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Sexual and reproductive health policies for foster youth in California: A qualitative study of child welfare professionals' experiences and perceptions of policies

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  • Bruce, Janine S.

Abstract

Child welfare professionals and foster parents increasingly suggest the importance of establishing clear and consistent policies and procedures to address the sexual and reproductive health of youth in foster care. The present study examines the content and context of such policies across 18 California counties through a search of publically available county policy documents, and surveys and expert interviews with child welfare professionals (N=22). A policy framework for agenda setting and policymaking was used to guide the data collection and analysis process. Child welfare professionals were aware of multiple sources of information, support and services for foster youths' sexual and reproductive health, though few practiced in counties with formal policies that outline the resources and support that youth should receive. Participants demonstrated widespread recognition that issues of youth sexual and reproductive health were significant; posing challenges to youth, foster parents and child welfare staff. Identified policy solutions included: 1) training for social workers and foster parents; 2) collaborative partnerships with public health nurses and community providers; 3) data tracking and monitoring of outcomes to assess youth needs and evaluate the impact of programs and policies; and 4) involvement by advocacy organizations in defining problems and advocating for improved services and support for youth in care. Social workers largely perceived that support from child welfare administrators and policy leaders is necessary to prioritize this issue and initiate policy formation. Additional research is needed to further examine the impact of policy mandates on social workers, foster parents and youth in foster care.

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  • Bruce, Janine S., 2016. "Sexual and reproductive health policies for foster youth in California: A qualitative study of child welfare professionals' experiences and perceptions of policies," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 184-200.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:61:y:2016:i:c:p:184-200
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.12.016
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    8. Haight, Wendy & Finet, Dayna & Bamba, Sachiko & Helton, Jesse, 2009. "The beliefs of resilient African-American adolescent mothers transitioning from foster care to independent living: A case-based analysis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 53-62, January.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Lieberman, Lisa D. & Kaplan, Alejandra & Scholey, Laura & Kohomban, Jeremy & Lausell-Bryant, Linda, 2020. "Strategic partners: Enhancing the ability of foster care agencies to serve the special needs of young mothers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    3. Colarossi, Lisa & Dean, Randa & Stevens, Alex & Ackeifi, Jackie & Noonan, Maya, 2019. "Sexual and reproductive health capacity building for foster care organizations: A systems model," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 1-1.
    4. Gill, Amy & Grace, Rebekah & Waniganayake, Manjula & Hadley, Fay, 2020. "Practitioner and foster carer perceptions of the support needs of young parents in and exiting out-of-home care: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    5. Björkas, Robin & Lindroth, Malin & Richert, Torkel, 2024. "Child welfare workers’ understanding of young people’s sexual health when conducting assessments due to substance use problems," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    6. Nwabuzor Ogbonnaya, Ijeoma & Villodas, Miguel T. & Ciro, Dianne & Turnlund Carver, Ann, 2022. "Cumulative victimization and number of sexual partners among youth involved with child welfare: Externalizing and internalizing problems as mediators," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).

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