Youth in foster care can make many decisions about their sexual and reproductive health care on their own. Youth have the right to choose their own doctor, get the type of birth control they want, protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases, get help with transportation to the clinic, have privacy in their personal information, and have options if they become pregnant. Continue Reading →
Author Archive | tafy
Sex, Relationships and Birth Control
Having a healthy sex life means taking care of your body, choosing if and when you want to have sex, feeling safe and comfortable with yourself and your partner and good communication. Continue Reading →
LGBTQ+
Your sexual orientation and gender are important parts of who you are. Learning more about gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation can help you understand yourself and the world around you. Continue Reading →
Pregnancy, Adoption, Legal Guardianship and Abortion
If you are pregnant, you can choose to keep your baby, place the baby for adoption or with an adult guardian, or have an abortion. Continue Reading →
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIS) and HIV
STIs are super common, and lots of people have questions about them. Here are the facts on how STIs are transmitted, how to prevent STIs, and why there’s no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed if you have one. Continue Reading →
More Resources
Want to learn about resources, services, and information specifically for young people in foster care?
Teenparent.net: This website is for foster youth who are expecting or parenting that includes information on financial help, childcare, mental health, dating violence, and much more.
KnowBeforeYouGo: The mission of Know Before You Go is to empower youth to become their own advocates, armed with the knowledge and information they need to succeed in work, school and life.
Teenhealthrights.org: A guide with information about your rights to sex, pregnancy, and parenting.
fosterreprohealth.org: Provides a list of sexual and reproductive health resources and services available to young people in foster care.
What if I want to go to the school near my new home, but they won’t let me enroll without my records?
Under AB 490 and the Fostering Connections Act for foster youth, and AB 2276 for probation youth, you have the right to be immediately enrolled in school even if you don’t have the necessary paperwork (like a birth certificate, immunization records, or school records).
Do I qualify for special education?
What to do if you believe that you may have a learning disability or other disability that affects your learning or ability to do well in school.
What services can I get if I need special help with my learning?
If you attend school on a regular basis, try your best, and ask for help but you are still struggling to understand or do well in some or all of your classes, you may need special help. Continue Reading →
What are some of the education rights I have as a foster youth?
Find information about partial credits, court absences, extracurricular activities, education attorneys, and more.