CWDA joined Participant Media and HBO to present an early screening of FOSTER, a documentary that follows different perspectives in child welfare and foster care within the Los Angeles County system. This film is an honest and unflinching look into the lives of families, youth, caregivers, and social workers. 

Governor Newsom’s Cabinet Secretary, Ana Matosantos and First Partner Newsom’s Chief of Staff, Becky Beland McNaught kicked off the film with opening remarks. Jennifer Braun, President & CEO of the Alliance for Children’s rights also gave a brief introduction to the film, given the role her organization had in the making of the film.

Following the film, CWDA executive director, Frank Mecca joined a panel with California Youth Connection executive director, Haydee Cuza, SEIU 721 board member and social worker, David Green and Children’s Law Center of California’s firm director, Jenny Cheung Marino. Daniel Heimpel, who publishes the Chronicle of Social Change, moderated the discussion about the portrayal of different aspects in the child welfare system that play out in the film.

FOSTER will be available on HBO May 7, 2019!

Click here for more details about the film.