Foster Care Impacts the Whole Family : Daniela Coats
On this episode, Kim Botto welcomes licensed clinical social worker Daniela Coats—founder of With Siblings and a powerful advocate for birth children in foster and adoptive families. Daniela brings a deeply personal and professional perspective, having grown up as a "bio kid" in a foster family and now parenting children through both birth and adoption. She's also the author of a beautiful children's book, The Day Lily Turned Uninvisible, which shines a light on a group often overlooked in caregiving spaces: the biological children in foster and adoptive homes. Daniela shares how growing up with foster siblings shaped her identity and led to moments of feeling invisible—not just at home, but also in church and community spaces. She recalls the emotional confusion and social challenges of adapting to new family dynamics, often without guidance or validation. These early experiences sparked a passion to make sure bio kids don't feel left out or silenced in the midst of their family's calling to foster or adopt. In the conversation, Kim and Daniela explore practical ways families, churches, and caregivers can better support biological children. Whether it's giving bio kids space to express their feelings, empowering them with language to navigate difficult conversations, or simply remembering to include them in prayers, gifts, or church programming, Daniela offers compassionate, insightful ideas for honoring every child's voice. If your family fosters, adopts, or supports families who do, this episode is essential listening. Daniela's perspective reminds us that seeing every child—adopted, fostered, or biological—builds stronger families and more compassionate communities. Her wisdom will help churches and caregivers create a culture where no one feels unseen. "Boundless Hope for Every Child" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Uj0MKg (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.
South Africa