Resources for the Season of Giving
The holidays remind us of the power of connection, support, and community. For those considering opening their hearts and homes to a child through foster care, or for those in the community who want to offer meaningful support, we've gathered our best list of invaluable resources!
#1: The Gift of Knowledge (Must-Read Books)
For the aspiring or current foster parent, understanding the science of trauma and the teenage brain is essential. These books offer deep insights into the experiences of youth in care:
Books on Understanding Trauma
"What Happened to You?" by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah | “Here, Winfrey shares stories from her own past, understanding through experience the vulnerability that comes from facing trauma and adversity at a young age. In conversation throughout the book, she and Dr. Perry focus on understanding people, behavior, and ourselves. It’s a subtle but profound shift in our approach to trauma, and it’s one that allows us to understand our pasts in order to clear a path to our future―opening the door to resilience and healing in a proven, powerful way.”
"The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk | “Dr. van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.”
Books on Connecting With & Parenting Teens
Brainstorm by Daniel K. Siegel MD | “Drawing on important new research in the field of interpersonal neurobiology, Siegel explores exciting ways in which understanding how the brain functions can improve the lives of adolescents, making their relationships more fulfilling and less lonely and distressing on both sides of the generational divide.”
The Power of Showing Up by Daniel K. Siegel MD | “Based on the latest brain and attachment research, The Power of Showing Up shares stories, scripts, simple strategies, illustrations, and tips for honoring the Four S’s (Safe, Seen, Soothed, Secure) effectively in all kinds of situations—when our kids are struggling or when they are enjoying success; when we are consoling, disciplining, or arguing with them; and even when we are apologizing for the times we don’t show up for them. Demonstrating that mistakes and missteps are repairable and that it’s never too late to mend broken trust, this book is a powerful guide to cultivating your child’s healthy emotional landscape.”
The Grown-Up's Guide to Teenage Humans by Josh Shipp | “Once an at-risk foster teen, he was headed straight for trouble until he met the caring adult who changed his life: Rodney, the foster parent who refused to quit on him. In The Grown-Up's Guide to Teenage Humans, Shipp, now a bestselling author and renowned youth advocate, shows all of us how to be that caring adult in a teenager's life.”
Wish #2: The Gift of Perspective
Stories have the power to educate and inspire. Give the gift of empathy this year by exploring media and books that authentically portray the foster care experience:
Memoirs from Those with Lived Experience
A Place Called Home by David Ambroz | “A poignant journey from despair to hope. It is both a gripping personal story and a compelling call to action, urging readers to move beyond sympathy and advocate for meaningful change.”
Another Place at the Table, by Kathy Harrison | “The startling and ultimately uplifting narrative of one woman's thirteen-year experience as a foster parent. For more than a decade, Kathy Harrison has sheltered a shifting cast of troubled youngsters-the offspring of prostitutes and addicts; the sons and daughters of abusers; and teenage parents who aren't equipped for parenthood. All this, in addition to raising her three biological sons and two adopted daughters. What would motivate someone to give herself over to constant, largely uncompensated chaos? For Harrison, the answer is easy.
FOSTER (Documentary on HBO) | Producer Deborah Oppenheimer and writer-director Mark Jonathan Harris go behind stereotypes and headlines to dispel some of the most enduring myths about foster care and those involved in the system. Focus and stories center around the LA County Department of Children and Family Services.
Sound of Hope (movie) | Based on the true story of Donna and Reverend WC Martin and their church in East Texas, in which 22 families adopted 77 children from the local foster system, igniting a movement for vulnerable children everywhere.
Instant Family (Movie) | A couple made careers out of renovating homes, but when they become foster parents to three strong-willed siblings, their lives will need an overhaul.
Short Term 12 (movie) | A supervisor at a group home for at-risk teens connects with a new resident while facing a personal crisis of her own.
Wish #5: The Gift of Connection
Follow these inspiring Instagram accounts to stay connected to the foster care community and advocacy efforts:
Foster Love: @togetherwerise
Alliance for Children’s Rights: @allianceforchildrensrights
United Friends of the Children: @unitedfriendsla
Brittany Collins: @fostertheteens
Foster Nation: @thefosternation
This Christmas, let's commit to giving the gifts that truly matter: understanding, support, and a commitment to connection.