Fostering Change Podcast | Episode 270 | Jenny Coleman

As Fostering Change continues into the new year, this episode tackles one of the most urgent — and evolving — challenges facing young people today: staying safe, informed, and supported in a digital world.

Rob Scheer is joined by Jenny Coleman, a nationally recognized expert in child welfare and abuse prevention, and a former foster parent whose work is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience.

Jenny serves as Director of Stop It Now!, a national organization focused on preventing child sexual abuse through education and early intervention. She also leads What’s OK?, a first-of-its-kind online platform and free helpline where teens and young adults can anonymously ask questions about relationships, boundaries, sexting, consent, and online behavior — without fear or shame.

In this conversation, Jenny helps parents, caregivers, and educators better understand how to talk with young people about tough topics — especially as AI-generated and non-consensual images become an increasing form of peer-driven harm.

Episode Highlights

Youth Safety in the Digital Age – How sexting, cyberbullying, and online exploitation are changing — and what adults need to know.
New & Alarming Trends – Why recent data shows a sharp rise in AI-generated inappropriate images targeting teens, most often created and shared by peers.
What’s OK? How this research-backed platform empowers youth ages 14–21 to ask honest questions and get reliable guidance.
What Caregivers Can Do – Practical steps for parents and caregivers, including how to respond, stay connected, and support youth without judgment.
A Foster Care Perspective – Why trauma-informed, prevention-focused conversations are especially critical for foster and adopted youth.

About Jenny Coleman

Jenny Coleman, MA, LMHC, has spent more than 30 years working in child welfare as a clinician, educator, and prevention advocate. She is the Director of Stop It Now! and leads What’s OK?, an innovative online resource for youth navigating questions about sexual behavior, consent, and boundaries. A former foster parent and longtime foster care trainer, Jenny brings a compassionate, prevention-centered approach to keeping young people safe.

Resources

Stop It Now!: www.stopitnow.org

What’s OK?: www.whatsok.org

To find out more about Comfort Cases, please visit our website: www.comfortcases.org.

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To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.

📩 Have thoughts or questions? Reach out at fosteringchange@comfortcases.org —we’d love to hear from you!