SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 29,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 30% of youth in foster care
identify as LGBTQ, a rate nearly three times higher than those not
in the foster care system. There are five times more transgender
youth in foster care than in the general population. Wayfinder
Family Services, one of the largest foster care and adoption
agencies in California, suggests
three things foster families can do to support LGBTQ
youth:
- Remember you are not alone: work with your social worker
to identify resources for LGBTQ youth, including support groups,
mental health services, education, medical care, etc. Your social
worker can also help you advocate for your youth when they are
mistreated due to their LGBTQ identity.
- Participate in LGBTQ community: Bring or allow your
youth to attend LGBTQ events, join advocacy organizations and
promote connection with an LGBTQ adult role model.
- Talk to your child or foster youth about their LGBTQ
identity continually. Be curious; don't assume. Some questions
you can ask include:
- How do you want me to refer to you in front of others?
- How can I support you?
- Who else are you out to?
- Who else would you like to be out to?
- How has your experience been so far?
It's important to work with an inclusive organization like
Wayfinder Family Services. Wayfinder's child welfare programs are
recognized by the Human Rights Campaign – All Children, All
Families program. This means Wayfinder is certified for having
programs and policies that promote LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and
affirming practices.
About Wayfinder Family Services
Wayfinder Family Services provides expert, individualized
support and services to children, youth, adults and families—from
people with vision loss and developmental disabilities to children
in need of temporary shelter, foster care and adoption.
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SOURCE Wayfinder Family Services