In this powerful episode of Adult Child of Dysfunction, Tammy Vincent sits down with attorney, licensed mental health clinician, child advocate, and author Paula Yost to explore the complex intersection of trauma, foster care, mental health, and advocacy. Paula shares her unique perspective as both a legal professional and trauma-informed clinician, bringing deep compassion and real-world insight into what children in foster care truly need to heal.

Together, Tammy and Paula unpack the realities of childhood trauma, the lasting impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and why many foster children struggle with trust, regulation, and connection. Paula shares the deeply personal story of becoming the adoptive mother of a former foster youth and explains how healing often starts with one stable adult who refuses to give up.

This conversation highlights the importance of relationship repair, trauma education, emotional safety, and why behavior is often a trauma response—not a reflection of who a child truly is. Paula also sheds light on the foster care system, mental health advocacy, and how society often misunderstands children who are acting out from pain rather than defiance.

Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that healing is possible—and sometimes all it takes is one person who believes in you.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Why foster children need trauma-informed support

• The hidden realities of childhood trauma and neglect

• Why behavior is often a trauma response, not defiance

• The importance of relationship repair and emotional safety

• How one stable adult can change a child’s future

• Understanding ACE scores and childhood adversity

• Why hope and advocacy matter in healing

⏱ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Paula Yost

01:12 Paula’s legal and mental health background

04:00 Mental health, the justice system & missed intervention

10:30 Foster care and trauma education

13:00 Why foster children act out

17:00 The power of one safe adult

21:00 What a child advocate really does

24:00 Paula’s adoption story

31:00 Trauma-informed parenting tips

35:00 The heartbreaking realities many foster kids face

39:00 Paula’s final message: There is always hope

🔗 CONNECT WITH PAULA YOST

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulajyostauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulayostauthor

Follow Paula for practical insights, child advocacy education, trauma-informed perspectives, and updates on her work and new book.

Hey there, I’m so glad you’re here and tuning in! If this episode spoke to your heart, just know there’s even more support waiting for you.

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