Practice Guidelines - School and Community
LGBTQ+ children and youth may not be open about their identity due to fear of rejection or mistreatment. An affirming and supportive environment allows children and youth to safely discuss their identity when they are ready, so that their needs may be met. This leads to improvements in safety, permanency, and well-being while in care. Following these practice guidelines will lead to better outcomes for children and youth, reduce harmful discrimination and mistreatment, and ensure they are treated fairly, equitably, and with respect.
Below are the school and community practice guidelines.
School and Community
Assess school and community safety.
Ask children and youth about their experience in current educational settings and connect them with advocacy and support necessary to ensure their rights are protected in school.
Ensure they feel safe and secure in their communities, on the way to services, and with providers or on community outings.
Resources: Resources for Transgender Youth in Texas; Gay-Straight Alliance Database; Queer Youth Advice for Educators; Welcoming Schools Program; Schools In Transition A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools; Gender Spectrum - Education; Free to Be Me: A Toolkit to Protect LGBTQIA+ Students' Rights
Connect youth to community support.
Familiarize yourself with resources for LGBTQ+ children and youth within your community, such as pro-social activities, cultural outings, mentorship programs, or support groups.
Normalcy activities look different for each child or youth.
Ask them if they would like to participate in programs or activities and connect them with opportunities.
Resource: See Appendix B for Texas and National Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth
Materials and information.
Ensure children and youth have access to reading materials and other age-appropriate information and media regarding LGBTQ+ youth, adults, parents, families, and communities.
Address identity documents.
Connect transgender and gender diverse youth with services to address name or gender marker changes, if desired, and assist with the process, including obtaining parent or guardian consent if required.
Inaccurate identity documents may expose youth to safety threats and discrimination.
If necessary, consult with the youth’s attorney ad litem or the DFPS Regional Attorney.
Resources: NCTE’s Name Change Guide for Minors; Texas Name and Gender Marker Change Information; UT Law Free Legal Clinic Gender Affirmation Project; Name and Gender Marker Correction CLE