September Staff Recommendations

Staff Recommendation #1: The Tell: A Memoir by Amy Griffin

Author Amy Griffin, in her memoir The Tell, shares her journey to dismantling the facade of perfection and finding peace after confronting her dark and painful memories of childhood trauma. Her story is one of embracing the truth and overcoming the unimaginable.

Alexis shares, “The Tell is a memoir centered around a past repressed trauma and memory that affects the writer throughout her childhood/adult life. Amy Griffin explores the psychology of dissociation and how the mind protects itself by hiding unbearable truths until it feels “safe enough” to confront them. The story centers around the discovery of this past trauma and the healing that ensues.”

Staff Recommendation #2: Betrayal: Under His Eye

ABC News’ three-part series Betrayal: Under His Eye, uncovers the shocking story of a Pennsylvania family torn apart by a dark and disturbing secret. Stacey Rutherford married Justin Rutherford, a doctor who now faces life in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing his stepson, Tyler, and another minor, as well as plotting to murder the key witness. The series exposes the grooming process and how predators target women with children to carry out horrific acts. Research shows that male survivors of child abuse wait an average of 40 to 50 years before disclosing their experiences. Tyler’s story is ultimately one of resilience and courage.

Darcy shares, “ABC News’ Betrayal: Under His Eye provides a compelling examination of the grooming process, showing how perpetrators deliberately target women with children to gain access to vulnerable youth. The three-part series unfolds gradually, leading to a powerful revelation, underscoring the tactics used by abusers. Most importantly, it highlights the remarkable resilience of a survivor, reinforcing both the urgency and the impact of the work done in our field every day.”

Staff Recommendation #3: El Sistema Fracturado: The Need for Latine Foster Parents

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) recently issued a report highlighting the urgent need for more Latine foster parents. The report found that Latine children face significant racial disparities. They often spend longer time in foster care waiting to be adopted. In addition, they’re highly likely to experience homelessness, and endure prolonged grief and trauma. Much of this stems from the cultural disconnect and lack of representation within the current system. To address this, CHCI hopes to bridge the gap by making the foster parent process more accessible for Spanish-speaking communities.

Jocelyn shares, “On top of the trauma that brought them into the child welfare system, Latine children also face a lack of representation. There is a growing need for Latine foster parents, paid specialists, volunteers, and advocates across the system. Ensuring that children remain culturally connected and feel understood is vital to their healing process. Without representation and culturally competent communication, barriers can arise that hinder their progress.”