Advocacy strategies and resources

Reproductive and Sexual Health

Reproductive and Sexual Health

Unfortunately, placement instability is common for youth in foster care and can seriously affect a child’s safety, permanency, and well-being. Multiple moves can lead to maltreatment, delays in finding permanent homes, school disruptions, and increased behavioral and mental health challenges. It also raises their risk of exploitation. 

Behavioral challenges are often cited as reasons for placement changes, but many of these behaviors stem from trauma—both before and during their time in care. Even children who enter foster care without behavioral issues are much more likely to develop them after experiencing multiple moves. One study found that children with multiple placements were 36% to 63% more likely to develop behavioral problems compared to those in stable placements. 

Placements for foster youth are relationship-based. A key aspect of the CASA role is asking powerful questions to the PSW, youth’s attorney, and other members of the youth’s care team such as: 

When was the last time family-finding was done and what were the results? Can it be revisited?  

  • How is the team communicating about placement? 

  • Does the caregiver know they can file a JV-290 to share observations and recommendations with the court? Have they been encouraged to do so? 

  • Does the team celebrate placement successes (connection and stability)?  

  • Do the youth and caregiver understand the relationship expectations? 

  • How can trust be (re)built between the youth and the caregiver? 

  • What has contributed to any challenges or instability? 

  • Does the youth have contact with their family/community of origin? 

  • How can those relationships be supported and maintained? 

  • What kind of support do the caregivers need? 

  • What is the permanent plan for the youth – reunification, guardianship or adoption? 

  • If this placement relationship doesn’t work out, what are the next steps? 

  • What is the concurrent permanency plan for the youth? 

As a CASA, when you learn that the youth you serve will be moved to a new placement, consider these questions to inform your advocacy: 

What are the youth’s wishes and desires about future placement? 

  • What characteristics of caregiver behavior or placement will be best for this youth? 

  • How can we assure future visits with family/ siblings/ natural supports? 

  • How can the youth and new caregivers build trust?  

  • Who is responsible for transporting the youth and their belongings to the new placement?  

  • How can we minimize disruption of relationships/ school/ care for the youth? 

  • Who will be responsible for coordinating the transfer of community resources?  

  • If necessary, who will be responsible for successfully transferring the youth to a new school? 

  • Can the youth’s family or extended family be asked to be the new placement/relationship? 

  • Have you contacted your case supervisor to file a JV-236 in which you approve or oppose the move? 

  • Have you built trusting and collaborative relationships with members of the child and family team? 

  • How can you have a supportive and active role on the team? 

  • How can you support the relationship between the youth and the resource family?  

NOTE: Instead of using the term “placement,” you can use terms like, “where you are living now,” “your home with (caregivers name)?” Children may not know what “placement” means but are keenly aware that it does not mean home. 

  • It is not uncommon for youth to leave their placement without approval, especially in group care situations, for a few hours or a few days. When they choose to leave a placement they have valid reasons, for example: 

    • they don't feel safe in the placement, 

    • they feel stressed, frustrated, or bored in the placement, 

    • they want to visit their family, see friends, or simply enjoy themselves, 

    • they want to experience "just being a kid", 

    • they want to avoid hearing bad news about family reunification, 

    • they want to feel in control of their situation, 

    • they just need a break. 

    Youth leaving their approved placement to take care of their needs demonstrates strength and resilience. At the same time, some youth become more vulnerable to harm, such as CSEC, and come into contact with the Juvenile Justice system. A youth may be considered to be in an unstable placement, and at risk of leaving, if they: 

    • have had multiple placements in the past few months, 

    • are sleeping in different places each week, 

    • have a pattern of leaving placements, 

    • have recently been given notice of removal by the Caregiver, 

    • are placed in congregate care and have expressed frustration or that their needs are not being met, 

    • are living on their own or in an unapproved placement. 

    Staying in contact with a youth who is away from an approved placement is crucial. When a youth has an open and trusting relationship with an adult, it can help to reduce their risk of harm while they are away from placement and help them transition back into placement when they are ready. 

    Talking honestly about the youth's concerns and reasons for wanting to leave enables you as their CASA to advocate with the placement and care team to address the youth's needs. If you believe your youth is at risk of leaving their approved placement, it can be helpful to initiate safety conversations. You can strategize with your case supervisor about safety-related questions that are specific to your young person's situation.  

    When a youth is away from their placement, they continue to need support and advocacy behind the scenes: 

    • Discuss the situation with your case supervisor. 

    • Discuss your concerns with the PSW and attorney.  

    • Advocate for your youth to have their needs met if/when they return to the placement or go to a new placement. 

    • Ask if there are close or extended family members that might be contacted to learn where the youth is staying. Support calls to extended family members if appropriate. 

    • In consultation with your case supervisor, create "dummy" social media accounts to stay connected with your youth.   

    With your youth: 

    • Try to establish a line of communication via phone, email, text and/or social media. 

    • Consistently express that you are there for them. 

    • Offer to meet with them in a safe public place for a visit. 

    • Let them know you are not obligated to "report them" or share their location with the PSW if they don't want you to. 

    • Listen to and validate what your youth shares about their situation. 

    • Support them to connect with medical providers. Take them to medical appointments, if possible. 

    • Ask open-ended and solutions-oriented questions about safety (see "Appropriate Language" section below). 

    • If the young person is in imminent danger, call 911 and/or report it to Child Protective Services (CPS) Emergency Response Hotline (800) 856-5553. 

    Reminders: 

    • Do not reprimand or judge the youth for leaving their placement. 

    • Do not act as an emergency responder, which is the role of FCS or law enforcement. 

    • Do not drive long distances to transport the youth. 

    • Do not bring the youth to your home or place of business. 

    Family Urgent Response System (FURS): a free 24/7/365 hotline for current or former foster youth and your caregivers to call and get immediate help for any big or small issues you may be having. 24/7 Hotline (call or text): 833-939-3877 

    California Youth Connections: Housing Stability for all - Findings and Recommendations 

    Homeless Youth Handbook: Turning 18, 21 and Leaving Foster Care 

    NYT Op-Ed: I Will Never Forget That I Could Have Lived With People Who Loved Me 

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