June Staff Recommendations

Staff Recommendation #1: Foster Care’s Invisible Youth

Foster Care’s Invisible Youth features the stories of former foster LGBTQ+ children and their journey through the child welfare system. Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ in foster care are among the most vulnerable and unsupported. They often face more challenges than their peers simply because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The current child welfare system frequently falls short in providing safe, supportive, and affirming homes for LGBTQ+ youth. Like all children, they long for family, stability, and love—and are equally deserving of acceptance and care. Their voices matter too.

Emily shares, “30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ compared to the 11% not in care. When an LGBTQ child’s biological family rejects them or is unable to care for them, the foster care system is not always well equipped to ensure they are supported or treated appropriately. This film follows seven teens as they navigate the foster care system, some finding supportive placements and some not. The teens discuss the impacts that rejection had on them and how they found support through mentors, shelters, group homes and, for some, LGBTQ foster parents. Hearing first-hand from these youth about the short and long-term effects of their experience is impactful and inspires me to want to help create those safe spaces in our community.”

Staff Recommendation #2: The Quilters

The Quilters is an inspiring Netflix documentary about a group of men in a maximum-security prison who come together to sew quilts for local children in foster care. Each man has a past, but all have found a new purpose through giving back. Thanks to the quilting program, over 2,000 quilts have been donated to local nonprofits, charities, and children in foster care.

Amy shares, “This documentary is uplifting and inspiring as you learn about some of the people involved in the quilting program. The program gives many of the men a purpose and a way to give back. Also, the quilts they make go to children in foster care!”

Staff Recommendation #3: I Am Somebody’s Child

I Am Somebody’s Child tells the touching story of Regina Louise, a former foster child rejected by her biological family and forced to navigate the welfare system, and Jeanne Ker, a compassionate young counselor determined to stay by her side. Separated by discriminatory laws that prohibited biracial adoptions, the two ultimately found their way back into each other’s lives.

Corrine shares, “I Am Somebody’s Child is a true story of how one woman’s belief and love becomes Regina Louise’s lifeline as she navigates the obstacles of more than 30 foster homes and psychiatric facilities before turning 18 and succeeds. Her story will demonstrate that one individual can make a difference.”