Assessing the uptake of trauma informed sexual and reproductive health educational tools for young people in out-of-home care: A process evaluation [Conference Abstract]

Abstract

Background: Trauma is a significant factor contributing to poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes for children and young people experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage. Young people in Out of Home Care (OOHC) often miss out on school-based sexual health education due to the transient nature of placements and rely on carers to fill gaps. To support provision of trauma informed sexual health education to young people in OOHC, NSW Health's Play Safe Programs OOHC Project developed a suite of trauma-informed educational tools to increase the capacity of professionals and carers to support the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people in OOHC. Method(s): NSW Health's Play Safe Programs OOHC Project developed all resources in consultation with key OOHC organisations and youth trauma agencies. A total of four resources were developed. 1. Factsheet: Sexual health promotion for young people with an experience of trauma. 2. Factsheet: Sexual health promotion with young people with disability. 3. Online training modules: Because You Care: Fostering conversations around sexual and reproductive health' online learning module. 4. Guide: Trauma informed care - A guiding tool to discussing sexual health with young people. Result(s): Since launch, resources have totaled 2500+ downloads and 300+ professionals and carers have completed the Because You Care online training modules. Feedback regarding resources and trainings has been positive, with some participants noting increases in skills and comfortability to provide trauma informed sexual and reproductive health information. "It gave me the knowledge to feel comfortable and confident to talk to young adolescents in my care about sexual health." - Online module participant Conclusion(s): The suite of educational resources fills gaps in specialised trauma-informed sexual and reproductive health resources available in NSW. Uptake of resources indicates they are accepted and well utilised by both carers and workers in the OOHC field.