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

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss the stigma that comes with choosing abortion care, especially for the foster youth community. Our all-former-foster-youth crew clears up important medical terms – like the differences between in-clinic abortions and medication abortions. We also give tips on how to prepare for your medical visit and consider your needs for childcare, transportation, a support person, etc. We talk about what the abortion experience can be like, and how you can be a supportive friend in the process. The decision is yours, and we are here to empower you with knowledge and confidence. Resources: Self-Taught: Abortion Care According to Former Foster Youth  Self-Taught: Knowing Your Rights to Healthcare Is this clinic right for me or my friend? (a guide from RHEP) A Teen’s Guide to Abortion (From Peer Advocates of Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley) California Abortion Access  https://abortion.ca.gov A resource made in partnership with RHEP and other trusted organizations and leaders in California.  Abortion Stigma Campaign on RHEP’s Instagram: @rhep_ca Content Advisory: The stories we are sharing sometimes touch on different kinds of trauma, please take care of yourself while you listen.Host:Derenice (she/her), RHEP Youth Advisory Board memberParticipants: Wednesday (she/her/they/them), RHEP Youth Advisory Board member Jessica (she/her), RHEP Youth Advisory Board memberAbout 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailUnfortunately, not all medical workers treat foster youth with respect. In this episode, we share how we have sometimes had to stick up for ourselves to get the sexual and reproductive health care we need (and deserve!). Listeners: you have the right to ask questions, say no, and make choices about your own health. You should feel respected and listened to by your doctors— and if you don’t, it’s okay to look for someone new. Resources:Finding LGBTQ+ inclusive medical care (RHEP blog) Self-Taught: What Are Foster Youth’s Rights To Healthcare? Uber Health Is this the right clinic for me or my friend?  TeenSource clinic finder Foster Youth Bill of Rights in California  Resources for California Foster Youth: Sexual, Reproductive, and Mental Health Medi-Cal ServicesContent Advisory: The stories we are sharing sometimes touch on different kinds of trauma, please take care of yourself while you listen.Host:Emilio (them/ella/èl), RHEP Youth Advisory Board memberParticipants: Elyzabeth (she/her), RHEP Youth Advisory Board memberJessica (she/her), RHEP Youth Advisory Board memberQuinn, RHEP Youth Advisory Board member 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWe’re kicking off Season 3 with a convo our all-former-foster-youth podcasters are so eager to explore— How can we prioritize our mental health while navigating romantic relationships?  Derenice and Myh’Keith explain ways to talk openly—even about the hard stuff. They also explain how “growth-bonding” can be a great way to build your relationship.  We get into the red flags that might signal a relationship is not right for you. Remember: your relationship with yourself is just as important as your relationship with someone else. We hope to help you understand that meeting your needs is not selfish. In fact, doing so can actually help you become a better partner in the long run. Resources:Our Top 10 tips for developing healthy relationships: PDF download Video series Blog article On the RHEP website Learn how to engage in honest communication, even in times of conflict:  ”The Most Effective Way to Make a Request” “All About Communication” Get help learning when it’s time to grow and when it’s time to move on:  “9 Questions to Assess the Health of Your Relationship” “Warning Signs of Abuse” 4 Tips for Having a Difficult Conversation With Your Partner How to Balance Your Independence and Interdependence for Healthy Relationships Content Advisory: The stories we are sharing sometimes touch on different kinds of trauma, please take care of yourself while you listen.Host:Derenice (she/her), RHEP Youth Advisory Board memberParticipant: Myh’Keith (he/him), RHEP Youth Advisory Board memberAbout 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailKat, 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-calFoster 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.pdfA Home Within provides free weekly one-to-one therapy to people who have experienced foster care: https://www.ahomewithin.org/ 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 memberAlexis, Youth Advisory Board memberEsmeralda Cortez Rosales, Community Policy Associate, Mental Health Team at National Center for Youth LawAbout 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailRHEP 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.orgwww.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 ParenthoodTeens Guide to Abortion from Planned ParenthoodAbortion Rights for California Youth from Planned Parenthood Youth: A Guide for Adult AdvocatesContent 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 memberBrandy, Youth Advisory Board memberAlex Morse, Planned Parenthood Community Health EducatorAbout 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailKat, 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 MemberParticipants: Phillisha, Youth Advisory Board memberCody, Youth Advisory Board memberSarah 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWhat 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 futuresBlack 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 outcomesFrontline Doulas: a health program providing Black families with Black doulas at no costRHEP’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 MemberParticipants: Phillisha, Youth Advisory Board memberCody, Youth Advisory Board memberSarah 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailLet’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 Condoms (including video for how to put on a condom), Planned ParenthoodBirth Control, Condom, BedsiderBirth Control, Internal Condom, BedsiderAbout Dental Dams, Planned ParenthoodWhat is PrEP? Planned ParenthoodWhat is PEP? Planned ParenthoodBlack Women for Wellness: an organization committed to advancing the health and well-being of Black women & girls through education, empowerment and advocacyTeenSource: Teen health resources and information on STI's, Birth Control and free health clinics and health resources near youAPLA Health: providing world-class LGBTQ+ empowering healthcare, HIV specialty care, food, housing and other essential support servicesDontThinkKnow.org: a way to get STI testing from homeHost:Tamar, Youth Advisory Board MemberParticipants: Cody, Youth Advisory Board MemberLonnell Schuler, Black Women for Wellness, program lead for Get Smart B4U Get SexyAbout 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailHow 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 MemberParticipants: Brandy, Youth Advisory Board memberResources: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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailDid 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 MemberGuests:Rebecca Gudeman, Senior Director, Health, National Center for Youth LawAlexis, Youth Advisory Board member, former foster youthResources: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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailPhillisha 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 memberTamar (she/her), former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board memberContent 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailFitting 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 memberContent 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 Grant: “If you are or were in foster care for at least one day, between the ages of 16 and 18, as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation, and rent while you’re in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.” (https://chafee.csac.ca.gov/)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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailTamar 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 memberContent 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 Talk: videos, games, and more to learn about and practice consent. RAINN: Free confidential 24/7 sexual assault and abuse hotline988 Lifeline: For mental health support, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.orgNNEDV (National Network to End Domestic Violence) - information about financial and other forms of abuse.Futures without Violence - Start Strong Campaign, including information about building healthy relationships.CoolNotCool 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailDaniel 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, PoetContent warning: This episode touches on topics that may be upsetting ortriggering for some listeners, including homophobia, abuse, mental health andpast trauma. This warning is to empower listeners with the knowledge you needto make healthy decisions about how and if you should consume this podcastcontent. Don’t hesitate to use the resources listed in the show notes if you needsupport.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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWhat’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 memberContent warning: This episode touches on topics that may be upsetting ortriggering for some listeners, including experiences of homophobia/transphobia,abuse, childhood trauma and ablism. This warning is to empower listeners withthe knowledge you need to make healthy decisions about how and if you shouldconsume this podcast content. Don’t hesitate to use the resources listed in theshow notes if you need support.Resources: CASA programs in CaliforniaKnow Your Rights related to gender affirming care in CA foster careKnow Your Rights related to gender identity and sexual orientation in CA foster placementTrevor Project for services and one on one support for LGBTQIA+ identifying youth 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].

Send us Fan MailKat 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 memberContent warning: This episode touches on topics that may be upsetting ortriggering for some listeners, including puberty, experiences in health care visits,and past trauma. This warning is to empower listeners with the knowledge youneed to make healthy decisions about how and if you should consume thispodcast content. Don’t hesitate to use the resources listed in the show notes ifyou 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.orgEmail us with questions, comments, and feedback at [email protected].