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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 youth

Resources:
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.html
http://centervideo.forest.usf.edu/video/qpi/ylc/techconn/webinarppt.pdf

Prudent Parenting Standard

Youth Law Center's Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI)

Quality Parenting Initiative and California Youth Connection's tips for Resource Parents and Tech

Boston Children's Hospital Digital Wellness Lab Family Digital Wellness Guide 

Center for Parent and Teen Communication: Teens, Tech + Mental Health

Call 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 protected].

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.

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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 protected].

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.

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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 protected].

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.

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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 member

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.

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 help

Calls 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 protected].

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.

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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 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 help

Calls 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 protected].

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.

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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 youth

Resources:

Zero to Three Resources for families - learn about milestones and trauma in babies and young children with tools to support optimal development

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network - what trauma looks like in children, families, and tools to help

Head Start- has a program for pregnant women and early childhood education 

St. Anne's - offers transitional housing program

Calls 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 protected].

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.

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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 youth

Resources:

-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: 

• Facebook
• Instagram

Calls 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 protected].

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.

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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 CSEC

Resources:

• HOW TO TALK TO YOUTH ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING: A Guide for Youth Caretakers and Individuals Working with Youth
• Trauma-informed conversation guide

Calls 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 protected].

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.

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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 Succeed
• Emma Bowen Foundation 
• Aises.org

Calls 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 protected].

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.

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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 placement
PMRT- 800-854-7771 for psychiatric crisis

Tools:
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 protected].

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.