Research and Data
LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in the child welfare system compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Approximately 1 in 6 youth [1,2] with any child welfare system involvement identify as LGBTQ+, with 1 in 5 youth [2,3,4], who are in care identifying as LGBTQ+. Recent research on LGBTQ+ youth and child welfare involvement indicates that 1 in 3 youth [5,6] in both the New York City and Cuyahoga County, Ohio foster care systems identifies as LGBTQ+. Given racial disparities in the child welfare system, the majority of LGBTQ+ youth in care are youth of color [1,3]. Rejection of LGBTQ+ youth by family of origin is a leading factor driving their overrepresentation in care [7,8,9].
LGBTQ+ Research
1 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth also report experiences of actual physical victimization because of their orientation [19]. 27% of LGBTQ+ students reported that they were physically harassed (pushed or shoved) in the past year because of their sexual orientation, and about 13% were physically assaulted (punched, kicked, or injured with a weapon) due to their orientation. About 9% of LGBTQ+ youth have reportedly experienced sexual victimization, including rape and sexual molestation, based on their orientation [11].
As many as 75% of LGBTQ+ children and youth may have experienced verbal victimization related to others’ perceptions of their identity. Of those who reported verbal victimization based on their sexual orientation, approximately 30% were threatened with physical violence and 29% threatened with disclosure of their sexual orientation [11].
As a result of discrimination and stigma related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (SOGIE) while in care, LGBTQ+ children and youth have higher incidences of physical and emotional harm and discrimination [4]. In addition, they face increased likelihood of juvenile justice involvement [12,13,14], psychiatric hospitalization [15], and multiple placement disruptions [16,17]. LGBTQ+ children and youth are also at elevated risk for placement in congregate care [2,3,4,13], experiencing homelessness [14,15,18,19], and becoming victims of trafficking [13,16,20].
LGBTQ+ children and youth experience trauma related to violence, bullying, and discrimination at higher rates compared to non-LGBTQ+ children and youth [17,21,22,23]. As a result, LGBTQ+ children and youth are at increased risk for negative health outcomes, such as suicidal ideation and self-harm, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections, and depression [1,20,21,24,25,26,27,28].
School safety and caring by adults in a community or church are significant protective factors against suicide ideation and self-harm behaviors for LGBTQ+ children and youth [30].
While LGBTQ+ children and youth have the same basic needs as all other children in the child welfare system, due to systemic bias and individual prejudice, they have unique life experiences and specific challenges and needs while in care compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers [3,4,11].
Identity Research
Discrimination against children and families based on race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, immigration status, disability status, or a combination of these factors, negatively impact their health and wellbeing [10].
Children generally develop a sense of their gender identity by age 3 and their sexual orientation by age 10 or 11. However, not all youth are comfortable openly discussing their sexual orientation or gender identity until adolescence or adulthood due to fear of rejection and other negative consequences [24,29].
Family acceptance of youth’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity has protective effects against many threats to well-being, including health risks such as trauma and other mental health conditions, unprotected sex, substance use, and suicide [4,5,6,7,14,17,20].
Affirmation of identity, supportive placement, competent services, connections to community, and equitable treatment improves overall safety, well-being, and permanency outcomes for youth [6,7,8,11,15,19,20,23,28]
Allowing youth to be open about their identity when they are ready, and consistently supporting their identity, improves well-being and reduces negative personal, family, and health outcomes [5,6,7,14,15,16].