Title: The Fosters

Date: 2013

Media type: Television

Format: Episode

TV Season-Episode: Season 1, Episode 1

Rating: PG – Parental Guidance Suggested

Audience(s): High School Age, College Age, Adults, Parents, Couples, Families

Language: English

Source: Netflix

Film/Episode Summary: The Fosters takes place in sunny California and follows a unique family led by the fearless mothers, Stef and Lena. They have been partners for 10 years and although they are not legally wed, they consider themselves married by heart. Through a previous marriage, Stef’s biological son Brendon became the first of many children in Lena and Stef’s family. Their next additions walked into their home as foster kids and never left. Mariana and Jesus, teenage twins were adopted five years prior to the start of the show. Even with three teenagers in the house, they yet again offer to accept a foster child into their home. Callie, the protagonist in this series, is a 16-year-old girl that had been placed in a juvenile detention center due to a complicated situation with her previous foster brother, who sexually abused her. The family soon discovers that Callie was not the only child in her last abusive foster family but in fact lived there with her biological younger brother, Jude. Together, Lena and Stef save Jude from the dangerous situation and invite him into their home. Eventually, the newly combined family grow close with one another and together they navigate the difficulties of the past and move forward towards a better future. Clip Start Time: 1:40-9:50

Clip Description: In this longer clip, Callie is released from juvy after experiencing some physical abuse from fellow inmates as well as from her last foster dad. This is where she first meets Lena, a mother of three with her partner Stef. Lena takes Callie home and introduces her to the family members as they arrive home. When Stef comes home, Callie is somewhat resistant to their relationship and appears to be questioning the family system. It is important to note here that Stef was unaware that Callie would be there because Stef couldn’t reach her on the phone earlier. Callie is distressed throughout the evening and Lena uses her soft words and tells her that they are on her side to get Callie to trust her. This almost works except Stef comes in right when Callie was going to share her story with Lena.

Additional Clip Start Time: 12:58

Additional Clip Description: This is the scene following the dinner when Callie arrives home. Lena and Stef are finally alone in their bedroom and have a chance to talk about the evening. Though they have many concerns about taking in Callie they use positive and loving language to keep their conversation levelheaded. They show love and affection and it really shows that they are great at communicating with one another.

Contributor: Rose Simon