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As much as 30 percent of youth in care identify as LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual or agender, Two-Spirit, or other gender or sexual identity).1 SOGIE, which stands for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression, can be a source of pride and strength for individuals who identify as LGBTQIA2S+. SOGIE can also be a protective factor promoting community, mental health, safety, and well-being.2 To provide young people with better support, child welfare agencies across the country have implemented inclusive policies and affirming practices.
Despite these strides, LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young people continue to be at higher risk of experiencing abuse, violence, harassment, school penalties, other forms of discrimination, and disproportional representation in the child welfare system. In comparison to their peers, children and young people in care who identify as or are perceived to be LGBTQIA2S+ face various challenges, ranging from bullying to unequal access to services, retraumatization, unequal rates of placements in residential and inpatient facilities, and more. Once in the system, LGBTQIA2S+ youth tend to stay in care longer and are at a greater risk of experiencing violence.3
Child welfare agencies have a responsibility to keep LGBTQIA2S+ children and young people safe and ensure their access to culturally relevant and responsive services. When structural racism intersects with bias against LGBTQIA2S+ identities, it increases the chances of young people of color who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ entering the child welfare system. Agencies should assess the impact of their culture and climate on the experiences of LGBTQIA2S+ children and young people under their care, especially those with nonwhite intersectional identities, and adopt inclusive policies and affirming practices.4
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Approaches to Advancing an Affirming Culture and Climate
- The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General published Mental Health and Gender-Affirming Care Resource Guide for LGBTQ2IA+ Young People and Their Trusted Adults. The guide provides information on finding culturally competent care that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ2IA+ youth in Massachusetts. It includes resources for mental health care, gender-affirming health care, specialized domestic and sexual violence services, housing assistance, HIV prevention and treatment, and substance use disorder services and highlights organizations serving LGBTQ2IA+ youth.
- The Child Safety and Permanency Division of Minnesota's Department of Human Services is laying the groundwork for inclusivity by establishing measures against discrimination, training its staff on LGBTQIA2S+ topics, and enhancing LGBTQIA2S+ inclusion in forms, paperwork, and messaging. One example of this is their newly released Practice Guide for Caseworkers, Foster Parents, and Facility Staff, which seeks to boost the awareness, knowledge, and expertise of child welfare caseworkers and administrators about the needs of LGBTQIA2S+ youth and their families and improve culturally responsive service delivery.
- The DC Child and Family Service Agency is working to advance a LGBTQIA2S+ affirming culture and climate through its newly established Development and Equity Administration.
- The North Carolina Division of Social Services developed Child Welfare Practice Guidance for LGBTQ+ Youth to support and advise child welfare professionals on topics such as LGBTQ+ safety, fair and respectful treatment, harmful practices, healthy approaches, confidentiality, freedom of expression, medical and mental healthcare, protective factors, working with school and community partners, and training agency staff.
The Capacity Building Center for States (Center) offers a variety of resources, peer connections, services, and supports that can help your agency make lasting and equitable practice and system improvements that better serve children, young people, and families. Connect with your Regional Liaison today to learn more about our tailored services, expert coaching and consultation on projects that aim to improve child welfare outcomes and support agencies’ strategic and long-term goals.
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Center Resources
Related Resources
Related Organization
The National SOGIE Center provides a centralized site for accessing resources on providing culturally responsive care to children, youth, young adults with diverse SOGIE and their families across systems, including child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, substance use systems, and housing and homelessness.
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