Adolescence is marked by rapid physical development and emotional changes while youth work to develop autonomy and a sense of identity. This period is further complicated by child welfare involvement, which is often associated with changes in social support and placement. Youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or another diverse identity (LGBTQ+) are overrepresented in the child welfare system and face several additional complex challenges beyond those typically associated with adolescence, including discrimination and threats to their physical and emotional wellbeing. It is therefore extremely important to understand how to strengthen protective factors and effectively work with this population. Resources on this page support child welfare workers serving this population, while subpages include resources for LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care and resources offering support and guidance for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
- Resources for LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care
- Resources for families of LGBTQ+ youth
- Working with LGBTQ+ families in adoption
- Working with LGBTQ+ youth and families: Behavioral health
2016 RISE Project Care Coordination Team Program Manual
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau & Los Angeles LGBT Center (2016)
Discusses the RISE (Recognize Intervene Support Empower) initiative of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The manual explains the historical background and lessons learned.
2016 RISE Project Outreach and Relationship Building Program Manual
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau & Los Angeles LGBT Center (2016)
Explains lessons learned regarding program implementation in order to assist child welfare agencies to replicate or adapt the outreach and relationship-building component of RISE in local settings. Other volumes of the program manual provide training about social work practice for LGBTQ+ youth as well as supportive families and safe homes.
All Children - All Families: LGBTQ Resources for Child Welfare Professionals
Human Rights Campaign
Offers resources for professionals pertaining to several aspects of providing services to LGBTQ+-identifying youth and families, including information about congregate care and the recruitment of LGBTQ+ families.
How Can Child Welfare Agencies Effectively Support LGBTQ+ Youth in Care? (PDF - 749 KB)
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2019)
Outlines the negative child welfare outcomes more common among LGBTQ+-identifying youth before presenting local programs designed to better support these youth in care.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+)
Capacity Building Center for States
Helps States and territories build the capacity to more effectively serve and support LGBTQ+ youth and foster and adoptive families. Resources include publications, videos, and webinars.
- Creating LGBTQ Affirming Agencies Video and Guide
- Toolkit to Support Child Welfare Agencies in Serving LGBTQ Children, Youth, and Families
- Helping LGBTQ Families Navigate the Child Welfare System
- Supporting Transgender Children and Youth Involved in the Court System (PDF - 107 KB)
- Affirming and Supporting LGBTQ Children and Youth in Child Welfare (PDF - 236 KB)
- Guide and Instructions: Total Cost of Ownership Calculator for Child Welfare Information Systems (PDF - 567 KB)