Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Youth Living in Group Homes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to report sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of system-involved youth living in group homes, and when appropriate, contrast these data with equivalent national data. Methods: Data were collected from a sample of racially/ethnically diverse youth (N= 1036, 79% male, Mean age= 16.1 years). Results: Nearly all comparisons indicate that persons in this sample were more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors compared to other youth populations. For example, 90% of the participants reported having had sexual intercourse compared to 54% of youth in the child welfare system and 47% of youth in the general population. Conclusions: Youth living in out-of-home care can benefit from programs that provide skills enabling them to reduce sexual risk-taking and prevent pregnancy.