August 2024 Staff Recommendations

Tell Them You Love Me

Tell Them You Love Me is a true-crime documentary involving former philosophy professor Anna Stubblefield and Derick Johnson, a nonverbal man with cerebral palsy. Stubblefield was convicted of sexually assaulting Johnson during their time together. The documentary challenges the validity of “facility communication” a form of communication that has been discredited by disability advocates. Under the guise of facilitated communication, Stubblefield claims the two fell in love and began a relationship, despite Stubblefield being married at the time. Daisy Johnson, Derick Johnson’s mother, asserts her son was unable to consent in his relationship with Stubblefield, leading to trial. The documentary considers the ethics behind facilitated communication, the complexities of disability and race, and the complicated power dynamic that led to Stubblefield’s conviction.

Amy says, “This documentary is distrusting and sickening, but it also presents an ethical conundrum that is incredibly thought-provoking. This documentary explores many applicable topics and themes that will have you reflecting and thinking for days afterwards.

Paris Hilton Recounts Child Abuse in Congressional Testimonial

On June 26, 2024, Paris Hilton presented a testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee about her traumatic experience in a youth residential treatment facility. For years, the 43-year-old reality TV star has been advocating for the “troubled teen industry” and looking to reform facilities that mistreat vulnerable children. Hilton describes her personal experience at a youth residential treatment facility and the physical, psychological, and sexual abuse she endured. In her advocacy, Hilton has shown her support for foster care children. She seeks legislative changes that will help support children to lead healthy and accomplished lives.

Emily says, “Paris Hilton’s testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee was moving. It’s heartbreaking to hear about the abuse she endured at a youth residential treatment facility and concerns me when I think about the number of youths currently in residential treatment across the state and across the country. Her dedication to reforming these facilities gives me hope. I believe this is one of the reasons that CASA exists, to make sure that youth are looked after, checked in on, and not experiencing anything like this at this level while being treated by institutions meant to help them.”

Fostering the Future

Fostering the Future is a podcast hosted by foster parents and experts in child welfare who discuss weekly what improvements can be made for children in foster care. The show features a variety of guests familiar with the child welfare world such as former foster youth, foster parents, and social workers. They discuss topics like the intricacies of the foster care system and ways to advocate as well as more difficult topics like childhood trauma and abuse.

Fabi says, “Fostering the Future is a very insightful podcast with knowledgeable hosts who break down complex topics and make them understandable. Many of the topics discussed are frequently touched on in the child welfare community. This is a great resource for anyone looking to offer support for foster care children.”