Beyond Connectivity: Exploring the Influence of Digital Access on the Social Determinants of Health for Youth in Out-of-Home Care.

This article examines digital inclusion among youth in out-of-home placements within the child welfare system, focusing on how access to and use of internet communication technologies influence their social determinants of health (SDOH). Surveying 131 foster parents and 152 kinship providers across the United States, the study found that most youth have access to personal devices, though at lower rates than the general youth population, and caregivers often impose usage limits to manage online risks. Caregivers reported both positive outcomes—such as maintaining social connections and accessing information—and negative consequences, including exposure to harmful content and risky online interactions. The findings highlight the importance of balancing digital safety with access to technology to support health equity and readiness for adulthood, recommending targeted interventions, caregiver training, and policies to reduce the digital divide and enhance digital literacy among youth in care.