DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) in 2006 in Response to Employee Requests for Additional Support As It Relates to the LGBTQ Community
Inclusion Sensitivity Resources What is the LGBTQ Taskforce? The Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Questioning (LGBTQ) Taskforce came together at the DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) in 2006 in response to employee requests for additional support as it relates to the LGBTQ community. The Taskforce is composed of social workers from every CFSA administration as well as varied community partners including Adoptions Together, the American Bar Association, Children’s Law Center, DC Center, DC Department of Mental Health, foster parents, Human Rights Campaign, Iona Whipper Home for Children, Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs, and the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL). What does the LGBTQ Taskforce do? The Taskforce actively supports non-discrimination and full inclusion of children, youth, families, and employees in the District’s child welfare system regardless of lifestyle. People who are—or are perceived to be—lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) and who are involved in the child welfare system deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and must be afforded all the rights, privileges, services, and protections for which they are eligible. The Taskforce offers information and sponsors training and other supports for this mission. What resources does the LGBTQ Taskforce offer? To help social workers meet the unique needs of LGBTQ youth on their caseloads, Taskforce members provide case consultation and connection to community resources. The Taskforce aids in recruiting LGBTQ foster and adoptive families and collaborates with the CFSA Training Academy to provide training in working effectively with LGBTQ youth and families. The Taskforce is a one-stop resource regarding local services that support the LGBTQ community and has established partnerships with numerous community agencies and organizations.
[Show full text]