Health and SOGIE

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights for Youth in Foster Care

All minors and young adults in foster care have sexual and reproductive health care rights. Know Your Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Rights. Even if you are under 18 years of age, you have the right to, including but not limited to:

• Access sexual health information that only includes medical facts and not anyone’s opinion.
• Receive confidential sexual and reproductive health care without your caregiver’s consent.
• Receive assistance with transportation to sexual and reproductive health care appointments.
• Get, have, and use the birth control or protection of your choice.

If you have questions about your rights or need help with other issues while you are in foster care, please contact the Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson.

Foster Care Ombudsperson
1-877-846-1602 (Toll-Free helpline)
fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov

LGBTQ+ Care: Training and Resources for Nurses

NurseJournal.org created a guide designed to give nurses the culturally competent skills and knowledge they need to provide more equitable care to LGBTQ+ patients. Some Training Resources mentioned are:

•       The National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center
•       GLMA Continuing Education Resources
•       Nurses' Health Education About LGBTQ Elders (HEALE) Cultural Competency Curriculum

Gender Affirming Care for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth

All minors and young adults in foster care have the right to medical care including gender affirming medical and mental health care and services. This is important because gender affirming care involves an individualized approach that allows transgender and nonbinary individuals to explore and understand their identity at their own pace. Transgender and nonbinary youth with access to binders, shapewear, and gender-affirming care have reported lower rates of attempting suicide in the past year compared to transgender and nonbinary youth without access.

• Screening Tool and List of gender affirming providers in California
• A Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth
• The Center for Transyouth Health and Development a Children’s Hospital – Los Angeles
• Transgender Health Services gives you access to Health and Social Services and Transgender Patient Advocate Program.
• OutCare has identified LGBTQ healthcare resources in all 50 states. Find resources to youth groups, shelters, support groups, STI testing, and more.

Planned Parenthood Services

Staff at your local Planned Parenthood health center can talk with you and help you get the care you need. You can search for a health center or call 1-800-230-PLAN for care today.
Whether in person by virtual appointments or by phone, during these uncertain times Planned Parenthood can provide you with the health care you need. Some services are available by telehealth. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers virtual support online and over the phone.

• Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
• Common Questions About Sexual Orientation
• Gender Identity and Transgender Issues