Join Advocates for Family Justice and Madi’s Movement for a firsthand look at what happens to children when they are taken from their families and become dependents of the State of Florida.

Foster Shock explores Florida’s ‘privatized’ foster care system and explains the Community Based Care (CBC) concept: how CBC’s were designed to work for the child’s benefit and why they are off course. The documentary examines the massive amount of taxpayer dollars being spent with little oversight and accountability and how this has led to an over-reliance on group homes, many of which are for-profit.

Through personnel stories told by former foster youth, the film gives viewers the opportunity to hear heart-wrenching accounts of how Florida has failed its children. Common themes that are apparent through the stories of these young adults are: sexual abuse, overuse of psychotropic medication, Baker Acts, and separation of siblings.

After the film, viewers are invited to stay for a panel discussion and audience Q&A with:

Kaitlynn White is an artist, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for young people with lived experience in foster care. Having aged out of the system herself, she is committed to ensuring that young people are not only heard but have a meaningful voice in shaping the decisions that affect their futures.

As Co-Chair of the Madi’s Movement New Gen Board, Kaitlynn helps elevate the voices of her peers, championing opportunities for young people to lead, advocate, and create meaningful change within the foster care system.

Kaitlynn holds an Associate’s degree in Fine Arts and is the founder of The White Space Studio, a creative business inspired by the healing she found through art during her time in foster care. Built around the motto “a blank canvas for everyone,” her studio creates opportunities for individuals to express themselves, build confidence, and discover their potential.

As a teaching artist, Kaitlynn brings her passion into classrooms and communities, using creativity as a powerful tool for connection, healing, and personal growth.

Nehemiah is a determined and hardworking young leader with a passion for building a successful and independent future. Currently attending Southern Technical College, where he is studying welding, Nehemiah is expected to graduate in March 2027. While balancing his education with full-time employment, he continues to demonstrate dedication, discipline, and perseverance.

Having completed three quarters of his welding program, Nehemiah takes pride in his progress and the commitment it takes to achieve his goals. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he dreams of one day owning his own trucking or welding company, creating opportunities and building a foundation for long-term success.

As a member of the Madi’s Movement New Gen Board, Nehemiah brings his ambition, perspective, and commitment to personal growth. He values Madi’s Movement for the meaningful relationships and trusted network of adults who encourage and support him along his journey. Through hard work, determination, and a willingness to keep learning, Nehemiah is creating a future filled with opportunity, independence, and possibility.

Tewabech Genet Stewart is a child welfare leader with more than 25 years of experience serving children and families. After 22 years working inside Florida’s child welfare system, Genet became convinced that the system she once served must be abolished. She challenges the false assumptions at its foundation about families, safety, power, and who deserves protection and support.

Her experience as an adoptive mother deepened that conviction, raising difficult questions about a government that provides ongoing financial support to families after adoption while failing to offer comparable resources to birth parents before their children are removed. These questions are particularly urgent for Black families, who have experienced generations of disproportionate government intervention and family separation.

Genet created RESTORE, a seven-principle framework for replacing the current child welfare system with one children themselves would choose. Grounded in truth, RESTORE calls for accountability from government and publicly funded institutions, dignity of choice for families, financial investment in parents, and an end to forced family separation. It challenges us to move beyond reform and fundamentally reconsider government’s role in the lives of children and families.

James E. Cole is an experienced communications strategist with demonstrated expertise in media relations, leadership development, and impactful grassroots campaigns. For more than 35 years, he has served his community in the public and private sectors.  James celebrates the intersection of public health and public policy as he seeks solutions that eliminate disparities and strengthen youth and family resilience.

Now serving as interim Executive Director of Advocates for Family Justice, James draws on his training and experience as a Child Protective Investigator and leadership as a Family Resource Director in Atlanta, GA. He has helped develop community-based strategies for students and families and build wraparound services that reduce and eliminate risk factors. He acknowledges the hand-up approach required to help individuals maintain their dignity while considering community support.

His policy experience includes legislative readiness for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and state advocacy for Georgia’s Alcohol Policy Partnership. As a prevention specialist, James served on the grant review team for SAMHSA and CSAP.  He has also managed Office of Juvenile Delinquency mentoring programs along with a 13-state campaign to reduce underage drinking.

He is Vice President of the Hillsborough County Democratic Black Caucus, a former Board member for Tampa Family Health Centers, and former Youth Works Chair and Youth Council Advisor for the Hillsborough County NAACP.  James is a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association.

Presented with support from:

This film includes explicit stories from youth who experienced harm while in the foster care system. The stories include neglect / sexual assault / self-harm / suicide / physical abuse / substance abuse / child abuse.  Viewer discretion is advised.

This screening is held in the Taylor Screening Room. Seating is limited; it is recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time.