Interview Survey of Adolescents in Foster Care in Los Angeles County Regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health Communication and Access to Resources

Findings from 2023

Every foster youth deserves access to accurate, supportive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services. Our Interview Survey of Adolescents in Foster Care in Los Angeles County Regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health Communication and Access to Resources report focuses on the SRH experiences of foster youth in Los Angeles County. Conducted by NCYL’s Reproductive Health Equity Project for Foster Youth (RHEP), this comprehensive study fills a critical gap in understanding how foster youth receive SRH information and services. By centering the voices of youth, the report sheds light on the implementation of California’s Foster Youth Sexual Health Education Act and the role of social workers in supporting the healthy development of youth in foster care.

Key Takeaways

• Increased SRH Conversations: The percentage of foster youth discussing SRH topics with social workers rose significantly from 45% in 2019 to 76% in 2023, reflecting improved implementation of California’s Foster Youth Sexual Health Education Act.
• Youth-Centered Insights: More than one in four youth reported that their social worker helped them overcome at least one barrier to accessing SRH care, highlighting the importance of accurate information and empathetic engagement.
• Role of Schools: Schools were the most cited source of SRH information, with 61% of youth reporting they received SRH education from their schools, underscoring the critical role of comprehensive sexual health education.
• Persistent Barriers: Despite progress, many youth still face barriers such as discomfort discussing SRH topics, confusion about reliable information sources, and health insurance concerns. Addressing these barriers remains crucial.
• Supportive Social Workers: Effective SRH conversations between social workers and youth depend not only on the content but also on the delivery. Youth value openness, comfort, and willingness to engage with their social workers.

Explore our Interview Survey of Adolescents in Foster Care in Los Angeles County Regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health Communication and Access to Resources report to discover the sexual and reproductive health experiences of youth in foster care in Los Angeles County and gain valuable insights from the data. Together, we can continue to support and empower foster youth by providing them with the information and resources they need for their healthy development.