Make an Impact

We are conducting a study focused on improving sexual and reproductive health resources for African American young women in foster care. Your experience can help shape better support systems and inform future programs.

Eligibility Criteria

Foster Parents:

• Fostered a Black/African American female youth (13–21)
• Non-biological foster parent
• English-speaking and reading

African American Young Women:

• Ages 18–21
• Currently or formerly in foster care
• English-speaking and reading

Study Goals

• Identify health information gaps
• Understand caregiver involvement
• Improve culturally responsive support

Participant Appreciation

Receive a $50 Visa gift card for your time (approximately 2 hours).

Why This Research Matters

African American young women in foster care often face unique challenges when accessing sexual and reproductive health information. This research aims to better understand their needs and identify ways foster parents and caregivers can provide meaningful support.

Who Can Participate?

Foster Parents:

• Must have fostered a female African American youth (ages 13–21)
• Must be a non-biological foster parent (any race or gender)
• Must speak and read English
• Must have no cognitive impairments

Young Women:

• Must identify as Black/African American female (ages 18–21)
• Currently in foster care or have a history of foster care placement
• Must speak and read English

What Is the Purpose?

• To understand sexual and reproductive health needs
• To explore how foster parents support access to health information

Compensation

Participants will receive a $50 Visa gift card for approximately 2 hours of participation, plus refreshments.

Who is eligible:

• Foster parents who have/had a female African American foster child
  • Must be a non-biological foster parent of any race or gender
  • Must have fostered a female youth between ages 13-21
  • Must be able to speak and read English
  • Must have no cognitive impairments/deficits
• African American young women currently in foster care or with a history of foster care placement
  • Must identify as Black/African American female between the ages of 18 and 21
  • Must currently be in foster care or have a history of foster care
  • Must be able to speak and read English

Purpose of our research:

• Understand the sexual and reproductive health needs of African American young women in foster care
• Understand the role of foster parents in helping African American young women obtain the sexual and reproductive health information they need

Compensation:

• For approximately 2 hours of your time and participation, you will receive a $50 Visa gift card in addition to refreshments

Interested? Contact Christina Ross at 860-328-9200 or christina.ross@uconn.edu