The Social Work Lens

Latest Episodes:

Foster Care to Prison Pipeline Part 3: Jaylyn May 27, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the conclusion of our series on the Foster Care to Prison Pipeline. In this episode, we are joined by Jaylyn Van Fossen, who was previously in the foster care system in Vermont and currently a Social Work student, to discuss the barriers, needs, and hope for change centered on their lived experience and knowledge.

Show notes & Transcripts @ https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Foster Care to Prison Pipeline Part 2: Vermont's System May 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode we will be continuing our discussion of the Foster Care to Prison Pipeline, focusing in on this system as it pertains to Vermont. This will be a discussion with two extremely knowledgeable individuals from the Department for Children and Families, Family Service Division; Deputy Commissioner Aryka Radke and Adolescent Services Unit Director Lindy Boudreau.

Show notes & Transcripts available at https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Foster Care to Prison Pipeline Part 1: Dr. Sherri Simmons-Horton Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Mackenzie Leonard interviews Dr. Sherri Simmons-Horton about her incredible work around what is being referred to as "The Foster Care to Prison Pipeline". In part one of this three-part series Mackenzie will explore the national trends and outcomes that Dr. Sherri has found, as well as her professional findings in regard to harm prevention and mitigating factors that social workers can practice now. Later on in the series, Mackenzie will sit down with leaders from Vermont to discuss how Vermont is noticing these impacts and what is being done locally to support youth and families. Finally, in our last episode of the series, Mackenzie will talk with a very special returning guest.

Transcript & show notes available @ https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Vermont Resource Spotlight on Camp Outright! Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

Within the quiet rolling hills of Vermont exists a sanctuary like no other. A space where love, community, self-discovery, acceptance, and belonging hangs in the air and on every proudly hung flag notifying everyone "You are exactly where and who you should be"

Listen in as Chynah and Emma Makdessi, director of camp programs at Outright Vermont talk about Camp Outright, how and when to apply for your camper, and why you should send your LGBTQ camper to summer camp this year!

Transcripts & show notes @ https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Re-examining the Narrative Around Adoption: A Conversation with Chithra Jeyram Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

TBD

What is “Anti-Adopterism” with Dr. Seungmi Laura Cho Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

Adoption is complicated. In this episode, Dr. Seungmi Laura Cho, a critical qualitative researcher, reflects on her experience researching Korean Adoptees and her work with “Anti-Adopterism”.

Transcripts & Show Notes @ https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Food Not Cops with Sam Bliss Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Food Not Cops (FNC), a volunteer-run mutual aid effort in Burlington, has served a free daily meal for the last five years. They gather around hot meals cooked by community members and combine relationships and resources to secure whatever people need: clothing, toiletries, medicine, communication devices, camping gear, etc. FNC began at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a partnership between Food Not Bombs Burlington and BTV Copwatch. Food Not Cops has since evolved into a network of neighbors organizing to meet each other’s needs outside of markets and government programs.

Join us in this episode as we talk with FNC group member, Dr. Sam Bliss and discuss food insecurity, mutual aid movements, and current pressures facing FNC.

Transcript & Show notes @ https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

DEI Part 2: What Is Going On In Higher Education? Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Join us for Part 2 of our series on DEI as we talk with Paul Suk-Hyun Yoon, Dr. Jason C. Garvey & Dr. Tiffanie Spencer about what Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion work in Higher Education looks like in this current political moment.

Transcripts, Show Notes, & Part 1 of this series available @ https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

DEI Part 1: AG Charity Clark on Executive Orders Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

Join us for Part 1 of our series on DEI as AG Clark returns to the Social Work Lens studio to unpack current executive orders as they pertain to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.

Show notes & transcripts available at https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

Rooted in Pride: Youth-Led, Youth-Centered Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Rooted in Pride: Youth-Led, Youth-Centered

In this episode, we sit down with Emmett, Youth Organizer at Outright Vermont, for a powerful conversation about the role of young people in shaping political and social justice movements. Emmett shares insights into what youth organizing looks like on the ground, why affirming trans youth is a collective responsibility, and how adults can truly show up—by listening, believing, and staying curious. Tune in for a moving reminder that youth aren’t just the future—they’re leading right now.

Show notes & transcripts available @ https://vermontcwtp.org/podcast/

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