DCS Talks is a podcast production of the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. The intention of DCS Talks is to promote dialogue among child welfare professionals, foster parents and the entire community about ways to prevent child abuse and neglect. Each month, DCS talks will provide podcasts about topics pertinent to people who are interested in learning about issues in child welfare such as trauma informed practice, legal issues, juvenile justice therapeutic interventions, Adverse Childhood Experiences, best prevention practices, community involvement and much more.
Click each link to be taken to the episode page, and be sure to complete the form on the next tab to receive training credit.
To find episodes relevant to foster parent interests, type "recommended for Foster Parents" in the search bar below.
Episode 35: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-the-Importance-of-Adoption-as-a-Permanency-Option-etq178' target='_blank'>Adoption as a Permanency Option (CHPD1036)</a>
Hear success stories and positive outcomes for children who have found their forever families in this discussion about the importance of adoption as a permanency option for children in full guardianship in Tennessee. Episode 13: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-with-Julie-Rotella-LCSW-about-Child-Abuse-Factors-in-recognition-of-Child-Abuse-Prevention-Month-edcb95/a-a227hha' target='_blank'>Factors of Child Abuse and Neglect (CHPD1013)</a>
Assistant Commissioner Julie Rotella discusses contributing factors to child abuse and neglect. Episode 53: <a href='https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-the-Foster-Home-Quality-Team-with-Program-Leader-Melina-Smith-e22li37' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: The Foster Home Quality Team with Melina Smith (CHPD1054)</a>
In this episode of DCS Talks, we interview Melina Smith, Program Manager of the Foster Home Quality Team at DCS. If there are concerns about a foster home, that home may be investigated by a special investigation unit, part of the process of that investigation includes that the case is reviewed by a group of child welfare professionals to help make determinations about the foster home in question. Episode 48: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-Birth-and-Foster-Parent-Relationships-e1quf1m/a-a8srmsa' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: Birth and Foster Parent Relationships (CHPD1049)</a>
On this Episode of DCS Talks, Toney Horton speaks with current foster parent co-trainer Megan Templeton about the importance of foster parent and birth parent relationships. Episode 12: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-to-Program-Director--Tony-Nease-about-the-Child-and-Family-Services-Review-ecttmm/a-a1vadrn' target='_blank'>Child and Family Services Review (CHPD1012)</a>
Program Director Tony Nease discusses the Child and Family Services Review process and how it supports the DCS principles of safety, permanency, and well-being. Episode 40: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-Domestic-Violence-Awareness-Month-in-Child-Welfare-with-Director--Rebecca-Bevans-e18pu4a' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2021 (CHPD1041)</a>
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month, Rebecca Bevans, Director of OCS Training and Program Development, discusses the work DCS is engaged in to address domestic violence and how it intersects with child welfare. Episode 43: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-Social-Work-Month-with-Crystal-Parker-LAPSW-e1ftt2r' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: Social Work Month 2022 (CHPD1044)</a>
March is national Social Work month which is a great time to celebrate the profession and contributions of the field of social work. DCS Talks interviews Crystal Parker, a Licensed Advanced Practitioner Social Worker or LAPSW who serves as an Executive Director at DCS. Ms. Parker provides leadership and guidance in the Licensing Division, Provider Monitoring and Evaluation, Performance and Quality Improvement, Data Quality Team, Provider Quality Team, Accreditation and Policy. Episode 10: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcsfosterparenttalks/episodes/Culture-in-Care-eagtea/a-a1cighs' target='_blank'>Culture in Care (CHPD1010)</a>
Learn how DCS works to maintain a child's connection to their culture, and how foster parents can help a child maintain a connection to their culture. Episode 52: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-the-Mentorship-Certification-Program-e1vqs9i' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: Teen Placement and Advocacy (CHPD1053)</a>
DCS Talks about the process of developing leadership at the department through the Mentorship Certification Program. Episode 33: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-Social-Work-Month-estho9' target='_blank'>DCS Talks About Social Work Month (CHPD1034)</a>
In honor of Social Work Month, Training Director Kate Greer interviews professional social workers who work for the Department of Children's Services. Episode 06: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-with-Mary-Rolando-about-Adverse-Childhood-Experiences-and-Building-Strong-Brains-e8v7l4/a-a119lte' target='_blank'>Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Strong Brains (CHPD1006)</a>
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Innovation Director Mary Rolando discusses ACEs, Building Strong Brains, and ways DCS partners with many organizations to promote resilient communities. Episode 46: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-HeartMath-e1lesm4' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: HeartMath (CHPD1047)</a>
In this edition of DCS Talks, certified HeartMath practitioner, Sirena Wilson provides an overview of this system of stress management and nervous system regulation and applies it to the work done in child welfare. This is the first in a series about some of the HeartMath techniques that may help case managers, foster parents, providers or anyone. Episode 28: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-Holiday-Stress-emsu44' target='_blank'>Holiday Stress (CHPD1029)</a>
Hear from child welfare professionals and foster parents about ways to mitigate stress during the holidays. Episode 44: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-Child-Sexual-Exploitation-e1g3p1d' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: Child Sexual Exploitation (CHPD1045)</a>
DCS Podcaster, Toney Horton provides information to the public about the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Minors and how the Department responds. Episode 21: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-to-our-Director-of-Permanency-Planning--Lindsay-Coleman-about-Full-Disclosure-egedmk/a-a2l6e35' target='_blank'>Full Disclosure with Director of Permancy and Planning Lindsay Coleman (CHPD1021)</a>
Lindsay Coleman, Director of Permanency Planning, discusses the importance of full disclosure. Episode 38: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-the-Non-Custodial-Prevention-Services-Program-e16hr1c' target='_blank'>DCS Talks About The Non Custodial Prevention Services Program (CHPD1039)</a>
The DCS Non Custodial Prevention Services program provides resources for families with children and youth at risk for a custodial episode. Shay Jones, Lead Specialist, discusses the program's focus of connecting families with prevention services supporting the implementation of the federal Families First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). Episode 49: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-Human-Trafficking-2023-e1tp51e' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: Human Trafficking 2023 (CHPD1050)</a>
In this edition of DCS Talks, podcaster Anna Richmond discusses how human trafficking is addressed at the Tennessee Department of Children's Services with program leader, Kelli Germain. Episode 39: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-the-Legislative-Process-and-DCS-with-Pierce-Beckham-and-Drew-Wright-e1816bl' target='_blank'>DCS Talks About The Legislative Process (CHPD1040)</a>
This edition of DCS Talks explains the legislative process and how new laws are integrated into DCS policy and practice. Discussion includes a number of new laws implemented in July of 2021 that impact DCS. Episode 19: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-Mandated-Reporting-in-Tennessee-edvga3/a-a265v5c' target='_blank'>Mandated Child Abuse Reporting in Tennessee (CHPD1019)</a>
Learn about the law around mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect in the state of Tennessee. Listeners will also learn what to expect when calling the Child Abuse Hotline and how to make a report. Episode 41: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-Adoption-Month-in-November-and-Teen-Adoption-e1alkq3' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: Adoption Month in November and Tenn Adoption (CHPD1042)</a>
Learn more about Adoption Month and hear an interview with an adoptive parent about teen adoptions. Episode 18: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-Finding-Families-through-Diligent-Searches-ef2b2q/a-a2ebj0g' target='_blank'>Finding Families through Diligent Search (CHPD1018)</a>
Learn about diligent search, the process through which child welfare agencies recruit, retain, and support foster and adoptive families that reflect the ethnic diversity of children and build family teams. Episode 47: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-the-Child-and-Adolescent-Needs-and-Strengths-assessment-CANS-e1m5073' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths assessment (CANS) (CHPD1048)</a>
The CANS is a tool that is used nation wide in children’s service agencies to support decision making about the direction a family may go in their experiences with the child welfare system. The CANS helps our agency to make decisions about where a child is placed and what services they need if they come into foster care. Episode 11: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-Healthy-Relationships-with-Brenda-Carpenter-eatmjj/a-a1h98qo' target='_blank'>Healthy Relationships (CHPD1011)</a>
Training Director Brenda Carpenter discusses characteristics associated with healthy families and relationships. Episode 26: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-Domestic-Violence-Awareness-Month-in-October-ekl6l3/a-a3evspk' target='_blank'>Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2020 (CHPD1027)</a>
Join DCS Case Manager Zanetta Williamson and domestic violence liaisons Valerie Conley and Elizabeth Vickers for a discussion about Domestic Violence Awareness Month, their experiences on the frontlines of child welfare, and how to find assistance for situations of domestic violence. Episode 16: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcsfosterparenttalks/episodes/Foster-Parent-Self-Care-Part-2-edv6av/a-a263re0' target='_blank'>Foster Parent Self-Care (Part 2) (CHPD1016)</a>
Part 2 of our discussion on self care! Get advice and information on taking care of your self while foster parenting. Episode 07: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-with-Independent-Living-Specialist--Katie-Butler-and-former-foster-youth--Kayla-about-navigating-life-after-being-in-foster-care-e8vaqq/a-a11aefm' target='_blank'>Navigating Life after Foster Care (CHPD1007)</a>
Independent Living Program Specialist Katie Butler and former foster youth Kayla discuss navigating life outside of foster care. Episode 17: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-to-Vanderbilts-Center-of-Excellence-about-Roots-of-Resiliency-eeuog6/a-a2ceoil' target='_blank'>Vanderbilt Center of Excellence: Roots of Resiliency (CHPD1017)</a>
Assistant Commissioner Julie Rotella interviews Jon Ebert, PsyD and Tarah Kuhn, Ph.D., psychologists from the Vanderbilt Center of Excellence, to discuss the virtual sessions, Roots of Resiliency that are currently being offered weekly for parents to ask questions, gather resources and interact around shared experiences. Episode 05: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/The-Impact-of-Domestic-Violence-on-Child-Welfare-Cases-e8alrk/a-aurpev' target='_blank'>The Impact of Domestic Violence on Child Welfare Cases (CHPD1005)</a>
Training managers Colt Marcengill and Anna Richmond discuss domestic violence in child welfare work and how the Safe and Together model impacts the families DCS servces. Episode 20: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-to-Tristen-Slough-about-Transitioning-to-Adulthood-egg1q1' target='_blank'>Transitioning to Adulthood with Tristen Slough (CHPD1020)</a>
Tristan Slough, a Peer Support Worker with Monroe Harding, discusses transitioning to adulthood for youth in DCS custody, outlining key principles of preparation and planning for youth. Episode 36: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-Family-First-Prevention-Services-Act-euqroj' target='_blank'>Family First Prevention Services Act (CHPD1037)</a>
The Family First Prevention Act (FFPSA) was passed by Congress in 2018 as part of the bi-artisan spending bill. FFPSA encourages child welfare agencies to join together with community partners to envision a new way of working together and supporting families. Episode 09: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/Goal-Setting-ea8fa3/a-a1ardt1' target='_blank'>Goal Setting (CHPD1009)</a>
Trainer Amanda Law discusses how to make and achieve goals. Episode 51: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-Teen-Placement-and-Advocacy-e1v3c6e' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: Teen Placement and Advocacy (CHPD1052)</a>
On this episode of DCS Talks, Foster Parent trainer Toney Horton sits down with Founder of Jonathan's Path, Carrie DuRard, as they discuss the importance of fostering, adopting, and advocating for our teens in care. Episode 02: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/Sean-Muigaen--Regional-General-Counsel-discusses-legal-aspects-of-Termination-of-Parental-Rights-TPR-at-the-Department-of-Childrens-Services-e46nov/a-agc6ak' target='_blank'>General Counsel: Termination of Parental Rights (CHPD1002)</a>
Regional General Counsel Sean Muigaen discusses the role of the legal division at DCS in cases of Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), including reasonable efforts, child's best interest, and severe abuse and other grounds for TPR. Episode 29: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-with-Youth-about-Adoption-for-National-Adoption-Month-emp044' target='_blank'>National Adoption Month (CHPD1030)</a>
In honor of National Adoption Month, join us in conversation with six youth about what a forever family means to them. Episode 45: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-Employment-Opportunities-at-the-Department-e1hp8pr' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: Employment Opportunities (CHPD1046)</a>
Recruiting and retention coordinator Marc Giguere answers questions about recruiting qualified, talented, professionals and its importance for the children and families served. The work culture at DCS encourages self-expression, innovation, diversity, shared leadership, and ongoing professional development. DCS is excited to have opportunities for professionals to advocate for children.
Episode 32: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-Confidentiality-and-Building-Teams-with-Families-er12fe' target='_blank'>Confidentiality and Building Teams with Families (CHPD1033)</a>
Join us for a discussion with Sammi Maifair, Senior Associate Counsel at DCS, and Lindsay Coleman, Director of Permanency Planning in the Office of Child Programs, about confidentiality and building teams with families. Episode 14: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcsfosterparenttalks/episodes/Discussion-with-Department-of-Education-edgdhn/a-a232ket' target='_blank'>Discussion with the Department of Education (CHPD1014)</a>
In this discussion with Dr. Lisa Coons, the Chief of Standards and Materials for the Tennessee Department of Education, get advice and information on resources for education during the novel coronavirus outbreak. Episode 08: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/Assessment-Integration-ea16us/a-a1984tg' target='_blank'>Assessment Integration (CHPD1008)</a>
Assistant Commissioner Julie Rotella discusses family assessments (CANS and FAST) and how the information from these assessments is integrated into case planning and case work with DCS. Episode 24: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-to-Corrie-Copeland--about-the-Interstate-Commission-for-Juveniles-eh6kgm/a-a2q55je' target='_blank'>Interstate Commission for Juveniles (CHPD1024)</a>
Corrie Copeland, Commissioner for the Interstate Commission for Juveniles (ICJ) provides information about ICJ, examples of situations under the purview of ICJ, and how to find training and support to learn more about the regulation of interstate movement of juveniles who are under court supervision or who have run away to another state. Episode 27: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-the-Child-Protective-Services-Re-Design-eledjp' target='_blank'>CPS Redesign (CHPD1028)</a>
Carla Aaron, Executive Director of the Office of Child Safety, talks about changes in the Chiild Protective Services program area, which is being redesigned based on data and research around best pratcites in child welfare. Episode 25: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-to-Rosie-Heath-about-the-Interstate-Compact-on-the-Placement-of-Children-ICPC-ehnpts/a-a2sf3jh' target='_blank'>Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) (CHPD1026)</a>
Deputy Compact Administrator Rosie Heath provides information about Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), which provides for movement and safe placement of children between all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands. Episode 50: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-the-Independent-Living-program-with-director--Courtney-Matthews-e1tsu1d' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: The Independent Living Program with director, Courtney Matthews (CHPD1051)</a>
In this episode of DCS Talks, Courtney Matthews, the Director of Independent Living at DCS is interviewed. The Independent Living program offers help through services designed to assist youth in foster care as they work toward self-sufficiency as they may turn 18 and as an adult will "age out" of the child welfare system. Episode 23: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-to-Affirmative-Action-Director--Donovan-Haynes-about-Title-VI-of-the-Civil-Rights-Act-eheli7/a-a2qtjal' target='_blank'>Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (CHPD1023)</a>
Donovan Haynes, Director of Affirmative Action for the DCS Office of Internal Affairs, discusses Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination of the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal funds. Episode 01: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-Family-Support-Services-with-Hillary-Smiley-e86bto/a-audlkr' target='_blank'>Family Support Services with Hillary Smiley (CHPD1001)</a>
Case Manager Hillary Smiley discusses the Family Support Services (FSS) model. Episode 03: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcsfosterparenttalks/episodes/The-Power-of-Praise-e4q0p7/a-ajuhhv' target='_blank'>The Power of Praise (CHPD1003)</a>
Learn what research tells us about the power of praise, what makes praise effective, and how often to use praise with children. Episode 37: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-ChildStat-e1209pd' target='_blank'>DCS Talks About ChildStat (CHPD1038)</a>
Learn about ChildStat, a collaborative process for data collection and reporting. ChildStat uses a case conference model, where one case is seen as an opportunity to critically analyze practice, policy, and procedures from a system perspective. Episode 30: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-Ways-to-Mitigate-Bias-When-Working-With-Families-emuni0' target='_blank'>Ways to Mitigate Bias When Working with Families (CHPD1031)</a>
Child Protective Services supervisor Dale Lynn discusses ways to mitigate bias in reports of child abuse and neglect. Episode 42: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-about-the-Special-Investigations-Unit-with-program-leader--Jacquie-Schultz-e1bp1vn' target='_blank'>DCS Talks: The Special Investigations Unit (CHPD1043)</a>
SIU conducts investigations when the abuse or neglect involves children who are in foster care as well as those who are not in the legal custody of DCS but are under the supervision or care of an individual(s)functioning in an official employment or volunteer capacity within some places such as, detention and Youth Development Center (YDC) facilities, licensed foster homes, licensed day care/childcare agencies, unlicensed daycare facilities, schools, religious organizations, youth groups and others. Episode 22: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-About-Caseworker-Safety-eg5vfu/a-a2jnbsk' target='_blank'>Caseworker Safety (CHPD1022)</a>
Training manager Sheneka Morgan interviews staff who ensure safety is a top priority in conducting field visits and reducing trauma to children and families. Episode 31: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-with-Pierce-Beckham-and-Dr--Martha-Wike-about-National-Human-Trafficking-Prevention-Month-eolpev' target='_blank'>National Human Trafficking Prevention Month (CHPD1032)</a>
In honor of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, join Pierce Beckham, Senior Director of Investigations for the Office of Child Safety, and Dr. Martha Wike, a clinical psychologist for the Knox region, for a discussion about identifying and preventing the commercial sexual exploitation of minors in Tennessee. Episode 34: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcstalks/episodes/DCS-Talks-to-TN-Customer-Focused-Government-about-the-helpful-new-app-MyTN-etg9da' target='_blank'>The New MyTN App (CHPD1035)</a>
Learn about the MyTN app, a new mobile app for the State of Tennessee to quickly locate resources on the state website. Episode 15: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcsfosterparenttalks/episodes/Foster-Parent-Self-Care-Part-1-edv5vt/a-a263pfh' target='_blank'>Foster Parent Self-Care (Part 1) (CHPD1015)</a>
In this discussion with foster parent Jenny Sanders, get advice and information on taking care of your self while foster parenting. Episode 04: <a href='https://anchor.fm/dcsfosterparenttalks/episodes/A-Discussion-with-an-Education-Specialist-e54eh6/a-alpvfs' target='_blank'>Discussion with an Education Specialist (CHPD1004)</a>
Learn how to navigate the complexities of ensuring a child's educational needs while involved with the department.