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Vulnerability in Foster Care Survey

Vulnerability in Foster Care

This survey is designed to elicit the views of National Policy Council members regarding the vulnerability of foster youth to sexual predators and domestic sex trafficking. Even if you personally have not been victimized by sexual predators or have first hand experience with sex traffickers, you can contribute to this conversation by helping the Council identify what might make foster youth more vulnerable than their peers, and in developing recommendations that could help to keep foster youth safer.

It is important to note that your privacy will be protected and your individual responses will not be tied to you in any product that is produced. You will see that we do not ask for names on this survey. In the event that your personal story would help make the case to keeping foster youth safe, you will ALWAYS be asked for permission before your name is attached to any published information.

If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Celeste Bodner at Celeste@fosterclub.com.
1.To help us track participation of the members of the partner organizations, please indicate the organizations that you are affiliated with: (Check all that apply)(Required.)
2.Current age:
3.Race:
4.Gender:
5.What do you consider yourself to be:
6.From the following list of placements, which did you reside in: (Check all that apply)
7.How long were you in foster care? (Approximately in years)
8.Approximate number of placements:
9.Have you ever experienced or witnessed domestic violence? (Check all that apply)
10.Were you ever approached by SOMEONE INVOLVED WITH THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM with inappropriate sexual activity or contact?
11.Were you ever approached by someone OUTSIDE FOSTER CARE with inappropriate sexual activity or contact?(Check all that apply)
12.If you answered yes to either of the LAST TWO questions above, were you ever threatened if you did not comply?
13.If you answered yes to either of those TWO questions above, did you report the abuse?
14.While you were in foster care, if you were approached or abused by a sexual predator, would you know (or have known) where to turn for help?
15.Do you believe being in foster care made you MORE VULNERABLE to sexual predators?
16.Do you believe foster youth are MORE LIKELY TO BE TARGETED by sexual predators?
17.Did you ever have any friends or friends in foster care DISCLOSE their experience with being sexually abused or approached by a predator?
18.If YES, did you disclose it to anyone else or report to an official?
19.Crimes of sexual abuse or being approached by a sexual predator often go unreported. Why do you think this is true for foster youth? (Please Explain)
20.Should young people in care be regularly asked if they've been approached or abused?
21.If yes, how often should they be asked? And by who? (Please Explain)
22.Did your foster parents or caregivers provide any information or training to help keep you safe from the harm of a sexual predator?
23.Did you ever receive any counseling where you discussed how past abuse, neglect or trauma could leave you vulnerable to future abuse or sexual predators?
24.Do you think society provides enough supports and services for young people in foster care who have been victims of sexual abuse?
25.If No, what support services do you believe should be added?
26.Do you think foster parents and caregivers need a special type of knowledge and training to adequately support or prevent sexually abused victims?
27.What could the foster care system as a whole, do better to keep youth from the harm of sexual predators?