Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse Children and Youth Practice Guide
Purpose
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse (“LGBTQ+”) youth are over-represented in child welfare settings and experience higher rates of family rejection, stigma, and prejudice than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. They are also at increased risk of harassment along with physical and emotional abuse while in care, while at the same time experiencing higher rates of placement in out of home care and congregate care, and are at increased risk of exiting care to homelessness. Consistent with child welfare professional standards and legal obligations, the purpose of this practice guide is to ensure that LGBTQ+ youth are emotionally and physically safe while in care and receive services that are supportive, inclusive, and affirming.
This guide was created by the Texas LGBTQ+ Child Welfare Work Group. The LGBTQ+ Child Welfare Work Group was established by One Voice, Texas CASA, and Lambda Legal to address the needs of youth in care identifying as LGBTQ+ and is comprised of child advocates, social workers, psychologists, researchers, attorneys for children, service providers and other child welfare stakeholders in Texas with years of collective practice and experience in the field.