The TBRI Podcast Supporting Foster Families through TBRI
May 14, 2025
Susan Ramirez, CEO and founder of National Angels, leads a nonprofit dedicated to foster care support, inspired by her encounters with Judge Hathaway. She discusses the transformative power of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) for vulnerable children and families. Ramirez shares insights on building genuine relationships and the necessity for stability in foster care, illustrating her journey through poignant stories of children. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement and tailored local approaches to address the unique needs of foster families.
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Two Boys' Foster Care Contrasts
- Susan Ramirez was deeply moved by a judge's story of two foster boys with identical hardships but very different outcomes.
- One boy was adopted after persistent hope; the other aged out alone and tragically died by suicide.
Love Boxes Build Relationships
- Susan initially supported a foster family by guessing their needs and delivering supplies, but the real bond grew when the family directly communicated their specific needs.
- This led to personalized aid called "Love Boxes" that became powerful symbols of care and connection.
Personalized Matching Empowers Caregivers
- Match volunteers to foster families based on specific needs and strengths using detailed assessments.
- Tailor support types—financial, emotional, respite, or logistical—to empower caregivers effectively.