Supporting Expectant and Parenting Youth With Lanitta Berry, Part 1, Episode 86

"Young people have multiple identities—and when we acknowledge that, we can move from transactional to transformative support. — Lanitta Berry

Supporting expectant and parenting youth in foster care requires a deep understanding of both systemic challenges and individual lived experiences. In this episode, Child Welfare Information Gateway's Gabriel Foley speaks with Lanitta Berry of FosterClub, who shares her experience navigating pregnancy and parenthood while in foster care.

Lanitta describes how gaps in communication across systems—particularly between health care and child welfare— can lead to confusion, trauma, and long-term impacts for young parents and their children. She also highlights how system structures, such as treating a young parent and child as a "sibling pair," can complicate identity development and parenting roles.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing youth as whole individuals with multiple identities beyond their involvement in care. Building meaningful, transformative relationships—rather than transactional interactions—can help professionals better understand what young parents need for themselves and their children.

Lanitta also discusses broader systemic challenges, including limited access to resources and the compounded barriers faced by young parents navigating independence while caring for a child. The episode underscores the need for more accurate data, intentional support systems, and policies that reflect the realities of this population.

Finally, the episode explores what it means to create truly safe spaces—both physically and psychologically—where youth can seek support without fear of judgment. These environments are critical for helping young parents grow, build confidence, and create stability for their children.

The following individual is featured in this episode:

Lanitta Berry is a national advocate with lived experience as a young parent in foster care. She has worked across local, State, and Federal levels to advance policy and practice changes and is the founder of At-Risk 4 Greatness, an organization focused on holistic reform and technical assistance.

Topics discussed include the following:  

• The impact of pregnancy and parenting on youth involved in the child welfare system
• How gaps in communication across systems affect young parents
• The importance of recognizing multiple identities beyond "youth in care"
• Moving from transactional to transformative relationships with youth
• Systemic barriers, including access to resources
• The role of trauma, identity development, and long-term outcomes  
• Strategies for building safe, supportive environments for young parents  
• How professionals, peers, and caregivers can provide meaningful support