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“Even if you think you can trust them, don’t trust them”: An exploratory analysis of the lived experiences of sexual health among sexual minority girls in foster care

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  • Salerno, John P.
  • Kachingwe, Olivia N.
  • Fish, Jessica N.
  • Parekh, Eshana
  • Geddings-Hayes, Melanie
  • Boekeloo, Bradley O.
  • Aparicio, Elizabeth M.

Abstract

Girls in foster care are at heightened risk for poor sexual health outcomes compared to their general population counterparts. Sexual minority girls are also at greater risk for poor sexual health compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Yet, little is known about the sexual health of sexual minority girls in foster care. This study aims to provide a preliminary understanding of how sexual minority girls in foster care experience the phenomenon of sexual health. Using a single-case interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) design, we interviewed five sexual minority girls in foster care using a single in-depth focus group discussion and analyzed the data using a series of IPA steps. Analysis revealed three major themes about the lived experiences of sexual health among sexual minority girls in foster care: fear of being victimized and distrust within sexual relationships, self-protection from sexual relationship harm, and sexual health communication. Further research is warranted to investigate the sexual health experiences and needs of sexual minority girls in foster care, with particular sensitivity to the potential impact of past sexual victimization and abuse on their sexual health and wellbeing.

Suggested Citation

  • Salerno, John P. & Kachingwe, Olivia N. & Fish, Jessica N. & Parekh, Eshana & Geddings-Hayes, Melanie & Boekeloo, Bradley O. & Aparicio, Elizabeth M., 2020. "“Even if you think you can trust them, don’t trust them”: An exploratory analysis of the lived experiences of sexual health among sexual minority girls in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:116:y:2020:i:c:s0190740920302796
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105161
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Combs, Katie Massey & Aparicio, Elizabeth M. & Prince, Dana M. & Grinnell-Davis, Claudette & Marra, Laura & Faulkner, Monica, 2019. "Evidence-based sexual health programs for youth involved with juvenile justice and child welfare systems: Outcomes across settings," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 64-69.
    2. Maliszewski, Genevieve & Brown, Chris, 2014. "Familism, substance abuse, and sexual risk among foster care alumni," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 36(C), pages 206-212.
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    6. Ramseyer Winter, Virginia & Brandon-Friedman, Richard A. & Ely, Gretchen E., 2016. "Sexual health behaviors and outcomes among current and former foster youth: A review of the literature," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 1-14.
    7. McCormick, Adam & Schmidt, Kathryn & Terrazas, Samuel R., 2016. "Foster family acceptance: Understanding the role of foster family acceptance in the lives of LGBTQ youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 69-74.
    8. Wilson, Bianca D.M. & Kastanis, Angeliki A., 2015. "Sexual and gender minority disproportionality and disparities in child welfare: A population-based study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 11-17.
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    10. Dworsky, Amy & Courtney, Mark E., 2010. "The risk of teenage pregnancy among transitioning foster youth: Implications for extending state care beyond age 18," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(10), pages 1351-1356, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gatwiri, Kathomi & Cameron, Nadine & McPherson, Lynne & Mitchell, Janise, 2022. "Care experienced LGBTQA + young people in out-of-home care in Australia: A case study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
    2. Brandon-Friedman, Richard A. & Pierce, Barb & Wahler, Elizabeth & Thigpen, Jeffry & Fortenberry, J. Dennis, 2020. "Sexual identity development and sexual well-being: Differences between sexual minority and non-sexual minority former foster youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).

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