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This episode will explore how caregivers can support the mental health of youth in foster care through the eyes of a former foster youth, Elyzabeth.

She tells the story of her mental health journey and entering new homes and what would’ve made her feel more safe, comfortable, and welcome.

Guest on the show:

Elyzabeth, former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board member

Resources:

Presumptive Eligibility- Super important to note here that diagnostic criteria is no longer the bar to entry in CA's BH system--California has fundamentally reformed the definition of Medical Necessity in both Managed Care and Specialty MH so providers don't have to hunt for pathology and exposure to trauma is a qualifier for care.

Home Within - Counseling

1915b Waiver - Former/Foster youth - presumptive eligibility for Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS)

Enhanced Care Management (ECM) - not yet in effect- but it will be soon - and is designed to help foster youth navigate, access and coordinate care

-National Institute for Mental Health - Getting Help

-National Alliance on Mental Illness - Kids, Teens, Young Adults

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network - what trauma looks like in children, families, and tools to help

Calls To Action:
Advice from a foster youth about coming into a new placement (16:30)

Vulnerability is a two-way street (19:30)

Keep the door open for your youth in care (27:39)

About Fostering Parenthood:

Fostering Parenthood is a podcast by caregivers for caregivers promoting the healthy sexual development of foster youth, brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law and the Reproductive Health Equity Project.

The laws and policies discussed in our show are specific to LA County and California. However, any out-of-state or international listeners should check the regulations specific to their state or country.

Watch our episodes at https://rhep.info/fosteringparenthood-watch!

Learn more about Fostering Parenthood at www.fosteringparenthood.buzzsprout.com.

Email us with questions, comments, and feedback at email@fosterreprohealth.org.

Fostering Parenthood is fully supported by grant number 1 TP2AH000066-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs.