Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people are in America’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems in disproportionate numbers.

Like all young people in care, they have the right to be safe and protected. All too often, however, they are misunderstood and mistreated, leading to an increased risk of negative outcomes. This tool kit offers practical tips and information to ensure that LGBTQ young people in care receive the support and services they deserve. Developed in partnership by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) and Lambda Legal, the tool kit gives guidance on an array of issues affecting LGBTQ youth and the adults and organizations who provide them with out-of-home care

This toolkit includes: 

• Basic Facts About Being LGBTQ
• Information for LGBTQ Youth in Care
• Families Supporting an LGBTQ Child
• Caseworkers with LGBTQ Clients
• Foster Parents Caring for LGBTQ Youth
• Congregate Care Providers Working with LGBTQ Youth
• Attorneys, Guardians ad Litem & Advocates Representing LGBTQ Youth
• Working with Transgender Youth
• Keeping LGBTQ Youth Safe in Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Placements
• Working with Homeless LGBTQ Youth
• Faith-Based Providers Working with LGBTQ Youth
• Basic LGBTQ Policies, Training & Services for Child Welfare Agencies
• Recommendations for Training & Education on LGBTQ Issues
• What the Experts Say: Position & Policy Statements on LGBTQ Issues from Leading Professional Associations
• LGBTQ Youth Resources
• Teaching LGBTQ Competence in Schools of Social Work
• Combating Misguided Efforts to Ban Lesbian & Gay Adults as Foster & Adoptive Parents
• LGBTQ Youth Risk Data
• Selected Bibliography

Links

• PDF of Toolkit