We're diving into an incredibly important topic in today's day and age - Navigating social media and other internet technologies, with a special emphasis on fostering digital safety for our foster youth.We'll be discussing the legal rights of youth in foster care regarding internet access, the importance of fostering digital education and empowerment, and providing tips and resources to help you through this journey. This episode will center caregiver and youth empowerment by providing tips on, having transparent conversations about social media, setting boundaries, and differentiating between healthy and potentially dangerous online engagements.Additionally, we’ll answer the questions you sent in about safe social media practices like the pros and cons of delaying social media usage for kids, how to define what constitutes social media, and how to navigate age-appropriate content online.Guest: Jennifer Rodriguez, Executive Director of Youth Law Center, former foster youthResources:Quality Parenting Initiative and California Youth Connection's Video: Youth Perspectives on Tech for Resource Parents:http://centervideo.forest.usf.edu/video/qpi/ylc/techconn/qpistart.htmlhttp://centervideo.forest.usf.edu/video/qpi/ylc/techconn/webinarppt.pdfPrudent Parenting StandardYouth Law Center's Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI)Quality Parenting Initiative and California Youth Connection's tips for Resource Parents and TechBoston Children's Hospital Digital Wellness Lab Family Digital Wellness Guide Center for Parent and Teen Communication: Teens, Tech + Mental HealthCall to Action:What are the real pros and cons of waiting to let kids be on social media? (44:39)What do you consider social media? (57:34)How to talk to your youth about social media (1:04:12)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

Caregivers will be equipped with the necessary tools to engage in conversations with the youth in their care about sexuality and sex education that goes beyond prevention and instead focuses on liberation, all within a secure and receptive environment that encourages openness.Guest on the show: Steph Zapata, she/they, sex educator & anti-oppression consultant Calls To Action: How to use liberation approach vs. prevention approach (29:13)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

This episode will give caregivers of indigenous youth a new understanding of how to help indigenous youth in care who've experienced abuse and/or commercial sexual exploitation and how to support them. Indigenous youth in care are a vulnerable population, we will discuss ways to protect indigenous youth from CSEC and the resources available to these youth in care.Guest on the show:Raechel Ibarra, Senior CSEC Case Manager for Children’s Law Center, Chiricahua Apache descendant and her ancestors originate from Arizona and the border of Mexico.  Resources:-The proportions of Black and Native American youth in foster care are around four times larger than the proportions of Black and Native American youth in California overall. -Native & Indigenous youth are overrepresented in the CA child welfare system. They make up .8% of the general population, yet 20.7% of youth in care.Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women's movement)Calls To Action:How trafficking starts (24:10)Common language used (26:03)How to explain trafficking to your youth (27:03)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

This episode will explore how caregivers can support the mental health of youth in foster care through the eyes of a former foster youth, Elyzabeth. She tells the story of her mental health journey and entering new homes and what would’ve made her feel more safe, comfortable, and welcome.Guest on the show:Elyzabeth, former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board memberResources:Presumptive Eligibility- Super important to note here that diagnostic criteria is no longer the bar to entry in CA's BH system--California has fundamentally reformed the definition of Medical Necessity in both Managed Care and Specialty MH so providers don't have to hunt for pathology and exposure to trauma is a qualifier for care.Home Within - Counseling 1915b Waiver - Former/Foster youth - presumptive eligibility for Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS)Enhanced Care Management (ECM) - not yet in effect- but it will be soon - and is designed to help foster youth navigate, access and coordinate care-National Institute for Mental Health - Getting Help-National Alliance on Mental Illness - Kids, Teens, Young Adults The National Child Traumatic Stress Network - what trauma looks like in children, families, and tools to helpCalls To Action: Advice from a foster youth about coming into a new placement (16:30)Vulnerability is a two-way street (19:30)Keep the door open for your youth in care (27:39)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

This episode will explore how caregivers can support the mental health of youth in foster care, access Medi-Cal mental health services, and how to advocate for their youth in care to get the services they require. Guests on the show: Nancy Netherland, mother and advocate for her two daughters, both former foster children living with rare, chronic medical complexities. Nancy founded Kids and Caregivers; a nonprofit supporting families, caregivers, and providers of chronically ill children through wellness and navigation resources, coaching, and peer-based activities.Nancy has extensive professional experience with the healthcare safety-net through her work as a consultant with public health, community, and school-based health centers. Resources:Presumptive Eligibility- Super important to note here that diagnostic criteria is no longer the bar to entry in CA's BH system--California has fundamentally reformed the definition of Medical Necessity in both Managed Care and Specialty MH so providers don't have to hunt for pathology and exposure to trauma is a qualifier for care.A Home Within - Counseling 1915b Waiver - Former/Foster youth - presumptive eligibility for Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS)Enhanced Care Management (ECM) - not yet in effect- but it will be soon - and is designed to help foster youth navigate, access and coordinate careNational Institute for Mental Health - Getting HelpNational Alliance on Mental Illness - Kids, Teens, Young Adults The National Child Traumatic Stress Network - what trauma looks like in children, families, and tools to helpCalls To Action: (36:55)California Wraparound services (36:55)A Home Within (38:15)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

In this episode we will explore the experiences of youth in care who faced the challenges of homelessness and teen pregnancy, and discover new ways of support.Maria will join us to share her story of both struggles and victories. Her journey will shed light on what it truly means to provide care for a pregnant youth in need. As we listen to Maria, we'll gain insights into what she needed from caregivers and how they can offer the best support possible.Join us for an episode that celebrates the power of love and compassion in caregiving. Together, let's learn how to create a safe and nurturing environment for those who need it most.Guests on the show:Maria: Mom, former homeless foster youthResources:Zero to Three Resources for families - learn about milestones and trauma in babies and young children with tools to support optimal developmentThe National Child Traumatic Stress Network - what trauma looks like in children, families, and tools to helpHead Start- has a program for pregnant women and early childhood education St. Anne's - offers transitional housing programCalls To Action: (47:00)Remember you were a teenager once (47:00)Saying no isn't always the safest option (47:19)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

This episode will bring the perspective of a caregiver currently fostering a neurodivergent, transgender male youth in care. Joyce opens up about her experience in guiding a conversation about her youth's menstrual cycle. A conversation that led to trust and open communication in the future.Guests on the show:Joyce Ma: Fostering UNITY’s Organizational Development Coordinator, foster parent for neurodivergent transgender youthResources:-Neurodiversity definitions-Sexual Education Resources-Trainings and Classes-Events and Webinars-Virtual Support Groups-Eligibility for services- LA County Regional Centers-National Institutes for Health - Autism Facts-Down’s Syndrome Through the Lifespan -National Institute for Mental Health - Getting Help-National Alliance on Mental Illness - Kids, Teens, Young Adults Connect with Fostering UNITY on Social Media: FacebookInstagramCalls To Action: (32:08)Don’t make assumptions (32:35)Understand your youth’s love language (33:02)Know the terms to use for their mental age (35:20)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive subjects, including abuse and child sexual exploitation. Please exercise discretion while listening.Episode Description: This episode will give caregivers a new understanding of what youth in care who've experienced abuse and/or commercial sexual exploitation go through and how to support them. Guests on the show:Brandy: Former foster youth, survivor of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in foster care, member of the Youth Advisory Board at the Reproductive Health Equity Project Nola Brantley: Survivor of sexual abuse and sex trafficking, mother, MISSSEY’s Executive Director from the organization’s inception until 2014, founder of Nola Brantley Speaks, advocate for survivors of CSECResources:HOW TO TALK TO YOUTH ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING: A Guide for Youth Caretakers and Individuals Working with YouthTrauma-informed conversation guideCalls To Action: (45:30)Talk to youth in care about CSEC early on (45:30)Join youth where they’re at (45:45)Help youth in care receive the resources they need (46:17)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

Today we’ll hear from a former foster youth on how learning about her Indigenous roots could have helped her during her pregnancy. Tune in for a compelling and insightful discussion on empowering Indigenous youth in foster care through cultural connection.Guests on the show:Tamar: Former foster youth, mom, member of the Youth Advisory Board at the Reproductive Health Equity Project Resources:Ready to SucceedEmma Bowen Foundation Aises.orgCalls To Action: (22:07)Advocate for Indigenous youth in the medical system (22:35)Help indigenous locate their ancestry and understand their background (23:28)Connect them with their community (24:07)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

Dorothy gets support from care service specialist Faye Holmes, who tells her it's all right to put the laundry off another week and call a friend. We all need to be kind to ourselves during this holiday season. We also hear from two of Dorothy's foster youth about how they want to incorporate their past traditions and cultures into this year's holiday celebration.Guest on the show: Faye Holmes, Care Service Specialist at Fostering Unity, former foster child and foster/adoptive parent of two. Two of Dorothy's foster children.Resources: Careline- 213-269-0000 (Can request Faye Holmes as your care service specialist)FURS- 833-939-3877 CA urgent response for caregivers and youth to preserve the placementPMRT- 800-854-7771 for psychiatric crisisTools:Add foster kid's cultural foods to the holiday celebration (4:36)Care service specialist advice for getting through the holidays (14:22)Remember to be sensitive to foster kid's feelings around old and new family traditions (24:25)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

To wrap up season 1 of Fostering Parenthood, Dorothy has ‘the sex talk’ with her son Brandyn. The first time they talk about sexual reproductive health together is on the show! They explores the topics we covered this season, hoping to show caregivers what this could look like with their teens. But of course, every family is different. We hope this special episode helps you prepare for and encourages you to have ‘the talk’ with your foster youth. Guest on the show: Brandyn, Dorothy’s 16-year-old adopted sonAbout Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

Navigating the process of becoming a foster parent or caregiver can be complex. Fortunately, there's a foster youth Bill of Rights, which sounds daunting, but provides a blueprint for caregivers looking to better understand their role as foster caregivers, and ensure the safety of their youth. Our guest Jasmine Harris is a foster youth and foster youth advocate who served on the Foster Care Ombudsperson’ Committee that established the new foster youth bill of rights. Guest on the show: Jasmine Harris, foster youth and foster youth advocate, served on the Foster Care Ombudsperson’ Committee*This episode incorrectly stated that youth have a right to go to the doctor on their own starting at age 12. According to the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, at any age, youth have the right to consent to or decline services regarding contraception, pregnancy care, perinatal care, abortion services, and health care services for sexual assault without the knowledge or consent of any adult. Resources: Foster Care BOR *The Foster Care BOR link has been updated.Foster Youth Helpline: (877) 846-1602Youth Ombudsperson office: (877) 846-1602Calls To Action (23:29)Read the bill of rights with your foster youth (23:40)Educate and prepare for how the rights will apply and at what age (24:00)Be patient with your youth (24:40)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

Lawyers, advocates, social workers, and more. Becoming a caregiver includes many helpful resources, but what good is a resource if you don't know how to use it? Our guest Theresa Reed, a former foster youth and educator for new foster parents and caregivers, helps explain some of the most helpful resources and how to use them. Guest on the show: Theresa Reed, former foster youth, FKCE Program Director, Author of It’s Not Drama, It’s TraumaResources:It’s Not Drama, It’s Trauma (10:58)FKCE (11:38)Family Urgent Response System (FURS): (833) 939-3877 (14:13)Foster Care Unit in Department of Mental Health in LA County (18:45)CSECY (29:16)Planned ParenthoodCASA (33:18)Simply Friends (36:00)RFSP liaisons (37:10)Alliance for Children’s Rights (38:00)AdvoKids (38:00)Fostering Unity caregiver care line: (213) 269-0000 (40:00)Calls To Action:Write resources down and keep them accessible (39:20)Call 988 (mental health emergy support)Ask questions before accepting a placement (43:24)Empathy (45:00) - empathy video from Brené BrownAbout Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

When youth begin to establish romantic relationships, you may feel the need to give the kneejerk “use a condom” speech, but do you discuss the signs of a healthy relationship? Our guest Kat McKeon, a former foster youth, discusses her experience in healthy and unhealthy relationships and what she wishes her caregivers would have said to her.Guest on the show: Kat McKeon, former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board memberCalls To Action:Model healthy relationships (11:53)Show the conflict and the resolution (13:11)Mirroring (13:25)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

Content Warning: This episode discusses traumaIn this third episode of Fostering Parenthood, we hear about trauma-informed care from Dr. Dorit Saberi, Clinical Director of the Safe Harbor- Trauma Recovery Center at Harbor UCLA Medical Center and an adoptive parent. She will tell us how to find the kernel of truth, be mindful, and stay curious when parenting kids who have experienced trauma. Guests on the show:Dr. Dorit Saberi, the Supervising Psychologist and Co-Founder/Clinical Director of the Safe Harbor- Trauma Recovery Center at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. She is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) - David Geffen School of Medicine and an investigator at the Lundquist Institute, Harbor UCLA Medical Center.  She is a Resource Parent in Los Angeles County and an adoptive parent to a 6-year-old girl.  She conducts research, provides direct services, supervision teaching, and consultations in Evidence Based Practices adapted for diverse populations. Dr. Saberi is an author of several grants, educational curricula, and best practice parameters related to the development and implementation of trauma-informed/trauma-specific care.  She serves as a Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors for Fostering Unity.  Resources: Calculate your ACE scoreCalls To Action:Be curious (21:30)Find your youth’s “kernel of truth” (26:25)Practice mindfulness (30:00)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide in the LGBTQ community Navigating conversations around sexual orientation can be difficult and awkward. You might ask yourself, What are the right terms? Is it too soon for them to know? Our guest Patrick Gem Gabbett, a former foster youth and an LGBTQ advocate, will help you answer some of these questions, ask your youth the right questions, and help you support their healthy sexual development.Guest on the show: Patrick Gem Gabbett, former foster and homeless youth, LGBTQ advocateResources:Leelah AlcornCalls To Action: (37:30)Tip to remember how to use they/them pronouns (38:00)Have the same standards for ALL your kids (39:40)Don’t impose gender roles on any of your kids (39:50)About Fostering Parenthood:Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch!Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com.Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

What's an out-code? And how do I teach my kid about consent? It's all here in our very first episode of Fostering Parenthood. We meet with former foster youth Tamar and caregiver Dayna Freier, who give their take on explaining consent and bodily autonomy to your foster youth. When people think of “consent” they may think of teenagers learning of sexual consent, but it starts way early than that. In this episode, we discuss how to apply consent and bodily autonomy principles with foster youth. Our guest Dayna Freier provides tips and tools on what she does with her kiddos to help them understand consent and bodily autonomy.Guests on the show:Tamar: Former foster youth, mom, member of the Youth Advisory Board at the Reproductive Health Equity Project Dayna Freier: Caregiver and mom, Director of Operations at Fostering UnityResources:Planned Parenthood FRIES (24:30)Calls To Action: (24:15)What is consent? Here is an acronym to live by: (24:30)Give your kid an out-code: (26:08)Use this car analogy to teach your foster youth about consent: (30:43)About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.

Welcome to Fostering Parenthood, a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth through the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. We will launch 6 episodes on September 1st, plus an exclusive bonus episode, so subscribe and stay tuned!About Fostering Parenthood: Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project. The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch! Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com. Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org. Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.