Children involved with the child welfare system are at a higher risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, or STIs.

Children involved with the child welfare system are at a higher risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, or STIs.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not sure
• D. Unknown

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that youth involved in the child welfare system face greater exposure to factors that raise the likelihood of pregnancy and STIs. Many have histories of maltreatment, trauma, and instability, which can lead to earlier or coerced sexual activity, relationships with older partners, or sexual exploitation. They also often encounter barriers to confidential reproductive health care, limited access to comprehensive sexual health education, and disruptions in housing or placement that interrupt regular health services. All of these conditions create more opportunities for risky sexual behavior and reduce protection against pregnancy and infections. Importantly, this is not true for every individual, but evidence shows higher rates overall among youth in foster care or similar systems. With trauma-informed care, accessible contraception, routine STI testing, and coordinated support across placements, risks can be addressed and reduced.

The main idea here is that youth involved in the child welfare system face greater exposure to factors that raise the likelihood of pregnancy and STIs. Many have histories of maltreatment, trauma, and instability, which can lead to earlier or coerced sexual activity, relationships with older partners, or sexual exploitation. They also often encounter barriers to confidential reproductive health care, limited access to comprehensive sexual health education, and disruptions in housing or placement that interrupt regular health services. All of these conditions create more opportunities for risky sexual behavior and reduce protection against pregnancy and infections. Importantly, this is not true for every individual, but evidence shows higher rates overall among youth in foster care or similar systems. With trauma-informed care, accessible contraception, routine STI testing, and coordinated support across placements, risks can be addressed and reduced.