Storyteller Insights: Differing Perceptions of Foster Care Portrayals
Youth with first-hand foster care experience were 3.43 times more likely to believe the portrayal of foster youth in the movie “Instant Family” was accurate compared to youth with no first-hand foster care experience.
This research snapshot highlights a striking revelation: youth with foster care experience are over three times more likely to view Instant Family as an accurate depiction compared to those who have never experienced foster care. This underscores a crucial point—real stories resonate.
The film was inspired by the personal adoption journey of director Sean Anders, who also wrote the screenplay (with John Morris) and served as one of its producers. On the other hand, those unfamiliar with the system approach the film with skepticism, illustrating the need for media to bridge the gap between fiction and reality.
A SHIFT IN FOCUS
In a world where media shapes perceptions, the portrayal of foster care has long been mired in stereotypes, casting a shadow over the real experiences of those within the system. In the past, for example, issues like child abuse and neglect have dominated storylines, painting a picture of dysfunction. Yet, films like Instant Family break this mold. These narratives veer away from one-dimensional portrayals, offering a richer, more empathetic view of the foster care experience.
This research snapshot shows that in order to create positively impactful stories that resonate with audiences, storytellers must engage those who have lived experience with the complex human and social dynamics they seek to represent. Instant Family and other nuanced portrayals of the foster care system challenge long standing misconceptions, and pave the way for a more informed and empathetic understanding of foster care by embracing authenticity over cliché.
Below we break down the findings.
THE STUDY
This research snapshot is based on the findings from a larger research study, in which we surveyed 42 youth, aged 18-26, across California. We examined the differences in how young people with foster care experience and those without foster care experience perceived the accuracy of the depictions of foster care included in Instant Family and other, recently released films that depict the system. For Instant Family, participants viewed a scene that featured one of the children fostered by the protagonists (description below). The data were then analyzed to identify significant differences.
Our findings reveal a profound divide in perceptions of Instant Family between youth with and without foster care experience. Those with firsthand experience found the film's portrayal of foster youth to be strikingly authentic, identifying closely with the characters' emotional journeys, especially in scenes depicting complex feelings like betrayal and disappointment. They lauded the film for mirroring the multifaceted realities of life within the foster care system.
Media Example Synopsis: Instant Family
Instant Family follows the story of two foster parents, Pete and Ellie, who unexpectedly foster three siblings whom they later adopt at the end of the film. The specific scene shown to survey participants takes place after a court hearing where Pete and Ellie attempt to gain legal custody of the three foster children through adoption. The eldest of the foster children, Lizzie, reads a statement to the judge, detailing a negative experience with the foster parents, resulting in the children being placed back into the custody of their biological mother. The next day, the social workers on the case arrive with unexpected news–that the children’s biological mother was not ready to take them back. It becomes apparent that Lizzie took the initiative to complete the paperwork for the family’s reunification, despite her mother’s renewed struggle with her substance addiction. Overwhelmed by this revelation, Lizzie runs away in tears, with Pete and Ellie chasing after her. They eventually catch up with her and offer reassurance of their love.
FINDINGS DISCUSSION
Our findings reveal a profound divide in perceptions of Instant Family between youth with and without foster care experience. Those with firsthand experience found the film's portrayal of foster youth to be strikingly authentic, identifying closely with the characters' emotional journeys, especially in scenes depicting complex feelings like betrayal and disappointment. They lauded the film for mirroring the multifaceted realities of life within the foster care system.
“I have been in this situation before and the way the actress portrayed the foster youth’s betrayal felt so similar and real. It was an accurate representation…the girl was behaving appropriately to her situation, but people [who are] unaware of the care system might have perceived this reaction as negative and over emotional.”
In contrast, those unfamiliar with foster care were more critical, viewing the movie as an overly idealized representation. They pointed out the disparities in the foster care system, such as varying levels of support and resources, and felt the film offered a rosier picture than the actual experiences. This difference in perspective underscores the impact of personal experiences on media interpretation, especially around sensitive and complex issues like foster care.
“There is so much case to case variation, but foster parents don’t often have the money/resources for the “perfect” house, case workers aren’t always so engaged with youth, etc. This clip makes foster care look a lot better than reality. It is a hopeful view of foster youth (including reunification), but maybe not the most accurate.”
CALL TO ACTION: The findings highlighted in this research snapshot demonstrate the need for more accurate representations of the foster care system in media that serve to bridge the gap between perception and reality. In addition, many individuals’ views and behaviors are heavily influenced by the stories they encounter in film and TV. Emphasizing harmful stereotypes of foster youth in media can contribute to the further stigmatization of foster youth and discourage potential foster parents. Storytellers can play a vital role in promoting a more informed and compassionate understanding of foster care.
“Children and young adults in foster care are often depicted as villains in media. These negative images are rooted in deficit-laden ideas of who they are and reified through harmful stereotypes and tropes.”
“I think when people hear the words ‘foster care’ it brings to mind a lot of negativity and fear, and what I found in my travels through the system, over and over again, is that you meet the kids, and you go ‘Oh, they’re just kids. They’re just kids, and they need families and they need love, and they have love to give, just like any other kids.”
Recommendations for Storytellers
We offer the following recommendations for storytellers:
Consult with People with Lived Experiences: Collaborate with foster youth, foster parents, biological parents, and case workers who have experienced the foster care system firsthand to ensure that stories are authentic to real-life experiences.
Diversify Representation: Incorporate a broader spectrum of experiences and stories related to foster care, including positive and nuanced portrayals, to counteract the perpetuation of negative stereotypes.
Raise Awareness: Use storytelling as a means to raise awareness about the foster care system, its challenges, and its successes. This can help create a more informed and empathetic public.
Challenge Stereotypes: Consciously challenge and debunk stereotypes and biases that have been historically perpetuated in media. Showcase the positive contributions of foster parents, case workers, and the real-life experiences of foster youth being normal kids rather than overly inspiring and resilient or hopeless “charity cases.”
By adopting these recommendations, storytellers can play a crucial role in reshaping public perceptions of the foster care system and contributing to a more accurate and compassionate understanding of this important social issue.
Authors: Demontea Thompson, Emma Terrell, Dr. Alisha J. Hines
Acknowledgments
This research was funded by:
Many thanks to CSS interns Jessica Dam and Fernando Becerra for their assistance with this study. Thank you to the Center for Scholars & Storytellers Lab, an amazing group of people who consistently helped refine the data collection and analysis in this project.
Thank you to our Advisory Council, Taylor Dudley, Thomas Lee, Nicole Cadena, Cheyenne Cobb, and Mike Farrah who mentored and guided us along the way toward understanding the impetus of this work and deepening our understanding of the populations we aim to impact.
To the survey respondents, we thank you for shedding light on the issues presented in the original survey. And to the foster care community, thank you for being vocal about what matters to you.
To see the methodology and references for this report, click here.
To see our Foster Care and Adoption Toolkit, click here.