{"id":1110,"date":"2016-10-18T20:57:46","date_gmt":"2016-10-18T20:57:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fosteringperspectives.org\/?p=1110"},"modified":"2017-05-13T15:02:36","modified_gmt":"2017-05-13T15:02:36","slug":"talking-to-teens-in-foster-care-about-sexual-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fosteringperspectives.org\/?p=1110","title":{"rendered":"Talking to Teens in Foster Care about Sexual Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Beth Vazquez<\/em><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a foster parent, you may feel unsure whether it\u2019s your role to talk with teens in your care about sexual health issues, like contraception or preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You may even be thinking (hoping!) this is someone else\u2019s job.<\/p>\n

But the truth is, teens can\u2019t hear this information too often. Even if it feels a bit awkward at times, showing teens that you\u2019re willing to have the conversation will help them feel you\u2019re someone they can turn to if they have questions or need guidance.<\/p>\n

Concerning Statistics<\/span><\/h6>\n

While teen pregnancy rates are trending downward nationally, there\u2019s still work to do. The most current data available tell us that in North Carolina, 32 out of every 1,000 girls age 15-19 become pregnant, ranking us 22nd in the U.S. with regard to teen pregnancy.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s even more cause for concern if you look at foster care. Teen girls in foster care are two and a half times more likely than girls not in care to become pregnant by age 19. In one study, half of young men aging out of foster care reported they had gotten someone pregnant by age 21. Compared to their peers, teens who have had adverse childhood experiences\u2014like those served by the foster care program\u2014are more likely to engage in risky behaviors (sexual and otherwise).<\/p>\n

Cultivating Open Communication<\/span><\/h6>\n

When it comes to sexual health and making informed decisions, perhaps the most valuable resource to a teen is a trusted adult who is willing to listen and provide information and guidance without judgment. Positive and open communication with a caring adult supports healthy decision-making and builds self-esteem in young people. Here are a few tips for foster parents on open communication with teens around sexual health.<\/p>\n

1. Start by building trust<\/strong>. Ask your teen what they think and reinforce that you care. If a child asks a question you don\u2019t know how to answer, let them know you\u2019ll get more information and get back to them. Be sure to follow through.<\/p>\n

2. Spend quality time<\/strong>. Really get to know the young people in your care\u2014their likes and dislikes, friends, worries, and hopes and dreams for the future. Watch TV with them and use what\u2019s happening in their favorite shows to spark conversations about issues they\u2019re facing in their own lives.<\/p>\n

3. Have age-appropriate conversations about bodies and sex with the children in your care<\/strong>. Do this early and often. This can\u2019t be a \u201cone and done\u201d conversation. Be prepared to share accurate information (there are lots of great resources online\u2014a few are listed in this article). Keep your conversations honest, open, and non-judgmental. \u201cTalk With Your Kids\u201d (see link below) provides guidance on what conversations to have at what age.<\/p>\n

4. Share what you believe and be willing to ask teens what they think and why<\/strong>. Don\u2019t shy away from questions that invite you to share your own values\u2014questions such as, \u201cAt what age should people start dating?\u201d Or, \u201cWhy should I wait to have a baby?\u201d Remember that some youth in foster care may view having a baby as a way to find family stability and unconditional love. In response, help them think through what they would need to support a baby at this stage in their lives. Be mindful not to shame them.<\/p>\n

5. Talk with boys, too!<\/strong> These conversations aren\u2019t just for girls. Children of all genders and sexual orientations need support and information around sexual health topics such as dating, sex, healthy relationships, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections.<\/p>\n

6. Seek out and use helpful resources<\/strong>. Here are just a few examples:<\/p>\n