LGBTQ Issues & Child Welfare

Resources on LGBTQ Children and Youth

  • The Economic Well-Being of LGB Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care
    This brief describes the characteristics and economic well-being of young people aging out of foster care who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). It also compares their economic self-sufficiency to that of their heterosexual peers also aging out of care. The analysis uses data from the Midwest Study of Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth, a longitudinal study that followed a sample of young people from Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin as they transitioned out of foster care and into adulthood. This brief was written as part of the Youth Demonstration Development project being conducted by Mathematica Policy Research and Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. (2013)

  • NRCPFC Toolkit for Practitioners/Researchers Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY)
    This National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections (NRCPFC) toolkit for practitioners/researchers working with LGBTQ RHY draws findings from: first-hand accounts from interviews, literature reviews, and empirical research. The toolkit is infused with cultural considerations, recognizing the diversity of the LGBTQ RHY population. It outlines specific evidence-based and evidence-informed programs, practice models, and assessment/evaluation tools that are currently being used by agency staff working with LGBTQ RHY. It highlights available cultural sensitivity and standards of care training curricula for staff and youth from LGBTQ RHY-serving agencies and includes sample agency non-discrimination policies. This resource includes the following sections: Glossary; Introduction; LGBTQ RHY Population; Promising Practices with LGBTQ RHY – Telephone Interviews; Policy/Legislation for LGBTQ RHY; Service Gaps/Limitations; and, Directions for Future Research and Inquiry. This publication was authored by Kristin M. Ferguson-Colvin, Ph.D. and Elaine M. Maccio, Ph.D. (September 2012)
  • In-Home Services for Families of LGBTQ Youth
    This issue brief on in-home services for families of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) youth was authored by Diane E. Elze, Ph.D. and published by the National Resource Center for In-Home Services. It addresses the role of sexual orientation and gender identity in youth homelessness, runaway behavior, and child welfare involvement; the impact of family rejection and family acceptance on LGBTQ youths; and, the promise of, and need for, in-home services for LGBTQ youths and their families. This resource provides information on research-based, family-focused interventions, as well as a listing of promising practice models throughout the country. This resource also includes an “In Practice” section, which can support professionals in self-education and self-awareness and offers tips for working with youth and families. (2012)
  • Information Memorandum on LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care
    The purpose of this Children’s Bureau Information Memorandum on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth in Foster Care is to encourage child welfare agencies, foster and adoptive parents, and others who work with young people in foster care to ensure that all children are protected and supported while they are in foster care. It includes information on workforce development; biological, relative legal guardian, and foster and adoptive parent training, support, and recruitment; and, safety of young people in foster care who are LGBTQ. It also highlights resources from NRCPFC and AdoptUsKids. (April 2011)
  • Revolving Doors: LGBTQ Youth at the Interface of the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems
    Given their capacity to mask, mute, and bureaucratize the human voice, institutional settings remain particularly potent spaces for the interpersonal and systemic enactment of homophobia and transphobia. Tremendous obstacles exist in providing effective, high-quality services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) adolescents in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. This article reviews and critically analyzes the small body of literature pertaining to LGBTQ youth in the foster care system within the United States. It identifies systemic biases shared between the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The article concludes with suggestions for policy reform and argues for the need to embrace an intersectional lens in child welfare and juvenile justice research, policy, and practice. This article was authored by Sarah Mountz and published in the LGBTQ Policy Journal at the Harvard Kennedy School – 2011 Edition. (2011)
  • Love and Belonging for a Lifetime: Youth Permanency in Child
    Welfare
    This special issue of Protecting Children, a professional publication of American Humane Association, highlights many of the nuanced practice and policy issues that support effective permanency planning and decision making with adolescents in foster care. It includes the article, “Permanency for LGBTQ Youth,” by Gerald P. Mallon, D.S.W. (Protecting Children, Volume 26, Number 1, 2011)
  • Moving the Margins: Curriculum for Child Welfare Services with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth in Out-of-Home Care
    Developed in partnership with the National Association of Social Workers, this manual from Lambda Legal provides trainers with a guide for implementing trainings for service providers working with LGBTQ youth in the foster care, juvenile justice, and homeless systems of care. It includes modules on areas such as: vocabulary; values clarification; the risks, challenges and strengths specific to LGBTQ youth and their caregivers; managing confidential information; enhancing skills to intervene with biological, adoptive, and foster parents; addressing differential treatment in child welfare agencies; and, addressing the needs of transgender youth. (2009)
  • National Recommended Best Practices for Serving LGBT Homeless Youth
    This policy brief by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Lambda Legal, the National Network for Youth, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights provides a brief overview of homelessness among LGBT youth. It makes recommendations about improving practice, improving organizational culture, and improving residential services. (2009)
  • Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression in Social Work Education: Results from a National Survey
    This report from Lambda Legal and the Council on Social Work Education features the results of a study to determine the level of preparation for social work students to serve LGBT individuals and LGBT youth in out-of-home care. This survey of more than 600 social work programs revealed that program directors need more resources to increase their knowledge on sexual orientation and gender expression and to further infuse content on LGBT individuals and youth throughout curricular areas. The report includes recommendations that social work schools can adopt to better prepare the next generation of child welfare advocates and other service providers to meet the needs of LGBTQ youth in out-of-home care and LGBT communities more generally. (2009)
  • Helping Families Support Their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Children
    This practice brief was developed for families, caretakers, advocates, and providers to: Provide basic information to help families support their LGBT children; share critical research from the Family Acceptance Project™ at San Francisco State University that shows that families have a major impact on their LGBT children’s health, mental health, and well-being; give families and LGBT youth hope that ethnically, religiously, and socially diverse families, parents, and caregivers can become more supportive of their LGBT children. (2009)
  • Addressing the Needs of LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care
    The fall 2009 issue of The Connection by CASA for Children discusses the importance of addressing the needs of LGBTQ youth in foster care. The challenges and risks faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth in care can be summarized in three broad categories: intolerance, lack of safety, and barriers to permanency. This resource considers what CASA programs and other youth-serving agencies are doing to support this population and what resources CASA volunteers can turn to when working with gay youth. (2009)
  • Creating Inclusive Services for LGBT Youth in Out of Home Care: Training Resources
    The Out of Home Youth Advocacy Council (a project administered jointly by Family Builders by Adoption, Legal Services for Children, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights) has developed training resources to support the creation of inclusive services for LGBT Youth in Out of Home Care. These resources include: a Know Your Rights Guide, a “Hate Free Zone” poster, CWLA Best Practice Guidelines, Breaking the Silence: LGBTQ Foster Youth Tell their Stories (a DVD containing short digital stories by former foster youth who identify as LGBT), a PowerPoint presentation about creating inclusive systems of care for LGBT youth, and others. Training tips and key messages are outlined in order to support the effective use of these resources. (2007)
  • An Epidemic of Homelessness
    This study from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute and the National Coalition for the Homeless reviews the available academic research and professional literature to answer some basic questions, including why so many LGBT youth are becoming and remaining homeless. (2007)
  • Getting Down to Basics: Tools to Support LGBTQ Youth in Care
    Developed in partnership with the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), this tool kit from Lambda Legal offers practical information on helping ensure that LGBTQ youth in care receive the support and services they deserve. It is concise and serves as an ideal starting point for administrators and practitioners unfamiliar with LGBTQ youth in out-of-home care issues. Specific target audiences include: caseworkers; attorneys, guardians ad litem, and advocates; congregate care providers; juvenile justice professionals; faith-based providers; LGBTQ youth; and, families supporting an LGBTQ youth. Sub-topics include: working with transgender youth; working with homeless LGBTQ youth; LGBTQ youth risk data; recommendations for training and education; combating misguided efforts to ban lesbian and gay adults as foster and adoptive parents; and basic facts about being LGBTQ. Select information sheets are available in Spanish. (2006)
  • Out of the Margins
    The Child Welfare League of America published this report on Regional listening forums highlighting the experiences of LGBTQ youth in care. The information was gathered during 13 listening forums in 2003 and 2004 attended by more than 500 people in 22 states, including social workers, service providers, administrators, caregivers, and LGBTQ youth who are or were in care. (2006)

    Out of the Margins builds on Lambda Legal's publication, Youth in the Margins, a tool aimed at providing child welfare administrators with recommendations on policies, training, and services to better meet the needs of LGBTQ youth in care. (2001)
  • Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth: Facing Challenges, Building Resilience
    The November/December 2004 issue of the NYU Child Study Center Letter attempts to provide clarification about the developmental and social issues that confront GLB youth. It discusses myths and misconceptions, the specific developmental challenges for GLB youth in establishing their own identity, as well as risk factors affecting their health, social, and emotional adjustment. It also discusses the ways in which parents, teachers, and other adults may be supportive. Specific resources are listed. (2004)
  • If You Are Concerned about Your Child's Gender Behaviors
    This booklet from Children's National Medical Center is directed to parents who have questions about gender behaviors their children may be displaying as they develop. It describes gender variance and gives suggestions for supporting children and learning more. (2003)
  • Lesbian and Gay Adolescents: Identity Development
    This article from the Prevention Researcher discusses the difficulties faced by lesbian and gay adolescents, who must often learn to manage a stigmatized identity without active support and modeling from parents and family. The conclusion, that “access to adult and peer support, accurate information and resources can help enhance coping skills, self-esteem and positive help-seeking behaviors” is an important reminder to those who work with these young people. (2001)

Resources on LGBTQ Parents

  • Supporting and Retaining LGBT Foster and Adoptive Parents (Brief 3)
    This practice brief from the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections identifies and addresses important practices for supporting and retaining LGBT Foster and Adoptive Parents, including providing peer support and a ‘safe space’ to explore issues; providing information and linking LGBT parents to opportunities to engage in support groups; and, making on-going post-approval training accessible. It discusses the importance of recognizing the particular vulnerabilities and strengths of LGBT parents. This resource includes the following sections: Introduction; Post-Permanency Support Issues for LGBT Foster and Adoptive Parents; Characteristics of Post-Permanency Support Services; and, Organizations and Resources.(October 2012)
  • LGBT Prospective Foster and Adoptive Families: The Homestudy Assessment Process (Brief 2)
    This practice brief from the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections includes the following sections: Introduction; Assessment of LGBT-Headed Foster and Adoptive Families; The First Contact; Training Groups for Prospective Resource Families; Should the Homestudy Be Different for LGBT Parents?; Issues to Address in a Homestudy; Implications for Competent Practice and Assessment; Conclusion. This publication offers an overview of formats being used to write homestudies for prospective LGBT adoptive and foster parents. It also provides questions that social workers can use to assist with the homestudy and related resources. (October 2012)
  • Strategies for Recruiting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Families (Brief 1)
    This publication provides an introduction to the topic of LGBT parents as a resource in the child welfare system, followed by a discussion of strategies for recruiting and engaging LGBT resource families. It includes the following sections: Special Considerations in Recruiting LGBT Parents; Developing Internal and External Communication Strategies; General Recruitment Strategies; Targeted Recruitment Strategies; and, Welcoming LGBT Prospective Parents Who Contact Your Agency. The Closing Thoughts section outlines specific steps that agencies can take to be inclusive and affirming of LGBT resource families, and provides additional resources. This publication was developed collaboratively by the National Resource Center for Adoption, the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections, and the National Resource Center for Recruitment and Retention of Foster and Adoptive Parents at AdoptUSKids. (April 2012)
  • Tips for Child Welfare Professionals: Talking about LGBT-Headed Families
    This NRCPFC publication provides child welfare professionals with considerations and guidance for talking about LGBT-headed resource families. It recommends first talking to the LGBT person or couple, and provides suggestions for then talking to birth families about their child joining an LGBT-headed family, as well as for talking to children/youth about becoming part of an LGBT-headed family. (June 2012)
  • Resource List: LGBT-Headed Resource Families
    This NRCPFC Resource List contains two sections: (1) NRCPFC and T&TA Network Resources for Child Welfare Professionals Working with LGBT-Headed Resource Families and (2) Resources for LGBT-Headed Resource Families and their Children. A brief description of each resource is provided, along with a web-link to access the resource. (June 2012)
  • Quality of Life of Adolescents Raised From Birth by Lesbian Mothers
    The quality of life of 17-year-olds reared in lesbian-parent families did not differ from that of a matched group of adolescents who grew up in heterosexual-parent families, according to this study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. The study also found, among teens with lesbian mothers, no difference in quality of life based on donor status (whether they had been conceived by known or unknown donors), experienced stigmatization (whether or not they had experienced discrimination), or maternal relationship continuity (whether their mothers were still together or had separated). The data in this report comes from adolescents whose families are participants in the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study, the longest-running and largest prospective investigation of lesbian mothers and their children in the United States. (2012)
  • Expanding Resources for Children III: Research-Based Best Practices in Adoption by Gays and Lesbians
    A broad, four-year-long research project by the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute culminated in the publication of this report by David Brodzinsky, Ph.D., which provides important new information about and insights into the perceptions, experiences and needs of non-heterosexual adoptive parents. It includes the following sections: Introduction; The Growth of Lesbian and Gay Adoption; Survey of Lesbian/Gay Adoptive Parents; Discussion and Conclusions; and, Recommendations. Visit the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute website to access the Executive Summary and Full Report. (October 2011)
  • All Children Matter: How Legal and Social Inequalities Hurt LGBT Families
    LGBT families – like all families – simply want equal opportunities to provide stable, loving homes to their children, to ensure economic security, and to raise healthy children who become integral parts of their communities. This report reveals how discriminatory laws and stigma make this more difficult for LGBT families (families where lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender parents are raising children). The report was released at an event at the Center for American Progress. The report was co-authored by MAP, the Center for American Progress, and the Family Equality Council, in partnership with COLAGE, The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, and the National Association of Social Workers (with a foreword by the Child Welfare League of America). Resources available online include: Full length report; condensed version of the report; Executive Summary; Facts at a Glance; Infographic; and, You Tube Video. (October 2011)
  • LGBT Foster and Adoptive Parenting
    This brief resource handout from NRCPFC and AdoptUsKids provides a basic overview of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Foster and Adoptive Parenting issues. It addresses research on LGBT parenting, the number of foster and adoptive children currently living with gay or lesbian parents, laws and policies on LGBT foster and adoptive parenting, and how agencies can better welcome, recruit, and retain LGBT resource families. (2010)
  • Permanency Planning Today: Inclusive Practice with LGBTQ Resource Families
    This issue of Permanency Planning Today, NRCPFC’s bi-annual newsletter, focuses on inclusive practice with LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) Resource Families, and features interviews on this topic with Ellen Kahn from the Human Rights Campaign’s All Children-All Families Initiative; Terry Boggis from Center Kids, Center Families at New York City’s LGBTQ Community Center; Joe, an adoptive father and member of the LGBTQ community; and, Diane Wagner, Division Chief, County of Los Angeles Department of Children Family Services, Adoption & Permanency Resources. (Summer 2010)
  • Talking with Experts: Engaging LGBT Families
    AdoptUSKids spoke with three members of a time-limited advisory group that it had convened in 2010 to gather expert guidance for the design of services and tools to support recruitment and retention practices that are welcoming to, and inclusive of, prospective foster and adoptive parents who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). The focus of the interviews was to discuss how child welfare and adoption agencies can effectively engage LGBT families. These experts shared insights and suggestions for specific action steps. This series is broken into three parts:
  • Cost of Florida's Ban on Adoption by GLB Individuals and Same-Sex Couples
    This memo, authored by Naomi G. Golberg and M.V. Lee Badgett and published by The Williams Institute, estimates the impact on children and the cost to the State of Florida of the current prohibition on adoption by gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) individuals and same-sex couples. They use data about the number of children adopted each year as a way to estimate the number of GLB individuals and same-sex couples who would be likely to serve as adoptive parents if the ban were not in place. Prohibiting GLB individuals and same-sex couples from adopting means that 165 children must remain in foster care or must have alternative adoptive homes recruited for them. As a result, they estimate that the ban costs the State of Florida over $2.5 million per year. As explained below, this estimate is conservative since some likely additional costs are difficult to quantify. In addition, because of the current prohibition on GLB individuals and same-sex couples adopting children in Florida, it is possible that more GLB individuals and same-sex couples would be interested in adopting if the ban were lifted. They estimate that if the ban were lifted, both adoption and foster care by GLB individuals and same-sex couples would increase to the average United States level, leading to 219 children being adopted, and saving the State of Florida $3.4 million dollars in the first year. (March 2009)
  • Assessing Lesbian and Gay Prospective Foster and Adoptive Families: A Focus on the Homestudy Process
    Foster care and adoption by gay men and lesbians is not a new phenomenon. Children and youth have always been placed by states and public agencies in homes with gay and lesbian parents.  Some gay men and lesbians have fostered or adopted children independently from private agencies or have made private adoption arrangements with individual birth mothers; others have fostered or adopted through the public system. This article, authored by Dr. Gerald P. Mallon, and published in Child Welfare, draws on research literature, practice wisdom from 34 years of child welfare experiences, and case examples. It offers child welfare professionals guidelines for competent assessment with prospective foster or adoptive parents who identify as lesbian or gay. (2007)
  • Adoption and Foster Care by Lesbian and Gay Parents in the United States
    This report from the Urban Institute provides new information on GLB adoption and foster care from several government data sources. It offers a demographic portrait of the estimated 65,500 adopted children and 14,100 foster children living with gay and lesbian parents. It also assesses the costs to child welfare systems of proposed bans on allowing GLB people to foster. (2007)
  • The Effects of Marriage, Civil Union, and Domestic Partnership Laws on the Health and Well-being of Children
    This analysis examining the effects of marriage, civil union, and domestic partnership statutes and amendments on the legal, financial, and psychosocial health and well-being of children whose parents are gay or lesbian is from the American Academy of Pediatrics. It explores the unique and complex challenges that same-gender couples and their children face as a result of public policy that excludes them from civil marriage. (2006)
  • Adoption by Lesbians and Gays: A National Survey of Adoption Agency Policies, Practices, and Attitudes
    The Adoption Institute released this research report, which contains significant findings that promise to inform and help shape attitudes, policy and practice. It shows, for instance, that 60% of adoption agencies now accept applications from homosexuals, and about 40% already have placed children with such adoptive parents. On a broad level, the study also demonstrates how profoundly social attitudes and practices toward gays and lesbians are changing, while the willingness of agencies to accept them as parents means a growing number of children who need homes are moving into permanent families. (October 2003)
  • Daddy & Papa
    Daddy & Papa is a documentary film on parenting by gay men. Through the stories of four different families, the film delves into some of the particular challenges facing gay men who decide to become dads. From surrogacy, foster care, and interracial adoption, to the complexities of gay marriage and divorce, to the battle for full legal status as parents, Daddy & Papa presents a revealing look at some of the gay fathers who are breaking new ground in the ever-changing landscape of the American family. It includes a look at adoption through the foster care system. (2002)

Resources from the States

  • Minnesota
    Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning/Queer Youth
    NRCPFC provided technical assistance to the State of Minnesota in developing this practice guide which will support child welfare professionals in their work with LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer) youth in the child welfare system. It includes the following sections: Introduction; Statistics; Preserving Relationships and Placement Prevention; Engagement and Building Relationships with LGBTQ Youth; Ensuring Safety in Placement; Ensuring Safe Placement in Residential Care; and, Special Considerations for Transgender Youth. It also provides a glossary and lists additional resources. (2012)
  • New York: LGBTQ: Sexual Orientation Questions of Youth
    This resource was developed by Youth in Progress, New York State Foster Care Youth Leadership Advisory Team. It provides definitions of some terms related to LGBTQ identity, lists facts from Child Welfare League of America, describes rights of youth in care, and offers sources of additional information.  (December 2011)
  • New York City: Guidelines for Promoting a Safe and Respectable Environment for LGBTQ Youth and their Families Involved with DYFJ
    The purpose of these policies from the New York City Administration for Children’s Services is to provide direction to Children’s Services and provider agency staff and volunteers on sensitive, inclusive and gender neutral practice as well as strategies to address bias and meet the unique needs of our youth and families. It is meant to be used as best practice guidelines to provide LGBTQ youth and families with services in a respectful, safe, inclusive, culturally competent and affirming manner. (2011)

Legislation

NRCPFC T&TA

  • NRCPFC T&TA for States and Tribes Pertaining to: Working with LGBTQ Children, Youth, and Families
    This document describes examples of training and technical assistance opportunities that the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections is able to provide to States and Tribes in order to promote competent and affirming services, policies, and practices for working with LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) children, youth, and families. (January 2010)

Teleconferences, Videos, Webcasts, & Webinars

  • LGBT-Headed Foster and Adoptive Families: Youth Perspectives
    This webinar, co-presented by AdoptUSKids and the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections, highlighted new research findings about the perspectives and experiences of youth who have been adopted from the foster care system by parents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). Presenters shared new resources to help child welfare professionals apply research findings to their practice, especially in relation to communicating openly with children/youth and their birth families, when the children/youth may join an LGBT-headed family or already have been placed with LGBT parents. This webinar also provided new resources for LGBT resource parents and closed with a question and answer period. (June 2012)
  • NRCPFC Webcast: True Colors – Building Connections between Youth in Care and Mentors
    In this webcast, NRCPFC staff, Tracy Serdjenian and Benjamin Muhammad, talked with Robin McHaelen, True Colors Executive Director, and Christopher Armstrong and Hiram Ortiz, a mentor/mentee pair from the True Colors Mentoring Program. They discussed programmatic mentorship as an opportunity for a youth in care to develop a positive, caring relationship with an adult who can offer support, guidance, encouragement, and connectedness. They also talked about the development and approach of the True Colors mentoring program, including how the program works with and prepares mentors. (February 2012)
  • Gender in LGBTQ Families
    In this webinar, sponsored by the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project, Arlene (Ari) Istar Lev, Albany, NY-area family therapist, educator and writer, discussed gender in LGBTQ families, including roles within same-sex couples, gender identity, trans parenting, and raising gender-variant children. Ari also addressed questions such as, “‘How do we assist our children in developing healthy gender identities, whether they are “normative” or variant?’ and ‘How do we, as parents, manage our own angst about our children’s developing sex and gender identities?’” (January 2012)
  • NRCPFC Webcast: Working with LGBTQ Youth
    This webcast focused on working with LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) youth in the child welfare system. The presenters identified and explored practice issues, shared resources, and discussed practice skills necessary for workers to competently engage and support LGTBQ youth in the child welfare system utilizing an affirming, strengths-based approach. This free webcast was offered by the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections, in partnership with the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, Opening Doors for LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care Project. Presenters: Gary Mallon, DSW, Director, National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections, and Julia Lathrop Professor of Child Welfare & Mimi Laver, Director, American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, Opening Doors for LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care Project. (June 2011)
  • Working with Transgender Youth in Foster Care and Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs
    This NRCPFC webcast focused on working with transgender youth in foster care and runaway and homeless youth programs. Dr. Mallon, Director of the NRCPFC, and his guest Inkera Jordan discussed some of the potential needs of this population. Dr. Mallon and Ms. Jordan focused on practice skills and enhancing competency in working with transgender and gender non-conforming youth utilizing a strengths-based approach. (May 18, 2011)
  • Videos on Working with LGBT Youth: Larkin Street Stories
    Larkin Street Youth Services is an organization in San Francisco that provides homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth between the ages of 12 and 24 with the help and comprehensive services they need to rebuild their lives. Larkin Street participated in creating training videos for working with LGBT youth for the Homeless Resource Center, a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). The SAMSHA YouTube Channel now features the following Larkin Street Stories (April 2011):
  • Learning from the Field: Serving LGBTQI2-S Youth Experiencing Homelessness
    All programs serving youth who are homeless should assume that some of their participants may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, or two-spirit (LGBTQI2-S). It is estimated that between 20 and 40 percent of youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQI2-S. SAMHSA's Homelessness Resource Center (HRC) visited multiple programs serving youth who are LGBTQI2-S and homeless to learn about practical strategies to implement best practices when working with this population. In this webcast, presenters Wayne Centrone, Laura Hughes, and Bonnie Wade shared findings from this tour and offered tips for providing culturally competent care for this highly vulnerable group. (2011)
  • Essential Skills for Working with LGBTQ Youth in Out of Home Care
    This training video, developed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, promotes understanding, offers concrete guidance to improve well-being and permanency for LGBTQ youth in out of home care, and reviews standards, expectations, and policies that promote a safe, respectful environment for LGBTQ youth in out of home placement. Dr. Gary Mallon, Executive Director, National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections, provides expert technical assistance on perspectives of youth and adults on LGBTQ issues, and provides practical guidance and skills for staff working with this population. (September 2010)
  • Practice Issues with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Families
    NRCPFC co-hosted this teleconference with AdoptUsKids. In this event, Dr. Ruth McRoy, PhD, shared preliminary findings from research with lesbian and gay foster/adoptive families. The event also discussed T&TA on Practice with LGBT Families available from the Children’s Bureau T&TA Network. Additionally, Dr. Gerald P. Mallon, NRCPFC Executive Director, addressed the topic of inclusive practice at the agency and case levels. (June 2010)

NRCPFC Information Packets

PowerPoint Presentations

  • Facilitating Discussion of Transgender Issues: A Primer
    This PowerPoint Presentation by Dr. Gerald P. Mallon, DSW, Director of the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections, provides information on strategies that are useful in creating an environment conducive to discussion of transgender issues with adolescents. It addresses the following topics: Active demonstration of transgender awareness and sensitivity; routinely screening for gender concerns; dilemmas in diagnosis of gender concerns in adolescence; and, conducting a detailed trans-inclusive psychosocial evaluation. (2011)
  • Sticks and Stones Can Break Your Bones: The Bio-Psycho-Social Consequences of LGBT Bullying
    This PowerPoint Presentation by Dr. Gerald P. Mallon, DSW, Director of the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections, provides information on bullying, focusing on bullying and LGBTQ youth and discussing the impact of bullying and harassment on the education and mental health of LGBTQ youth. It provides information on what we can do to help, as well as additional resources. This PowerPoint was presented on March 14, 2011 at the Dominican College Social Work Program Community Day Event. (Last Updated: June 2011)
  • Working with GLBTQ Children, Youth, and Families
    This NRCPFC presentation by Dr. Gerald Mallon addresses the following topics pertaining to working with GLBTQ children youth, and families: basic knowledge, language/symbols, coming out/found out, adaptations for GLBTQ persons, and, assessment & interventions.
  • Barriers and Success Factors in Adoption from Foster Care: Perspectives of Lesbian and Gay Families
    This PowerPoint Presentation from AdoptUsKids was presented at the 2010 Policy to Practice Dialogue, “Making Connections in Child Welfare”, on October 5, 2010. The PowerPoint reviews findings from interviews and thematic analysis findings from focus groups, as well as examples of family recommendations for agencies and for prospective families. This research project was requested and funded by the Children’s Bureau for the primary purpose of using the findings to shape the services that AdoptUsKids provides across the AdoptUsKids project, either directly to LGBT families, or through technical assistance to States, Tribes, and Territories. (October 2010)

Future Directions in Fostering, Adoption and Kinship Care for LGBT Families: What is Possible When We Move Forward Together?
This participatory leadership symposium was sponsored by The National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections, Hunter College School of Social Work and the Center for LGBT Social Science and Public Policy, Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College. It brought together LGBT adoptive and foster parents and prospective parents, researchers, policymakers, service providers, community-based organizations and advocates to discuss how we can move together in tough economic times with shrinking resources, to promote and sustain progressive policies and best practices in adoption, fostering, and kinship care for LGBT parents and families. Participants reviewed where we are, where we want to go, and how we can move forward collaboratively within New York State and nationally. (October 29, 2010)

Bibliographies

  • Child Welfare & Work with LGBTQ Children, Youth, and Families
    This bibliography lists books, book chapters, and peer reviewed professional articles on social work/child welfare practice with LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) children, youth, and families. All of the resources were authored by Gerald P. Mallon, DSW, Executive Director of the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections, and Professor at the Hunter College School of Social Work. (1992-2010)

Websites

  • AdoptUsKids: Adoption Laws and Resources for LGBT FamiliesAdoptUSKids is working to help reduce barriers to adoption for LGBT families. This includes providing free assistance to LGBT families who are seeking to foster or adopt children from foster care, and developing free resources for child welfare agencies on best practices for working with LGBT families.
  • Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health LGBTQI2-S Learning Community and National SAMHSA Workgroup
    The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQI2-S) Learning Community (LC) provides a forum for Systems of Care and their partners to collaborate, exchange knowledge, network and share best practices to advance the development of culturally and linguistically competent mental health systems for children and youth who are LGBTQI2-S and their families. This learning community will share information on children and adolescents with same-sex and/or LGBTQI2-S parents/caregivers. The LGBTQI2-S Learning Community will collaborate with the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch’s National Workgroup to Address the Needs of Youth Who Are LGBTQI2-S; national organizations; and other individuals with expertise in enhancing community knowledge and providing appropriate services and supports. The Child, Adolescent, and Family Branch (CAFB), Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has initiated the National Workgroup to Address the Needs of Children and Youth Who Are LGBTQI2-S and Their Families to support and enhance services for children and youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, or two-spirit (LGBTQI2-S).
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: LGBT Health
    This section of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website focuses on the health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) young people. It provides information on experiences with violence, and the effects of violence on education and health, and provides specific suggestions for schools and parents, useful background information, and links to valuable resources. 
  • American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law
    Opening Doors Project
    The American Bar Center on Children and the Law Opening Doors Project aims to increase the legal community’s awareness of LGBTQ youth in foster care and the unique issues they face, and provide the legal community with advocacy tools to successfully represent these youth.

It’s Your Life
The American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law It’s Your Life website section helps LGBTQ youth in foster care navigate the child welfare system. Youth can explore this site to understand their rights and receive the care and attention they are entitled to.

  • Human Rights Campaign
    The number of LGBT-headed families continues to grow, as does our need to secure legal equality, fairness and respect for LGBT couples and our children. HRC provides current resources that address the many potential paths to parenthood as well as issues around LGBT youth and families in schools. Visit the "Parenting" section of this website for information about state adoption laws and foster parenting issues for GLBT parents.
  • Lambda Legal:  Youth in Out-of-Home Care Project
    Lambda Legal’s Youth in Out-of Home Care Project raises awareness and advances reform on behalf of LGBTQ youth in child welfare, juvenile justice, and homeless systems of care. It aims to increase the will and capacity of youth-serving organizations to prepare and support LGBTQ youth as they transition from adolescence to independence. The Project works with LGBTQ youth as well as social workers, case managers, administrators, and other child welfare advocates to ensure safe and affirming child welfare services for LGBTQ youth.
  • COLAGE
    COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parent/s. They build community and work toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education, and advocacy. The COLAGE website offers a variety of resources for parents, including tips for coming out to your kids, a listing of books for parents, transgender family resources, and transition tips for parents.

 

Last updated 3/5/13