biostudies-literatureUnknown122Ahrens KRNational Institute of Mental HealthConrad N. Hilton FoundationFoster youth have high rates of unintended teen pregnancies and other negative sexual health outcomes. Foster and kinship caregivers (FKC) are an untapped resource to reduce risks. We conducted a two-phase pilot study to evaluate feasibility, acceptability and assess preliminary efficacy of a training designed to improve caregiver communication, monitoring and conflict behaviors and improve sexual health outcomes for youth in foster care. Our study included a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) component. Phase 1: We recruited 49 FKC and assessed feasibility quantitatively, and acceptability both qualitatively and quantitatively of our intervention (Heart to Heart). Phase 2: We conducted an RCT with 71 participants and evaluated caregiver communication, monitoring, and conflict behaviors as Children and youth services review105877https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8725952biostudies-literatureDevelopment and two-phased pilot RCT of a foster/kinship caregiver intervention to improve sexual health communication with youth.PMC8725952Coatney AAhrens KRUdell WHoopes TLowry SAlbertson KfalseDevelopment and two-phased pilot RCT of a foster/kinship caregiver intervention to improve sexual health communication with youth.Foster youth have high rates of unintended teen pregnancies and other negative sexual health outcomes. Foster and kinship caregivers (FKC) are an untapped resource to reduce risks. We conducted a two-phase pilot study to evaluate feasibility, acceptability and assess preliminary efficacy of a training designed to improve caregiver communication, monitoring and conflict behaviors and improve sexual health outcomes for youth in foster care. Our study included a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) component. Phase 1: We recruited 49 FKC and assessed feasibility quantitatively, and acceptability both qualitatively and quantitatively of our intervention (Heart to Heart). Phase 2: We conducted an RCT with 71 participants and evaluated caregiver communication, monitoring, and conflict behaviors as 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Mar2025-04-18T12:09:57.293Z2025-04-06T21:51:03.624ZS-EPMC87259523499232710.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105877