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Family Is The Answer

Family Is The Answer

By Generations—Home (ROHEI Foundation) and Podcast Network Asia

This podcast is on a mission to end the orphan crisis.

We share resources and stories to equip families about adoption and foster care, empower advocates who fight for vulnerable mothers and children, and invite communities to impact generations. This podcast is hosted by Chrina Cuna-Henson, the Executive Director for Generations—Home (also known as ROHEI Foundation), a non-profit organization and Child Placement Agency based in the Philippines.

Learn more about our work through our website generationshome.org.
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Episode 46: Preparing to be a Single Adoptive Parent

Family Is The AnswerJan 06, 2023

00:00
39:54
How our university interns impact generations
Oct 02, 202327:52
Impact Generations through the Media
Aug 29, 202326:53
Why you shouldn’t visit orphanages
Jul 05, 202325:23
Why can adoption take long in the Philippines?

Why can adoption take long in the Philippines?

“If there are 1.8 million orphans, why does adoption take so long?" This is a question a waiting family asked one of our social workers.


After more than 1 year of operating as an adoption agency, we share our realizations of why the adoption journeys of families can take longer than expected. We also share what future adoptive parents can do while waiting for their child to be welcomed home.


Generations—Home (also known as ROHEI Foundation) is a non-profit organization on a mission to end the orphan crisis. We are a licensed agency that facilitates adoptions and foster care placements in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Jun 08, 202327:57
Honoring Biological and Adoptive Moms

Honoring Biological and Adoptive Moms

There are usually two mothers in an adopted child’s life. On one hand, an adoptive mom takes the responsibility to be involved in raising, nurturing, and providing for a child. On the other hand, the biological mom is the one who’s responsible for bringing that child into the world.


It may be challenging to find balance in how we honor these two figures, but in this podcast, we talk explain how we can appreciate both mothers for their impact on an adopted child’s life.


Generations—Home (also known as ROHEI Foundation) is a non-profit organization on a mission to end the orphan crisis. We are a licensed agency that facilitates adoptions and foster care placements in Metro Manila, Philippines.

May 26, 202319:24
ROHEI Foundation is now called Generations—Home
May 10, 202325:54
Episode 47: How we supported 74 pregnant women in crisis

Episode 47: How we supported 74 pregnant women in crisis

Family preservation prevents orphanhood.

Our Pregnant Women in Crisis Program supports mothers who are at risk of abandoning, neglecting, or trafficking their children. In partnership with Consuelo Foundation, our team provides them with counseling, medical assistance, and basic necessities. Our goal is for these women to be empowered to make the best decisions for themselves and their children, whether they choose to raise their children or create an adoption plan.  

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org.



Jan 20, 202317:47
Episode 46: Preparing to be a Single Adoptive Parent
Jan 06, 202339:54
Episode 45: "Unadoptable children": Boys, older kids, siblings, and children with special needs

Episode 45: "Unadoptable children": Boys, older kids, siblings, and children with special needs

Future adoptive parents have their own preferences on who they plan to welcome home through adoption, but from this arises a group of children who are considered “unadoptable” — boys, children above the age of 3, sibling groups, and children with special needs.  

Jossell Malonzo, ROHEI Foundation’s Manager of Family Services, shares her previous experiences of working in a children’s home and the realities faced by children aging out.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org.






Dec 10, 202232:05
Episode 44: Adopting relatives, stepchildren, adults, and independently placed children

Episode 44: Adopting relatives, stepchildren, adults, and independently placed children

Adoption is actually common in Philippine culture, but one significant step that families still need to take is to formalize the process.

Sam Quibot, ROHEI Foundation's Director of Adoption and Foster Care Services, guides us through the processes, legal benefits, and social benefits of legalizing adoptions that are considered "special cases". Special cases include adopting relatives, stepchildren, adults, and indirectly placed children.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org.






Nov 26, 202227:05
Episode 43: Orphan Sunday around the world, in your church, and with your family

Episode 43: Orphan Sunday around the world, in your church, and with your family

Orphan Sunday is a day each year when churches and organizations intentionally share God's heart for the orphan. It's a global movement that aims to ensure all children grow up in loving families.  

Its Global Director, Alex Caceres, tells stories of how church leaders and advocates from all around the world observe Orphan Sunday. He also explains how everyone can take part on any day of the year from wherever they are.  Learn about Orphan Sunday at orphansunday.org.   

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org 

Nov 13, 202225:54
Episode 42: Why community matters for families and advocates

Episode 42: Why community matters for families and advocates

Journeying alone isn’t easy, and having a community to walk alongside you makes all the difference!


Let’s talk about why communities matter together with our Managing Director, Chrina Henson, and our Manager of Community and Events, Tanya Paraso. In this episode, we also list down the different communities we’re building together with adoptive families, foster families, and advocates! 


This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Oct 28, 202239:09
Episode 41: The permanent impact of foster care

Episode 41: The permanent impact of foster care

"While foster care might be temporary, the impact that it has on a child is permanent."

In this episode, we talk a little bit more about foster care in the Philippine context. We share basic information about the process, address common concerns from parents, and explain why fostering exists for the best interest of the children involved. 

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Oct 14, 202221:07
Episode 40: Answering God's call by adopting, fostering, and advocating

Episode 40: Answering God's call by adopting, fostering, and advocating

Perhaps one of the best ways to be an advocate is to live by the cause.


Mike and Malen Papadopoulos took a leap of faith when they moved to the Philippines to fulfill their mission as advocates through the Philippines Without Orphans. In this episode, Mike and Malen share how they answered God’s call by opening their hearts and home to adoption and foster care.


This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast, available on all major podcast platforms online. 


Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Sep 23, 202231:02
Episode 39: A Filipino's journey as an inter-country adoptee

Episode 39: A Filipino's journey as an inter-country adoptee

What is it like being a “third culture kid”?  Becky Ramos is a full-blooded Filipino who was adopted into an American missionary family living in the Philippines. Though the road to coming to terms with her identity wasn’t easy, her family’s love and faith carried her through every struggle. In this episode, Becky shares how important her family’s healthy communication about adoption had been, especially during her childhood and teenage years.  This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast, available on all major podcast platforms online.

Sep 02, 202228:30
Episode 38: When is the right time to adopt?

Episode 38: When is the right time to adopt?

Adoption was never a plan B for the Carangues.

Ken had always considered adoption before meeting his wife, Mafe. Fortunately, Mafe was very open to the idea of adoption too. Through communication and intuition, the couple had been in sync with each other throughout their adoption process. In this episode, they’ll be sharing how a series of miracles had given them their first son, Lucas.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Aug 19, 202234:23
Episode 37: An OFW couple's adoption journey

Episode 37: An OFW couple's adoption journey

Did you know OFWs can start their adoption journeys from abroad?

Since the start of their adoption process, Neil and Kristel Garingan have endured distance, natural disasters, and a global pandemic just to reach their son, Toviel. In this episode, the Garingans will be sharing the ups and downs of their adoption journey, and how their resilience and faith helped their family through trying times. 

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Aug 05, 202230:34
Episode 36: Stories from a children's home (Part 2)
Jul 22, 202212:46
Episode 35: Stories from a children's home (Part 1)
Jul 16, 202218:17
Episode 34: Adoption is the gospel with Pastor Edrei Canda
Jul 01, 202215:29
Episode 33: The church's role in the orphan crisis with Pastor Calvin Houser

Episode 33: The church's role in the orphan crisis with Pastor Calvin Houser

Everybody can be involved in orphan care.

In this episode, we dive into why and how the Christian church should respond to the orphan crisis. Let's listen to this message by Calvin Houser — an adoptive father, pastor at City Baptist Church of Lagro, and co-founder of the children's home Bahay Sibol.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Jun 24, 202238:36
Episode 32: Adopting, fostering, and advocating as a father with Mark Cabag #LoveIsThickerThanBlood
Jun 17, 202226:33
Episode 31: Adopting, fostering, and advocating as a father with Mike Papadopoulos #LoveIsThickerThanBlood
Jun 17, 202231:38
Episode 30: The seasons of motherhood and adopting a toddler with Len Santos-Ding #WhatMakesARealMom
May 06, 202237:46
Episode 29: Adopting as a single person with Amor Rebibis #WhatMakesARealMom
May 06, 202236:51
Episode 28: Is "ampon" a bad word? Talking about orphan and adoption vocabulary (Part 2)

Episode 28: Is "ampon" a bad word? Talking about orphan and adoption vocabulary (Part 2)

How else should we talk about adoption? In our last episode, Rachel and Nate unpacked the word "ampon" together. Here, they share more about their experiences related to other Filipino and English terms. Listen as they share how they think people should talk about adoption, foster care, and orphanhood!

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Apr 22, 202234:41
Episode 27: Is "ampon" a bad word? Talking about orphan and adoption vocabulary (Part 1)

Episode 27: Is "ampon" a bad word? Talking about orphan and adoption vocabulary (Part 1)

Is it okay to ask someone if they're adopted?

Because adoption and foster care are taboo topics in the Philippines, many of us aren't sure how to talk about them. In this episode, adoptees Rachel Escosar-Arellano and Nate Pante share how they feel about vocabulary related to the local orphan crisis. Listen as they help us understand why words are important in creating a culture that celebrates adoption and foster care.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Apr 15, 202226:45
Episode 26: The Philippine orphan crisis and ROHEI Foundation’s response

Episode 26: The Philippine orphan crisis and ROHEI Foundation’s response

The Philippines has an orphan crisis. Around 6 million orphaned, abandoned, and neglected children are part of a generational cycle of poverty, abuse, and illegitimacy. This cycle includes pregnant women in crisis who — because of desperation and shame — are pushed to abandon, neglect, illegally abort, or traffic their children.

Despite how overwhelming the facts are, Jon and Chrina talk about how everybody has the power to respond to this issue. They specifically share ROHEI Foundation's orphan prevention and orphan care programs that demonstrate that family is the answer to the orphan crisis.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Apr 08, 202219:07
Episode 25: Adopting and fostering through ROHEI Foundation

Episode 25: Adopting and fostering through ROHEI Foundation

Start your adoption and foster care journey with us!

As a licensed Child Placement Agency, the ROHEI Foundation can facilitate adoptions, license foster families, and do foster placements in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. Listen to this episode to learn about the requirements and procedures to become an adoptive parent or foster parent if you apply through ROHEI Foundation.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Apr 01, 202217:32
Episode 24: What the law says about adoption

Episode 24: What the law says about adoption

Did you know children have the right to feel happy, loved, and understood by their families? 

It's important to be aware of laws about adoption and foster care because they're meant to protect children and families, but it can be intimidating to learn about the legal aspects of people's identity, dignity, and rights. 

That's why in this episode, Jam Buen — ROHEI Foundation’s Director of Advocacy and a graduating law student from the University of the Philippines — joins Chrina in simplifying and explaining international and local laws related to adoption and foster care. 

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org 

TIMESTAMPS

00:45 INTRODUCTION

04:15 INTERNATIONAL LAWS
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child,
The Hague Convention on Protection of Children

09:20 PHILIPPINE LAWS
The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines,
PD 603: Child and Youth Welfare Code,
RA 11222: Simulated Birth Rectification Act,
RA 9523: An Act Requiring Certification to Declare A Child Legally Available For Adoption,
RA 10165: Foster Care Act of 2012,
RA 8043: The Inter-country Adoption Act of 1995,
RA 8552: Domestic Adoption Law of 1998

24:29 THE NEW ADOPTION LAW IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act or RA 11642

29:47 WHY THIS IS SIGNIFICANT TO KNOW

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Mar 25, 202235:22
Episode 23: We're now a Child Placement Agency for adoption and foster care!

Episode 23: We're now a Child Placement Agency for adoption and foster care!

The ROHEI Foundation is now a Child Placement Agency (CPA)! After being licensced by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, we can now facilitate adoptions, license foster families, and do foster placements in the National Capital Region of the Philippines.

In this episode, our Managing Director Chrina, Director of Advocacy Jam, and Director of Child Placement Agency and resident social worker Sam talk about our journey to becoming a CPA and how our license allows us to respond to the Philippine orphan crisis in a larger capacity.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Mar 18, 202230:06
Episode 22: Prayer and thanksgiving with our adoption and foster care community

Episode 22: Prayer and thanksgiving with our adoption and foster care community

Family is the Answer is back! To start our first episode of the year, we wanted to share the recording of Night of Gratitude — an event that was live-streamed by the ROHEI Foundation in our social media platforms. 

It was an evening filled with prayer, thanksgiving, and celebration because of the miracles that welcomed us this year, including ROHEI Foundation's Child Placement Agency license from the Department of Social Welfare and Development! 

In this episode, members of our adoption and foster care community respond to the orphan crisis by praying for the orphans, aged-out individuals, adoptive and foster families, children's homes, churches, and advocates with our adoption and foster care community.

Watch the live stream here: https://bit.ly/ROHEIFoundationNightofGratitude

Mar 11, 202234:56
Episode 21: How 2021 transformed our family through foster care (Part 2 with Dennis and Thammie Sy)

Episode 21: How 2021 transformed our family through foster care (Part 2 with Dennis and Thammie Sy)

As we close the year, we think of the many ways 2021 transformed us. For Dennis, Thammie, and the entire Sy family, one of the shifts that happened in their hearts came through foster care. The privilege of pouring out love to a child. The grief that comes with saying goodbye. And the profound hope for justice they now carry with them as they continue their journey of faith as a family.

Don't miss out on this special New Year's episode! We also have a big announcement from ROHEI Foundation!

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Check out Dennis and Thammie Sy's Our Parent Hood Podcast: https://anchor.fm/ourparenthood

Dec 31, 202146:54
Episode 20: Making room and moving in compassion during Christmas (Part 1 with Dennis and Thammie Sy)
Dec 24, 202126:20
Episode 19: Christmas Special with Edrei and Thine Canda (Part 2)
Dec 17, 202131:30
Episode 18: Christmas Special with Edrei and Thine Canda (Part 1)

Episode 18: Christmas Special with Edrei and Thine Canda (Part 1)

We're celebrating the holiday season with Christmas specials this month. To kick it off, Jon and Chrina Henson chat with their very good friends and fellow adoption advocates, Edrei and Thine Canda. In this first part, they chat and reflect on the Christmas story and their own family's adoption story. Tune in to hear about how they waited for seven years, how God opened their hearts to adoption, and how their daughter changed their lives forever.  This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Dec 10, 202133:45
Episode 17: The truth about being adopted with Ina Ferrer and Carissa Moran (Part 2)
Dec 03, 202118:49
Episode 16: The truth about being adopted with Ina Ferrer and Carissa Moran
Nov 26, 202134:02
Episode 15: How Your Life Purpose Can Lead to Social Impact

Episode 15: How Your Life Purpose Can Lead to Social Impact

Discovering your purpose is not a straight path. In fact, for Chrina, the path that led to ROHEI Foundation included some very difficult seasons. In this episode, she recounts the journey of learning that it's not so much God giving purpose in our pain, but more of leaning in and discovering the purpose that is there.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Nov 19, 202124:34
Episode 14: I'm in college and not ready to adopt, so what can I do? (Part 2)

Episode 14: I'm in college and not ready to adopt, so what can I do? (Part 2)

This episode is with students, about students, and for students!

We continue our conversation with Jhannah and Tanya, where they share their experience as interns—projects they did, friendships they built, and the amazing impact they made. It's people like them that make us believe students play a tremendous role in ending the orphan crisis. Listen to find out why!

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Nov 12, 202132:32
Episode 13: I'm in college and not ready to adopt, so what can I do? (Part 1)

Episode 13: I'm in college and not ready to adopt, so what can I do? (Part 1)

Fun fact: Around 40 of the volunteers behind ROHEI Foundation are students!

Yup, while most people think that adoption and foster care are for those ready to welcome home a child, Team ROHEI Foundation proves that anyone and everyone can take part in ending the orphan crisis! In this episode, we catch up with two of our interns, Jhannah Capistrano and Tanya Paraso. Listen as they share the real reason why they chose to serve with ROHEI Foundation, and what their experience was like as interns.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Nov 05, 202127:09
Episode 12: Why we can’t solve the orphan crisis without kindness
Oct 29, 202127:58
Episode 11: Older kids—what happens if we don't adopt them?

Episode 11: Older kids—what happens if we don't adopt them?

Did you know that for children in institutions, there's a higher chance of aging out than getting adopted? This was the reality that Issa Tica and her family encountered when they met the two boys that they would eventually call their sons. In this episode, Issa shares how fostering and adopting an older child can be one of the most powerful things you can do.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by the podcast creators, hosts, and guests do not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of Podcast Network Asia, the hosts of the program or other programs of the network. Any content provided by the people on the podcast are of their own opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Oct 22, 202134:32
Episode 10: Is adoption right for you?

Episode 10: Is adoption right for you?

Adoption is a big and important life decision for your family and the child that could be involved. This is why we encourage you to take your time and put careful thought and prayer in pushing through with the adoption journey. For this week's episode, let's recalibrate together as we prompt you with some reasons why adoption would be right for you!

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by the podcast creators, hosts, and guests do not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of Podcast Network Asia, the hosts of the program or other programs of the network. Any content provided by the people on the podcast are of their own opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Oct 15, 202122:10
Episode 9: Orphan Sunday with Jodi Jackson Tucker

Episode 9: Orphan Sunday with Jodi Jackson Tucker

As Orphan Sunday marks its 20th year, we're sharing this eye-opening conversation we had with its Global Director, Jodi Jackson Tucker, back in 2020. In this episode, see how Orphan Sunday got started and how God has used it to spread the light of His love to orphans and vulnerable children.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

Know more about Orphan Sunday at orphansunday.org

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by the podcast creators, hosts, and guests do not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of Podcast Network Asia, the hosts of the program or other programs of the network. Any content provided by the people on the podcast are of their own opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Oct 08, 202131:60
Episode 8: How to support families in their adoption or foster care journey

Episode 8: How to support families in their adoption or foster care journey

Whether adoption and foster care are not for you, or you're just not ready for it yet, this cause can still be dear to your heart - and something you can take action in! In this episode, we explore the different ways you can show love and care for adoptive and foster families around you.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by the podcast creators, hosts, and guests do not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of Podcast Network Asia, the hosts of the program or other programs of the network. Any content provided by the people on the podcast are of their own opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Oct 01, 202121:56
Episode 7: What happens when a baby gets sold
Sep 24, 202129:12
Episode 6: How you can create a healthy adoption culture for your child

Episode 6: How you can create a healthy adoption culture for your child

How do we avoid awkward conversations? How soon can we share about our adoption plans? Why should we celebrate Gotcha Day? In this episode, we give some very practical tips on creating a culture that not only accepts adoption, but celebrates it. These are things that families can do to prepare for and enjoy the journey. More than that, they also invite relatives, friends, and communities to embrace their role in culture-building for future generations.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by the podcast creators, hosts, and guests do not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of Podcast Network Asia, the hosts of the program or other programs of the network. Any content provided by the people on the podcast are of their own opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Sep 17, 202116:02
Episode 5: How the pandemic affects orphaned children

Episode 5: How the pandemic affects orphaned children

Because of the pandemic, we now know what it's like to be isolated, wait endlessly, and wonder when we’ll reunite with family. Now that we understand how tough it is, we remember orphaned and abandoned children who have been waiting in children's homes for years—for many of them, even without the assurance of being with a family. What is waiting like for these children? How are children’s homes coping now? What should we do about it?

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Read more: https://roheifoundation.org/quarantine-a-year-of-constraints-and-compassion/

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by the podcast creators, hosts, and guests do not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of Podcast Network Asia, the hosts of the program or other programs of the network. Any content provided by the people on the podcast are of their own opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Sep 10, 202119:01
Episode 4: Why consider foster care even if it's not forever

Episode 4: Why consider foster care even if it's not forever

Let's talk about foster care. What is it and how is it different from adoption? How exactly does it work in the Philippines? And why should I consider it if I know I'm going to say goodbye? Join ROHEI Foundation's Managing Director, Chrina Cuna Henson, and Director for Advocacy, Jam Buen, as they share some truths they learned about foster care.

This is Family is the Answer: An Adoption and Foster Care Podcast. Know more about us at roheifoundation.org

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by the podcast creators, hosts, and guests do not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of Podcast Network Asia, the hosts of the program or other programs of the network. Any content provided by the people on the podcast are of their own opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Sep 03, 202124:29