LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, Two-Spirit, or other gender or sexual identity) youth are overrepresented in foster care. LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and families have faced discrimination when seeking approval to become foster or adoptive parents, which limits the availability of families to support placements for LGBTQIA2S+ youth. Additionally, parents and caregivers of transgender or nonbinary youth have faced significant barriers to helping them access gender-affirming medical care and other treatment options that support their well-being.
Affirming and supporting children, youth, and families with LGBTQIA2S+ identities is vital. Child welfare professionals, agencies, and community organizations should consider and address individualized needs—no matter the service setting—by following best practices and referring families to programs designed to improve outcomes for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals.
Additionally, engaging LGBTQIA2S+ people with lived experience can help providers develop more equitable policies, better understand needs and how to support the community, and help identify gaps in services and resources.
Child welfare professionals and community organization members can use these resources to help implement policy and practice changes that support equity for the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
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