Advocacy strategies and resources
Physical health
Physical health
Physical health care is a foundation for wellbeing. Youth in foster care often face interruptions in medical, dental, and vision care. They may have experienced trauma, instability, or neglect that impacts their health. Youth need consistent access to preventive care, treatment, and follow‑ups so they can grow, thrive, and participate fully in school, relationships, and daily life. A CASA volunteer can help make sure basic health needs are met, and that youth are connected with appropriate care.
How to Advocate:
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Talk with the social worker to ensure the youth’s health and education records are up to date. Ask about the youth’s primary care provider, dental provider, and vision care provider. Confirm that scheduled appointments are kept and follow up when care is overdue.
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Find out if the youth has their health insurance card and that coverage is active. Most youth in foster care have Medi‑Cal or another plan that covers necessary care. Help the caregiver or youth keep insurance information on hand.
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Make sure the youth has regular medical checkups, dental cleanings, and vision exams. These routine visits help catch needs early and keep health records current. Encourage caregivers to schedule care as needed.
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Talk about healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, and self‑care. Small habits like daily movement and regular meals can improve health and mood.
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Ask about diagnoses and follow any instructions from medical professionals. Make sure medications are taken as prescribed and that follow‑up appointments are scheduled if needed.
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Update the youth’s Health and Education Passport or health record with recent appointments, immunizations, tests, and follow‑ups. Share this information with relevant members of the team so everyone has a consistent understanding of the youth’s health status.
Youth Rights and Coverage:
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All youth in foster care have the right to medically necessary care. They should receive timely medical, dental, and vision care. All youth are entitled to emergency services whenever they are needed, even if their insurance is not active at that moment.
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Most youth in foster care are eligible for Medi‑Cal. Youth who leave foster care after age 18 may qualify for Medi‑Cal coverage until age 26 under current California rules. Always confirm with the county social services office or an enrollment specialist that coverage remains active.
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Medical consent may be provided by a caregiver, the social worker, or by court order. Youth over age 12 have certain rights to consent to specific health services in California. Youth should be informed about which rights apply to them and how to exercise them.
Helpful Resources:
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California Medi‑Cal for Children and Youth in Foster Care – Overview of Medi‑Cal coverage for youth in foster care.
Former Foster Youth Medi‑Cal Program (FFY) – Medi‑Cal coverage until age 26 for eligible former foster youth.
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KidsHealth – Trusted health information for kids, teens, and caregivers across many health topics.
Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHDP) – California program offering preventive health exams for eligible children.
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Dental Care Information for Foster Children (Alliance for Children’s Rights) – How to find dental providers and appeal denials.
Medi‑Cal Dental Program – California dental benefits for children and youth on Medi‑Cal, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
Western Dental in San Francisco provides dental care for youth in dependency and offers free orthodontic assessments to determine if braces are needed. After the assessment, ask for the HDL score, which can be used to request special funding through HSA in coordination with the youth’s Public Health Nurse. For questions about dental, orthodontic, or medical needs, contact the Nurse of the Day Hotline at 415-558-2656 or NOD.Line@sfgov.org
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SF Health Connect – San Francisco program that helps families find and access health care services.
San Francisco School Health Programs – Health and wellness resources through public schools, including clinics and coordination.
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ChooseMyPlate.gov – Simple guidance on balanced eating for all ages.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Youth – Federal recommendations for healthy activity.
Tips for CASA Volunteers
Keep health conversations focused on safety, function, and access rather than blame or judgment.
Check that youth are linked with a primary care provider, dentist, and vision specialist.
Ask open questions about how the youth feel physically and how health care impacts their daily life.
Maintain up‑to‑date records so transitions between placements or schools do not disrupt care.
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