10:30 When Kids Don’t Understand Why They’re Leaving 00:12:30 Creating a Safe Space for Kids to Want Their Parents 00:14:30 Most Kids Want to Go Back Home 00:16:30 When You Lose Contact After Reunification 00:18:00 Preparing Kids for Transition (When You Can) 00:20:00 Helping Your Own Children Process Foster Care 00:22:00 Balancing a Household with Foster & Biological Kids 00:24:00 Setting Boundaries with Difficult Birth Parents 00:26:30 Foster Care Requires an Open Heart 00:28:00 Why More Foster Parents Are Needed 00:30:00 Finding Joy in the Smallest Moments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5. 

   13 Feb 2026

   Committed to Kids with Special Needs | Insights from Toni Helwig

   Ep. 9 Unconditional love as a foster parent means showing up again and again… even after the child leaves your home. It looks like answering late-night calls, sending groceries across state lines, and reminding a child—no matter where life takes them—that they still have a family. In this episode of Licensed to Love, you’ll hear the story of a foster-adoptive mom whose commitment didn’t end when the kids turned 18. For her, forever truly means forever. Toni Marrocco-Helwig shares what it really means to provide a safe home and unconditional love to children in foster care—especially those with special needs who often wait the longest for families. For 15 years, Toni and her husband Mike have welcomed more than 50 children into their home, offering stability, patience, and lifelong support. Foster parents can play a powerful role in supporting birth families. Building trust takes time. Showing up consistently is more powerful than words. Loving children with special needs or trauma backgrounds requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to meet them where they are. Key Takeaways🔗 Learn more about fostering and support services at 🌐 FamiliesThriveinc.org 📞 Contact Families Thrive: 585-232-5110 Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction 0:38 – Meet Toni: Foster Mom to More Than 50 Children 1:28 – What Foster Care Really Looks Like at Home 2:49 – Fostering Children With Special Needs 5:24 – Supporting Birth Families 11:00 – Loving Kids Even After They Leave Home 14:56 – Why Commitment Means Never Giving Up 19:19 – How Trauma Shapes Behavior 21:14 – Parenting Doesn’t End at 18 24:48 – The Teenage Years 26:42 – Living Moment to Moment as a Foster Parent 29:05 – Don't Take it Personal 31:50 – Parenting Strategies That Build Trust 32:58 – Why Consistency Matters 38:11 – The Daycare Story: A Child’s Fear of Being Left Behind 40:15 – Why Unconditional Love Is Half the Battle 41:53 – Celebrating Small Wins and Progress 43:17 – What Happens When Kids Are Given Up On 44:17 – Expectations vs. Reality in Foster Care 45:34 – What Foster Parents Need to Understand 48:06 – Earning Trust One Day at a Time 48:35 – Fighting for Your Child 50:04 – Why Kids Come Back Years Later Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6. 

   23 Jan 2026

   Fostering 30 Kids | Trelawney McCoy Explains Why She Does It

   “Kids know when they are loved and when they are chosen.” Ep. 8 Veronica Black sits down with Trelawney McCoy, a foster and adoptive parent whose life is a living example of what it means to stand in the gap for children who need stability most. Trelawney has fostered more than 30 children and adopted 11, all while working full-time, mentoring young women, and leading a youth football program with the Rochester Rams. Her story isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most. This conversation goes beyond inspiration and into the real work of foster care: The truth behind common foster care misconceptions Why honoring biological family connections can support healing How structure, teamwork, and community shape a child’s sense of safety Whether you’re curious about fostering, already in the system, or simply want to understand how love becomes action, this episode is a reminder that futures are shaped by the adults willing to stand in the gap. 🔗 Learn more about fostering and support services at 🌐https://familiesthriveinc.org/ 📞 Contact Families Thrive: 585-232-5110 Chapters: 00:00 From Foster Care to Forever Family 03:31 Single Mom Raising 30+ Foster Children 08:08 — Kids Know When They’re Chosen 13:59 Advocating for Special Needs Children 16:23 Faith and Resilience in Foster Care 20:38 Supporting Biological Family Connections 27:04 Healing Trauma Through Community Support 30:37 Self-Care for Foster Parents 31:48 Building a Village for Future Generations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7. 

   10 Jan 2026

   Keeping Brothers Together: The Black Family Adoption Story

   Ep. 7 “Usually when I made a mistake, I would just get moved to another house. But here, you actually showed that you cared about me.” - Joubert Black, 19 I was in foster care. I moved through seven different placements. Every time I messed up, I learned to expect the same outcome: pack up, move on, start over. On this episode of License to Love, I sit down with my mom, Veronica Black, to share what it was really like growing up in the New York State foster care system—and what changed when I finally landed in a home where mistakes didn’t mean abandonment. ✨ In this episode, you’ll hear: What it’s really like to move through multiple foster homes Why building trust with older youth takes patience—not perfection The harm of judging children by their “file” instead of their humanity Why older youth in foster care deserve families just as much as anyone else How love, consistency, and empathy can change a life’s trajectory This episode is a must-listen for foster parents, adoptive families, advocates, and anyone who believes children deserve more than a system—they deserve a home. 🔗 Learn more about fostering and support services at 🌐 ⁠FamiliesThrive.org ⁠ 📞 Contact Families Thrive: 585-232-5110 Chapters: 0:01 A Child’s View of Foster Care 1:36 Why Stability Matters More Than Placement 4:07 From Foster Care to Adoption: Joubert’s Story 13:15 Why Older Kids Deserve Adoption Too 16:24 Parenting Through Trauma in Foster Care 21:39 Searching for Belonging in the System 26:11 Rebuilding Family Ties Through Supervised Visits 29:11 Adoption, Birth Families, and Identity 32:33 Building Forever Families, One Child at a Time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8. 

   26 Dec 2025

   From the First Time They Call you "Mom" to When It's Time to Say Goodbye

   Ep. 6 Opening your heart to foster a child is an act of love—but staying open when it hurts takes courage. This week on Licensed to Love, host Veronica welcomes Michelle Hinds back to the podcast for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to become a foster family—and how that journey ultimately led her and her husband to adoption in New York State. As a dedicated home finder with Families Thrive and a foster/adoptive parent herself, Michelle brings a rare dual perspective. She shares what first drew her to fostering, the emotional reality of loving children who may not stay forever, and how understanding trauma, boundaries, and healthy attachment shapes everything. This episode is both tender and practical—offering reassurance to those considering fostering and affirmation to those already walking the path. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re strong enough to love children through uncertainty, this conversation will meet you right where you are. 🔗 Learn more about fostering and support services at 🌐 ⁠FamiliesThrive.org ⁠ 📞 Contact Families Thrive: 585-232-5110 Fostering is centered on meeting children’s immediate needs and can sometimes lead to unexpected adoption journeys Saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of fostering—and caring for yourself is essential Every child expresses love differently, especially when trauma is involved Stability, structure, and patience can be life-changing for foster youth Supporting children doesn’t end at adulthood—long-term guidance matters “It’s our job to show them what healthy love is, right? With boundaries, expectations, and structure.” – Michelle “I had to look at her as her own person… and how she was going to show affection.” – Michelle “Take a chance on these kids… Teach them what it’s like to be in a family.” – Michelle 🎧 Listen now and learn what it truly means to love with intention—even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Chapters: 0:00 Why We Chose Foster Care (And What We Didn’t Expect)3:24 The Emotional Reality of Foster Placements11:56 Loving Kids You Might Have to Let Go22:46 When Fostering Turns Into Adoption27:02 Parenting Foster & Adopted Teens Is Different34:38 Choosing Commitment When It Gets Hard37:17 Learning How a Foster Child Shows Love42:31 The First Time She Called Me “Mom”44:26 Building Trust Inside a New Family48:34 Love, Loss, and Growth After Adoption Key Takeaways:Notable Quotes: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9. 

   12 Dec 2025

   Fostering Teens: The Part No One Talks About

   Ep. 5 What does foster care really look like behind closed doors—especially when teens are involved? In this powerful episode of Licensed to Love, Families Thrive’s Director of Program Services, Veronica Black-Turner sits down with seasoned foster parent Jeronda James for an honest, compassionate conversation about the realities of fostering in New York State. Jeronda shares her lived experience opening her home to foster youth, navigating challenges with patience, advocacy, and heart—particularly when supporting teenagers who urgently need safe, loving homes. From managing daily routines and school placements to allowing emotional space for healing, this episode sheds light on what it truly takes to show up for children in care. You’ll hear how ongoing support from Families Thrive makes a difference, why advocacy is non-negotiable, and how fostering—while challenging—can be deeply rewarding. Whether you’re considering foster care, currently fostering, or simply want to better understand the system, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and truth. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: How patience and flexibility shape successful placements The critical role foster parents play as advocates How Families Thrive supports foster parents every step of the way Why following your heart matters when considering fostering 🔗 Learn more about fostering and support services at 🌐 FamiliesThrive.org 📞 Contact Families Thrive: 585-232-5110 Chapters: 0:00 Jeronda James' Journey Into Foster Parenting With Families Thrive 5:50 Preparing for Foster Care as a Single Parent 7:47 School and Healthcare Placements 9:46 Creating a Welcoming Environment 16:35 Importance of Space and Listening 20:11 Challenges of Foster Parenting 30:35 Flexible Parenting Strategies for Traumatized Children 35:19 Fostering Love and Overcoming Challenges in Family Dynamics 42:00 Fostering Hope for Teens in the Foster Care System Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10. 

    21 Nov 2025

    Trauma-Informed Training for Foster Families

    Ep. 4 This week on Licensed to Love, we’re breaking down the heart of the initial fostering process: the training, preparation, and ongoing support that Families Thrive gives every family who says “yes.” 💛 Director of Program Services Veronica Black sits down with Michelle Hinds, a seasoned home finder and trainer, to walk you through the 10-week trauma-informed course that equips families to understand the emotional and developmental needs of children in care. From navigating trauma to building confidence as a caregiver, this training is designed to prepare you for the real-life moments you’ll face — not just the paperwork. You’ll also get an inside look at the support that continues after licensing: 🏡 Regular in-home visits 🧡 One-on-one guidance tailored to your family’s needs 👥 Support groups and community resources 📅 Flexible training schedules for busy parents 🤝 A team that stays with you, every step of the way Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:44 Training Foster Parents to Handle Trauma-Experienced Children 6:01 Background Checks and Support Systems 11:16 Flexible Foster Parent Training and Support Initiatives 15:49 The Joys and Challenges of Fostering Children 19:32 Supporting Foster Families Through Personal Experience #LicensedToLove #FamiliesThrive #FosterCareTraining #AdoptionSupport #FosterParentJourney #TraumaInformedCare #InHomeSupport #NYFosterCare #FamilyServices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11. 

    31 Oct 2025

    Home for the Holidays: Fostering Belonging During the Season

    Ep. 3 The holidays are supposed to be magical—but for foster children, they can also be complicated and emotional. In this heartfelt episode of Licensed to Love, hosts Lauri McKnight and Veronica Black of Families Thrive unpack the emotional landscape of the holiday season for children in foster care. With some insights from current foster parents, they explore how to navigate holiday triggers, maintain healthy ties with biological families, and create new traditions that help kids feel seen and secure. ✨ What You’ll Learn: Why holidays can bring mixed emotions for foster children How small gestures—like shared traditions or inclusive conversations—can nurture belonging Ways to honor biological family connections while building new memories The importance of community support and awareness during the season This episode reminds us that while gifts and gatherings may fade, the feeling of being loved and included lasts forever. 🔗 Resources: Celebrate foster and adoptive families at the Families Thrive Heart & Home Gala — November 1st at 6 PM at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Reserve your seat today at 👉 ⁠www.familiesthriveinc.org Chapters: 0:00 Holiday Challenges for Foster Families 3:39 When Holidays Feel Different in Foster Care 12:20 Handling Emotional Triggers During the Season 16:59 Joys and Struggles of Holiday Parenting 19:56 Blending Traditions and Family Connections 21:29 Navigating Cultural Differences at the Holidays 28:18 Community Support That Makes the Season Bright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12. 

    18 Oct 2025

    Why I Said Yes to Being a Single Foster Parent

    Ep. 2 For Monique Burney, the desire to become a foster mom came from personal experience—she grew up in foster care herself and understood the power of keeping siblings together. What she didn’t know was whether she qualified to do it on her own as a single parent. In this heartfelt episode of Licensed to Love, Monique shares how her path to fostering began with that question—and how a conversation with Families Thrive’s Director of Program Services, Veronica Black, helped her see that love, patience, and stability are what truly make a family. Joined by Executive Director Lauri McKnight, Veronica also breaks down the first steps of the foster care journey, explaining what to expect at an informational meeting, what the training process involves, and the biggest myths they work to debunk every day. 🎟️ Join the Movement: Celebrate foster and adoptive families at the Families Thrive Heart & Home Gala — November 1st at 6 PM at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Reserve your seat today at 👉 ⁠www.familiesthriveinc.org⁠ 💛 Key Takeaways: What really happens at an informational meeting The training process for becoming a foster or adoptive parent How Families Thrive matches children with foster families The truth about single, same-sex, or non-traditional foster parents How love and structure can change a child’s life Chapters: 0:00 Why I Said Yes to Becoming a Single Foster Parent 4:21 The Informational Meeting 7:02 Holistic Foster Placement: Matching Child Needs With Family Dynamics 10:23 Investing in Their Future 16:18 Blessings and Challenges of Foster Care 22:17 Fears and Misconceptions in Foster Parenting 24:34 Families Thrive Provides Comprehensive Support for Foster Parents 28:38 Fostering Journeys: Challenges, Commitments, and Transformations 34:54 Impact of Nurturing and Building Relationships on Children 39:57 Heart & Home Gala November 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13. 

    29 Aug 2025

    Connecting Foster Children with Adoptive Parents Since 1972

    Ep. 1 In this debut episode of License to Love, hosts Lauri McKnight (Executive Director) and Veronica Black (Director of Program Services) of Families Thrive share the inspiring journey of how their organization evolved from Children Awaiting Parents into a comprehensive foster care and adoption agency. With decades of combined experience, Lauri and Veronica open the door to what fostering and adoption look like in New York State today. From advocating for sibling groups and minority children to creating support models that nurture both kids and families, their work continues to transform lives and communities. ✨ Key Takeaways Families Thrive has expanded from an adoption exchange into a licensed foster care and adoption agency. The organization pioneered visibility for children in care through resources like the CAT book, which inspired NY State’s Blue Book. Their approach focuses on family strengths and children’s needs—never just “bed availability.” Innovative support programs like coach visitation and family team meetings help families succeed long term. 💬 Notable Quotes “Our mission is to demystify the process of gaining your license to foster or adopt in New York State.” – Lauri McKnight “Families Thrive is not just about putting kids in homes; it's about creating safe, nurturing environments.” – Veronica Black 🔗 Resources 🌐 FamiliesThrive.org 💙 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Program: https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/how-we-help/wendys-wonderful-kids/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14. 

    18 Aug 2025

    Licensed to Love Trailer

    Have you ever felt called to do more? To open your heart—and your home—to a child who needs love and stability? Meet Lauri & Veronica, two moms with decades of lived and professional experience in foster care and adoption. As executives at Families Thrive Inc, they’re guiding future parents through the real journey of fostering and adoption in New York State. Because every child deserves a safe, loving home. 💛 Licensed to Love is your inside look at what it takes to become a foster parent: the steps, the stories, the challenges, and the joy of making a lasting difference. 📅 Episode 1 drops Friday, August 29 on the JazzCast Pros Network. Connect with us: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn: (24) Families Thrive, Inc.: Overview | LinkedIn Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/evoli/vancouver License code: OP7TONLRWONEVAYD https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/the-drive-homeLicense code: NB4UXXO92DPEWR1A Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact Licensed to Love

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.