Being Yourself Shouldn't Put You at Risk
Every youth in foster care deserves to feel safe and supported, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
Why it Matters
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and 2-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) youth often encounter discriminatory and inequitable treatment in the foster care system simply due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression. Improved policies and practices are essential, and are most effective when led by LGBTQ2S+ Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders who have firsthand experience within the system. These targeted improvements serve to provide LGBTQ2S+ identifying youth with the specific support and protection they rightfully deserve.
Quick Facts
- Approximately 30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+, compared to 11.2% of youth not in foster care. (Children's Rights)
- 44% of LGBTQ+ youth in in foster care report they were removed, ran away, or were thrown out of their homes due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. (Children's Rights)
- LGBTQ+ youth in foster care are more likely to experience discrimination, multiple placements, and placement in group homes compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. (HRC)
- LGBTQ+ youth who have been in foster care are nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those who have not been in foster care. (Trevor Project)
"We need to make sure LGBTQIA2S+ youth are represented and protected no matter what services they are getting and where they’re at."
— Keona Rose, She/Her, Spent time in Arizona foster care system
Tools You Can Use
- Learn the Basics: Build your understanding of LGBTQ2S+ issues in foster care with FosterClub's Supporting LGBTQ2S+ Youth in Foster Care foster parent training.
- Support LGBTQ2S+ Youth: Access affirming resources for caregivers and professionals through the National SOGIE Center and the Guide for Foster Parents.
- Understand the Data: Learn why collecting SOGIE data matters and how it improves outcomes for LGBTQ2S+ youth in care.
- Create Affirming Environments: Learn strategies for building supportive communities and child welfare systems for LGBTQ2S+ youth through this resource from the Center for the Study of Social Policy.
How We're Working on This Issue
Speak with Federal Officials About SOGI Data Collection
LGBTQ2S+ FosterClub LEx leaders often meet with federal officials to discuss their experiences related to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) while in foster care. Conversations range from whether youth feel safe disclosing their SOGI, to the impact of coming out during their time in foster care.
Read more about this work here.
Advocate for Laws to Fight Discrimination by Agencies
FosterClub's LEx Leaders work with a coalition of national organizations to protect LGBTQ2S+ youth and families in foster care. When a new federal rule was proposed to prevent discrimination by federal agencies, LEx Leaders shared their experiences to show why these protections matter for LGBTQ2S+ youth in care.
Read more about this work here.
Contribute to Government Reports
FosterClub's Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders worked with the Government Accountability Office to share their foster care experiences, focusing on LGBTQ2S+ identity and religious background. Their stories helped shape a report with recommendations for how states can better support LGBTQ2S+ youth.
Read more about this work here.
One thing I truly admire is the strength and resilience of same-sex [foster] parents. It’s an incredibly difficult process...their dedication to providing safe, loving homes [to foster youth] despite the hurdles is nothing short of inspiring."
— Gabe Foley, He/Him, Spent 18 years in Illinois foster care system
Want to Learn More?
LGBTQ2S+ Youth in the Foster Care System from Human Rights Campaign and FosterClub
LGBTQ in Child Welfare from the Annie E. Casey Foundation
How can child welfare agencies effectively support LGBTQ+ youth in care? from Casey family Programs
Blogs on LGBTQ2S+ Youth
SOGIE Data Collection: Why Does It Matter?
First, let’s explore what SOGIE means. SOGIE stands for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression. Sexual Orientation: who a person is attracted to Gender Identity: how a person sees themself Gender Expression: how a person presents themself to others, often within the spectrum of femininity and masculinity #FosterEquality is standing up for queer youth by advocating for policy and practice...
Practice Improvement: How can my (professionals + advocates) agency help improve the experience of LGBTQIA2S+ youth in foster care?
With recent blog posts from #FosterEquality focusing on the discrimination that LGBTQIA2S+ youth in foster care experience, you may find yourself asking, "How can my agency help improve the experience of LGBTQIA2S+ youth in foster care's experience?" Well, agency professionals and advocates, you've come to the right place! Below, you'll find suggestions on how to improve your agency's engagement with...
Are LGBTQ2S+ Youth in Foster Care Legally Protected from Discrimination?
"Name calling was happening in the group home but nothing was done about it." -- LGBTQ2S+ alumni of care There are no federal policies protecting youth in care from discrimination based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. TL:DR--Are LGBTQ2S+ youth legally protected from discrimination while in foster care? States are in charge of whether they want to have nondiscrimination...
So you want to be a foster parent for a LGBTQ2S+ young person?
"Validate us and accept us for who we are" -- former foster youth Foster youth who identify as LGBTQ2S+ experience unique challenges that their heterosexual and/or cisgender peers don’t. Caring and compassionate foster parents ( like you!) can help alleviate the effects of these challenges. TL:DR-- Before fostering a LGBTQ2S+ youth: Visit Discover Foster Parenting to hear what youth what...
#FosterEquality: Why Do We Care? And Why Should You?
LGBTQ2S+ youth are overrepresented in the foster care system and twice as likely to report poor treatment while in care. Almost 30% of foster youth identify as LGBTQ2S+, compared to 10% in the general population. The overrepresentation in care is likely due to familial rejection because of their queer identities, and can result in serious negative life outcomes and a...
LEx Leaders informed Federal GAO Report on Supporting Foster Youth who are LGBTQ+ or religious
A new report released today from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) includes perspectives and insights from FosterClub Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders. Last summer, fifteen LEx leaders joined staff from the Government Accountability Office in two roundtable discusions where they discussed their experiences in foster care as young people who identified as a part of the LGBTQ+ community or experiences with...
This work is supported by:
