Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life

Did you know that there is a Foster Youth Bill of Rights? These rights ensure that foster youth have the opportunity to get the healthcare they need and deserve— including sexual & reproductive services. Tamar and Alexis of RHEP’s Youth Advisory Board sit down with Rebecca Gudeman, a lawyer and the Senior Director of Health at the National Center for Youth Law (NCYL), to highlight many of these rights for youth in California and to talk about what often gets in the way of youth in care being able to fully benefit from them. Bottom line: you have the right to make decisions about your own body. Content Advisory: The stories we are sharing sometimes touch on different kinds of trauma, please take care of yourself while you listen. Host: Tamar, Youth Advisory Board Member Guests: Rebecca Gudeman, Senior Director, Health, National Center for Youth Law Alexis, Youth Advisory Board member, former foster youth Resources: Visit https://fosterreprohealth.org/resources/ for information on accessing care, finding a clinic near you, birth control methods, and more. Foster Youth Bill of Rights for California lists the rights Rebecca spoke about as well as others. About Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

How do hormonal and non-hormonal birth control methods work? How can you properly use birth control? As a young person in the foster care system, how can you advocate for yourself? The good news is there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s all about what works best for you. Kat and Brandy of RHEP’s Youth Advisory Board talk about their personal experiences with birth control and provide an overview of the variety of birth control methods available. Content Advisory: The stories we are sharing sometimes touch on different kinds of trauma, please take care of yourself while you listen. Host: Kat, Youth Advisory Board Member Participants: Brandy, Youth Advisory Board member Resources: Visit Bedsider for more information on birth control methods. About Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

Let’s talk about how to stay safe and prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). We discuss methods for safe sex, relatable accounts of what it’s like to navigate the healthcare system with an STI, shaking off stigma, being open and feeling safe with partners, and more. Tamar and Cody of RHEP’s Youth Advisory Board are joined by Lonnell Schuler, Black Women for Wellness, program lead for Get Smart B4U Get Sexy. If you have any questions about this critical information, be sure to check out these useful resources: Content Advisory: The stories we are sharing sometimes touch on different kinds of trauma, please take care of yourself while you listen. Resources: About CondomsBirth Control, CondomBirth Control, Internal CondomAbout Dental Dams,What is PrEP?What is PEP?Black Women for WellnessTeenSourceAPLA HealthDontThinkKnow.orgHost: Tamar, Youth Advisory Board Member Participants: Cody, Youth Advisory Board Member Lonnell Schuler, Black Women for Wellness, program lead for Get Smart B4U Get Sexy About Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

What should foster youth expect from pregnancy and prenatal care? Kat, Cody, Phillisha and Sarah talk about getting the care you need leading up to birth, which is known as prenatal care. They dive into getting the support you need from the medical system, building your own support system, and exploring the parts of pregnancy or starting a family that people who have been in foster care might experience differently. Plus, they share helpful pre and post-natal resources that helped them and could help you, too. Resources: Planned Parenthood: a trusted healthcare provider whose mission is to ensure all people have access to the care and resources they need to make informed decisions about their bodies, their lives, and their futures Black Infant Health: an organization that empowers pregnant and mothering Black women using an evidence-informed group-based approach, where participants get to meet, interact and build a sisterhood with other Black women. Birthworkers of Color Collective: an organization that connects pregnant/birthing and postpartum individuals, their families, and larger communities with educational, emotional, and physical support through all pregnancy & postpartum outcomes Frontline Doulas: a health program providing Black families with Black doulas at no cost RHEP’s analysis of the California Department of Social Services’ report that shows disparities in healthcare, including prenatal care. Content Advisory: The stories we are sharing sometimes touch on different kinds of trauma, please take care of yourself while you listen. Host: Kat, Youth Advisory Board Member Participants: Phillisha, Youth Advisory Board member Cody, Youth Advisory Board member Sarah Ferguson, Birthing The Block About Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

Kat, Phillisha, Cody, and Sarah share stories and tips about the ups and downs they faced when accessing prenatal care (medical care for someone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant). The team talks about little-discussed topics— like caring for yourself after the baby is born and struggling with postpartum depression as a young parent. We created this bonus episode just for you and all the expectant and parenting youth in need of relatable, informative insight. Content Advisory: The stories we are sharing sometimes touch on different kinds of trauma, please take care of yourself while you listen. Host: Kat, Youth Advisory Board Member Participants: Phillisha, Youth Advisory Board member Cody, Youth Advisory Board member Sarah Ferguson, Birthing The Block About Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

RHEP Youth Advisory Board members Tamar, Phillisha, and Cody discuss abortion care in this open, unflinchingly honest episode. They share what went into their own decisions when they were pregnant, expand on different kinds of abortion (medication or procedural), explain how to weigh your options, lean on supportive people & more. Alex Morse, Planned Parenthood Community Health Educator, joins the conversation and gives accurate, easy-to-understand abortion care information. It’s your choice—but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Resources: www.ExhaleProVoice.org provides after-abortion support. www.connectandbreathe.org provides after-abortion support. www.plannedparenthood.org www.abortionfinder.org can help you find an abortion provider near you, nationwide. https://abortion.ca.gov can help you find an abortion provider and resources in California. www.teenhealthlaw.org provides information on teens' legal rights to consent as it relates to their health and healthcare. 101 Guide to Abortion from Planned Parenthood Teens Guide to Abortion from Planned Parenthood Abortion Rights for California Youth from Planned Parenthood Youth: A Guide for Adult Advocates Content Advisory: The stories we are sharing sometimes touch on different kinds of trauma, please take care of yourself while you listen. Host: Tamar, Youth Advisory Board Member Participants: Phillisha, Youth Advisory Board member Brandy, Youth Advisory Board member Alex Morse, Planned Parenthood Community Health Educator About Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

Kat, Elyzabeth, Alexis, and Esme talk about the unique challenges (former) foster youth face when accessing the mental healthcare services they need. Esme, Community Policy Associate, Mental Health Team at National Center for Youth Law, points to key resources that you might find useful, drawn from “A Young Person’s Guide to Accessing Affordable Mental Health Care.” Guests share their stories, including the little and big ways that they take care of themselves. As always, we keep it real. Resources: A Young Person’s Guide to Accessing Affordable Mental Health Care: https://youthlaw.org/resources/young-persons-guide-accessing-affordable-mental-health-services-under-medi-cal Foster Youth Bill of Rights for the State of California: https://fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/276/2020/10/Foster-Youth-Bill-of-Rights-WIC-16001.9_ADAComplaint.pdf Content Advisory: The stories we are sharing sometimes touch on different kinds of trauma, please take care of yourself while you listen. Host: Kat, Youth Advisory Board Member Participants: Elyzabeth, Youth Advisory Board member Alexis, Youth Advisory Board member Esmeralda Cortez Rosales, Community Policy Associate, Mental Health Team at National Center for Youth Law About Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

Phillisha and Tamar are all-star moms who happen to be former foster youth as well. Hear how they each actively sought to reparent themselves - filling in gaps from their own development - in order to be the best parent for their child. Plus, they share how their upbringing taught them some do’s and don’ts now that they’re in the parent role. Guests: Phillisha (she/her), former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board member Tamar (she/her), former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board member Content warning: This episode touches on topics that may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners, including past trauma. This warning is to empower listeners with the knowledge you need to make healthy decisions about how and if you should consume this podcast content. Don’t hesitate to use the resources listed in the show notes if you need support. Resources from episodes: Fostering Parenthood Podcast—In ”Consent: Can I get some FRIES with that?” former foster youth Tamar and caregiver Dayna Freier give their take on explaining consent and bodily autonomy to your foster youth.Tamar’s Consent Blog “Abuse, Consent, Healing and Identity,” seven individuals in various stages of healing from abuse or manipulation share their stories and the effects of consent and lack of consent.About Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

Fitting in, being yourself, belonging… no matter what you call it, it’s hard to not feel like an outsider when you’re in foster care. Add to that Alexis’ experience being multiracial and coming from a background not often associated with the foster care system, and there’s a lot to navigate as a young person. Kat and Alexis talk about how they have found a sense of belonging throughout various parts of their lives. Guest: Alexis (she/her), former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board member Content Warning: This episode touches on topics that may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners, including abuse, neglect, racism, and past trauma. This warning is to empower listeners with the knowledge you need to make healthy decisions about how and if you should consume this podcast content. Don’t hesitate to use the resources listed in the show notes if you need support. Resources: Chafee GrantAbout Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

Tamar and Kat dig into consent as an important component of any healthy relationship - not just sexual ones. Join them to explore crucial questions like: What does a healthy relationship look like with a partner? How do you spot unhealthy relationships with peers or adults when you’re a youth in foster care? How can you be your own best advocate? No tiptoeing around it, Tamar and Kat share their experiences navigating these questions and more. Guest: Tamar (she/her), former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board member Content warning: This episode touches on topics that may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners, including sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse, and past trauma. This warning is to empower listeners with the knowledge you need to make healthy decisions about how and if you should consume this podcast content. Also, don’t hesitate to use the resources listed in the show notes if you need support. Resources: Do you or does someone you know need help? If you want to talk to someone or are looking for more information about consent or abuse, check out these amazing organizations and resources: Teen TalkRAINN988lifeline.orgfinancial Start Strong CampaignCoolNotCool Healthy Relationships Quiz: What’s acceptable, what’s not? Is another person respecting your boundaries? This quiz will help you evaluate your relationships to see if they’re working for you. About Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

Daniel doesn’t sugarcoat anything in this discussion about hiding certain parts of himself while he was in foster care, and becoming more of his full self each day now that he is an adult. He shares why he didn’t feel comfortable coming out as gay when he was growing up, what motivates him to be an advocate for the gay community now, and what he means by bringing “me and all of my selves.” Guest: Daniel (he/him) former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board member, Advocate, Poet Content warning: This episode touches on topics that may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners, including homophobia, abuse, mental health and past trauma. This warning is to empower listeners with the knowledge you need to make healthy decisions about how and if you should consume this podcast content. Don’t hesitate to use the resources listed in the show notes if you need support. Resources: Social Justice Learning InstituteL.A. Opportunity Youth CollaborativeStreet Poets Inc.About Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

What’s it like as a non-binary teen to be in a group home structured for boys and girls? Emilio talks about their intersectional identity, including being non-binary and neuro-divergent. Hear how they found allies in the court system as well as advice for youth who don’t fit into the structures around them. Guest: Emilio (they/their) former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board member Content warning: This episode touches on topics that may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners, including experiences of homophobia/transphobia, abuse, childhood trauma and ablism. This warning is to empower listeners with the knowledge you need to make healthy decisions about how and if you should consume this podcast content. Don’t hesitate to use the resources listed in the show notes if you need support. Resources: CASA programs in CaliforniaKnow Your RightsKnow Your RightsTrevor ProjectAbout Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

Kat and Phillisha get personal about having “the talk,” puberty, birth control, and finding the right doctor while growing up in foster care. With shoutouts to Planned Parenthood, Teen Talk, and an above-and-beyond doctor, they share stories and lessons learned along the way to adulthood. Guest: Phillisha (she/her) former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board member Content warning: This episode touches on topics that may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners, including puberty, experiences in health care visits, and past trauma. This warning is to empower listeners with the knowledge you need to make healthy decisions about how and if you should consume this podcast content. Don’t hesitate to use the resources listed in the show notes if you need support. Resources: Teen Talk YAS Sexual Health Education Curriculum for Youth in Foster CarePlanned ParenthoodAbout Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life: Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is a podcast from foster youth, for foster youth, with unfiltered conversations about puberty, relationships, sexual health, identity, and much more that we wish were part of our upbringing. It is hosted by the youth advisory board of the Reproductive Health Equity Project at the National Center for Youth Law. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation. Self-Taught: Former Foster Youth on Sex, Health, and Life is produced in California. Laws, policies and programs discussed in this episode may be specific to California. Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/self-taught. Learn more about the podcast and the Reproductive Health Equity Project at www.fosterreprohealth.org Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.