This summer, we’re rolling out something new at Henrico CASA: a film review series that dives into stories reflecting the heart of our mission. Our team will be sharing their takes on movies that spotlight the realities, challenges, and resilience we witness in our work with children and families. Each film – unique like every case we serve – serves as a reminder of why children need CASA Advocates… and why CASA needs YOU. So grab some popcorn and join us!
This week, Rebecca shares her thoughts on the documentary film “Foster.”
Synopsis
A revealing first-hand look at the foster care system as seen through the eyes of those who know it best. With access to the inner workings of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services this documentary provides compelling stories of those navigating the child welfare system with insights from social workers, advocates, and others in the justice system to offer a realistic but hopeful perspective on a community in need of support and understanding.
Reflections
As this documentary began, I thought I would not be moved, and I certainly would not learn anything new. This is because the movie opened with a view of the Child Protective Services hotline – a place I worked for many years. I (the viewer) met Jessica, a social worker, Mrs. Beavers, a foster mother and several foster children. They seemed just like the people I’ve met, worked with and tried to help for many years. I thought it was going to be “Been There Done That”.
This film did chronicle the experiences of children in desperate situations: a teen foster child aging out of the system, a 16-year-old in trouble for criminal behavior and using drugs, and several younger children, first abused and neglected and then, shuttled around to several foster homes.
But it became a remarkable journey for me, because it provided a hopeful view of the child welfare system. As I watched, I didn’t have to choose to look for the clients’ positive qualities, protective factors and resilience abilities. They were loud and clear and very endearing.
Watching this film helped me in my current journey to not be so focused on the fact that it seems impossible to prevent child abuse. Not only does prevention seem to be an elusive condition, but so does reform of the foster care/entire child welfare system. This film helped in my journey to focus on how victims of difficult and tumultuous childhoods can form bonds, attachments and relationships with positive adults who believe in their ability to succeed and to overcome the debilitating effects of trauma, in order to grow and flourish. I kept hearing from the people in this movie and hear from many others, that it only takes one person to believe in you – to push you in the right direction and to pull out of you, your strengths and desire to believe in yourself… especially when you don’t have parents who do this for you.
This is something that CASA Volunteers do all day long for others. This is why I am grateful for Henrico CASA. No matter how long or brief their CASA case, CASA Volunteers show children that they deserve positive relationships with adults who do their best to set the stage for their safety, stability and success.
