Start Talking: Better Sexual and Reproductive Health for Young People in Foster Care (360G-cabinetoffice-G2-GA-202112743844-21-22)

A partnership approach with SEF will combine expertise and reach such that TFN (The Fostering Network) can increase the knowledge, skills and confidence of foster carers in supporting the children and young people they care for to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes, reducing widely evidenced inequalities for this group. Foster carers nationwide will benefit from a creative digital resource and reflective learning materials, co-produced by foster carers and care-experienced young people. TFN are taking a life-course approach, exploring key moments through childhood and adolescence (eg puberty, teenage sexual relationships) when carer support and role as educators can be critical and where there are barriers or factors unique to children and young people in foster care. TFN will map these critical points and give foster carers the tools they need to lead proactive, positive conversations with their children at these life stages. A reflective journal will allow them to document their own goals in day-to-day practice and the impact this has had for their children. Through an active co-production model and project steering group, TFN will ensure the views and lived experiences of young people, foster carers and social workers are at the heart of the innovative outputs. The nationwide scope of dissemination and influencing strategy is designed to trigger a culture change in expectations and foster carer practice.