Supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care through education.
Disclaimer: The different variations of LGBTQIA+ used in this article reflect the language used in the resources used to provide support.
In May, the US celebrates Foster Care Awareness Month. In June, Pride Month takes the spotlight. This intersection of celebrations offers a unique opportunity to illuminate the experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care. This article delves into the challenges these young individuals face, who often encounter additional layers of adversity within the foster care system. We will explore the current state of LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care and discuss actionable strategies for allies and advocates to improve outcomes and provide a more supportive and inclusive environment for this vulnerable population.
In 2022, Children’s Bureau Express released an article indicating LGBTQIA+ youth are overrepresented in foster care, predicting that about 30 percent of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQIA+. The Human Rights Campaign explains that when we say LGBTQIA+ youth are overrepresented in foster care, it means the percentage of youth in foster care who are LGBTQIA+ is larger than the percentage of LGBTQIA+ youth in the general population. Children’s Rights provides the context of LGBTQIA+ youth experiences in care, explaining how LGBTQIA+ youth are at higher risk for aging out of foster care without finding a permanent family home and experiencing depression and anxiety.
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Youth.gov further addresses the circumstances of LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care, stating many LGBTQIA+ youth experience multiple disrupted placements, “compounding the trauma associated with leaving their families of origin and increasing the chances of homelessness.” In addition, The Imprint states LGBTQIA+ foster youth often feel like they cannot be themselves in the place they are living and struggle to find supportive adults. LGBTQIA+ youth face distinct challenges requiring targeted interventions. The significant proportion, coupled with the high percentage of individuals who feel unsafe in foster care due to their identity, indicates a heightened need to address the unique needs of these children to ensure they are receiving the best care. Sheila James Kuehl, an American politician and member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, captures this by declaring, “We don’t want this community just to barely get by, we want them to thrive. And this requires an investment.”
How do we make this investment and take steps towards creating more supportive and inclusive environments, allowing LGBTQIA+ youth to thrive? An essential strategy child welfare professionals and families can take to stride towards developing environments where LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care can feel safe to express themselves is by educating themselves. Providing affirmative and inclusive care requires committing to being a lifelong learner. When advocates and allies commit to continuous learning, they can adapt to changes to provide the best care and consistently work towards cultural humility. In a 2024 Journal Article, June C. Paul and Caro Cruys studied twenty-one LGBTQ foster youth aged 17-21 to understand LGBTQ foster youths’ experiences in the child welfare system, recognizing the essential need for supportive relationships and systems. The results of the study found that child welfare professionals and agencies need to develop a greater awareness and more informed approach to reducing the stigma and discrimination of LGBTQ foster youth to create more equitable and inclusive environments. From this finding, their recommendation is for child welfare agencies to “increase their knowledge and skills to be more responsive to LGBTQ youth’s specific needs.”
Foster care agencies should commit to educating themselves and foster parents on how they can help LGBTQIA+ youth navigate the system, form healthy relationships with their peers, and form a community. Proving affirmative care means understanding how to create a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ youth. In a guide for informing foster parents on how to support LGBTQ+ youth, the Children’s Bureau discusses how learning language, such as pronouns and how an individual identifies, can be a first step to showing youth that you are committed to understanding the language and ideas that are important to them. Studies like the one done by Caitlyn Ryan et al. establish how family acceptance predicts greater self-esteem, social support, and general health status for LGBT adolescents.
Many toolkits and curriculums exist to inform professionals and families how to meet the needs of this population. For example, the Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative provides a free toolkit with information about best practices for supporting LGBTQ youth in care, training curricula on appropriate language, and promoting healthy outcomes.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has also created the All Children-All Families, which acts as a leading resource for child welfare agencies seeking training and technical assistance. It also models policies for improving conditions for LGBTQ+ youth and families involved in the foster care system. Here, child welfare professionals can find resources on how to achieve safety, permanency, and well-being for LGBTQIA+ youth in care. The All Children-All Families initiative spotlights foster care and adoption agencies that are providing welcoming and affirmative care to create a network of exemplary efforts. Ethan Equivel, an individual who identifies within the LGBTQIA+ community and was in the foster care system, shared how his foster mom accepting him for who he was and constantly reminding him there is nothing wrong with him made the world of difference in his life.
While Pride Month is ending, our work to support LGTBQIA+ youth in foster care is just beginning. To foster an environment where LGBTQIA+ youth can thrive, child welfare professionals and foster families must commit to continuous education and implementation of inclusive practices. By embracing free resources such as toolkits and training curricula, we can create a more supportive and equitable foster care system through individuals equipped with the needed language and tools. As we move forward, it is essential to invest in the well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth, ensuring they not only survive but flourish in environments that celebrate and affirm their identities.
