An Assessment of the Sexual and Mental Health Needs of Transition Age Foster Youth in New York City
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Authors
Claessens, Elizabeth
Issue Date
2022-12-01
Type
thesis_campus
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Keywords
Foster youth , transition age , sexual health , mental health , aging out , LGBTQ
Alternative Title
Human Genetics Theses
Abstract
Young adults age 18 to 21 who are transitioning out or “aging out” of foster care are an extremely vulnerable group who lack typical family support and preparation for independent adulthood. All transition age foster youth have been exposed to trauma and likely have had multiple adverse childhood experiences. This population is understood to have significant mental and sexual health risks. Foster care service agencies in New York City provide mental and sexual (reproductive) health care to foster youth as mandated by the state of New York. This needs assessment seeks to better understand whether those services meet the mental and sexual health needs of transition age foster youth in New York City. Interviews were conducted with five professionals currently employed by foster care service organizations and/or with direct experience working with foster youth. Several themes emerged from these interviews that highlight important areas of need for the sexual and mental health of transition age foster youth in New York City.
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