Tools to Provide Inclusive, Respectful, Foster-Friendly Sexual + Reproductive Healthcare

Presenters:
Rebecca Gudeman, JD, MPA, Senior Director, Health National Center for Youth Law
Erica Monasterio, MN, FNP-BC, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of California, San Francisco

Description:
Youth in foster care face structural, practical and interpersonal barriers in obtaining the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care to which they are entitled, leading to disproportionately poor health outcomes in many areas, particularly SRH outcomes. Healthcare providers are well positioned to utilize trauma responsive approaches and offer support, tools, and information that can help youth in foster care fully access the full spectrum of care. “The Foster Friendly Healthcare Toolkit” was developed by a multidisciplinary team, including former and current foster youth, to explain what it takes to implement inclusive, respectful SRH care that contributes to building a sense of agency for youth in care and with diverse identities.

Using case studies, audience engagement, and youth stories, this webinar will describe some of the barriers and healthcare experiences that have led to disparate SRH outcomes and identify key care principles and practices that can make the difference. It will offer a framework for understanding the legal issues that are involved in delivering care to minors, including those in foster care, and introduce resources for learning more about law and practice, including the Toolkit. If you work with youth, you work with youth in foster care. Incorporating foster friendly care will benefit all the youth you serve.