Protecting the Rights and Providing Appropriate Services to LGBTQIA2S+ Youth in Out-of-Home Care - Arkansas
Date: January 2023
Rights of LGBTQIA2S+ Youth in Foster Care
Citation: Ann. Code § 9-28-1003
A child in foster care has the right to be cared for without regard to race, gender, religion, or disability.
A child in foster care is also entitled to the following:
- To be heard and involved with the decisions about their life
- To express their opinion and have it treated respectfully
Supports for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth in Care
Citation: Ann. Code § 9-28-1003
A child in foster care is entitled to the following:
- To request support and services they need
- To have individualized care and attention
- To have ongoing contact with significant people in their life, such as teachers, friends, personal support, and relatives
- To receive quality child welfare services
- To have a plan for their future and the support needed to accomplish it
Placement Considerations
Citation: Ann. Code § 9-28-1003
A child in foster care is entitled to the following:
- To have individualized care and attention
- To have a stable, appropriate placement
Caregiver Qualifications
Citation: Ann. Code § 9-28-1003
A child in foster care is entitled to be nurtured by foster parents who have been selected to meet their individual needs.
Definitions
This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.