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It’s no secret that LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately overrepresented in foster care. They are also at greater risk than their non-LGBTQ+ peers for threats to their safety and well-being. A National Survey by the Trevor Project indicates 90% of LGBTQ+ young people report increased stress and anxiety due to the daily bombardment of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, policies, and political debates and sentiments. One in ten LGBTQ+ youth feel unsafe with good reason – 35% have experienced physical assault. And hate crimes are on the rise.
No child should feel unsafe in care, much less when they’ve been removed from family to assure their safety and well-being. So how do we better protect LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care? The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) has committed to taking action to ensure that LGBTQ+ youth impacted by the child welfare system receive non-discriminatory, affirming care and services. This applies across all systems of care, from foster homes to congregate care.
DCF is working with the Division of Safety and Permanence to provide guidance for foster parents, child welfare professionals, and others who have contact with LGBTQ+ youth. The areas of focus include:
- Safety & Well-Being
- Fair & Respectful Treatment
To find out more about these efforts and proposed action steps, please check out DCF’s statement of commitment and helpful resources.
Resources
Learn in the Champion Classrooms
- You Don’t Need to be Amazing, Just Better: Creating Supportive Environments for LGBTQ Youth
- Two Spirit / Past and Present
Tip Sheets from the Resource Library
- Creating Safe School Experiences: Strategies for LGBTQ+ Parents
- Protecting & Affirming LGBTQ+ Young People in Foster Care
- Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth in Your Care
- We Are Family! Tips for LGBTQIA+ Parents Caring for Children