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. A current project is identifying LGBTQ mentors who can provide consultation around specific LGBTQ issues for children, youth, families, and employees in the child welfare system.
Where can I get more information or assistance?
To get information, access assistance, or join the Taskforce, contact one of the co-chairs:
Brandynicole Brooks, LICSW Regina Lawson, LICSW Supervisory Social Worker Supervisory Social Worker CFSA Office of Youth Empowerment CFSA Family Resources Division [email protected] [email protected] 202-727-7323 202-727-7045
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Child and Family Services Agency
Administrative Issuance: CFSA-10-6
TO: All CFSA and Contracted Agency Staff
FROM: Roque R. Gerald, Psy.D. Director
DATE: September 3, 2010
RE: Bill of Rights for Youth in Care
As a basic tenet of the Child and Family Services Agency’s (CFSA) Practice Model, teaming with youth is one of CFSA’s priority commitments. To this end, the Agency incorporates the suggestions and recommendations of youth into program development and planning for the future direction of the Agency. CFSA acknowledges its role as “surrogate parents” for the youth in its care, and further commits to providing youth with the necessary resources to develop their natural talents, skill sets, and personality strengths such that they may develop into confident, happy, and self-sustaining adult citizens of the District of Columbia. As is the case with all citizens, the youth in CFSA’s care have certain inherent rights that are protected throughout the duration of their experience in the District’s child welfare system. These rights are set forth in the attached Bill of Rights for Youth in Care (hereafter referred to as the Youth Bill of Rights or the Bill). This administrative issuance provides guidance for the use and enforcement of the Youth Bill of Rights. If you have any questions regarding this issuance, please contact the Office of the Director.
General Considerations Drafted by representatives of the Director’s Youth Advisory Board, the Youth Bill of Rights ultimately serves to protect the rights of safety, permanency, and well-being for each youth in care. All CFSA and private agency social workers are responsible for reviewing and familiarizing themselves with the document. The rights set forth in the Bill shall be considered applicable “in spirit” to every child on a social worker’s caseload, regardless of the child’s age or level of comprehension.
Procedures 1. Every CFSA and private agency social worker assigned to a case involving youth aged 13 to 21 shall download a copy of the Youth Bill of Rights from either the Intra- or Internet, and provide a copy to the youth at their initial meeting, and when applicable, the youth’s parent, foster parent or provider.
2. The youth shall have the option of discussing the document with the social worker alone, with other individuals of interest, or in a team meeting.
3. The social worker shall be responsible for answering any questions or concerns.
4. Upon the initial review with the social worker and any other team member chosen by the youth, all parties selected by the youth shall sign the Bill, and commit to its enforcement.
400 Sixth Street, SW Washington, DC 20024 www.cfsa.dc.gov CFSA-10-6 Bill of Rights for Youth in Care Page 2 of 2
5. The youth shall have the option throughout the life of his or her case to openly discuss the Youth Bill of Rights (e.g., during a team meeting) for the purpose of modifying, amending, and/or adding to the list of existing rights. In such cases, all relevant parties shall sign the amended Bill.
6. In the event that a youth experiences any real or perceived violation of his or her rights as set forth in the document, that youth shall have the right to address the violation in a team meeting, or in private with his or her social worker.
7. The youth shall have the option of requesting that all team members participate in a mediation-style meeting to resolve the circumstances that led to the violation.
8. If appropriate and as determined by the team, the individual responsible for the violation shall be required to verbally apologize to the youth, to review the Youth Bill of Rights in community with the other team members, and to make a “statement of reassurance” that the violation will not reoccur.
9. Team members shall reinforce the integrity of the Youth Bill of Rights with one another and with the youth.
400 Sixth Street, SW ♦ Washington, DC 20024 www.cfsa.dc.gov GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Child and Family Services Agency
Bill of Rights for Youth in Care Created by the CFSA Director’s Youth Advisory Board
As a youth in the foster care system, I am guaranteed the following general rights:
I. To have my social worker, guardian ad litem (GAL), or other child welfare professional discuss my rights with me and ensure I understand.
II. To be respected, heard, and cherished during my time in foster care. I also have the responsibility to listen to, hear, and respect the members of my support team.
III. To have daily access to adequate food, shelter, clothing, and hygienic resources.
IV. To know and understand why I came into foster care and why I am still in foster care.
V. To express my beliefs, customs, and values with the people where I live. I have the right to have my caregiver listen to and respect my beliefs, customs, and values.
VI. To protect my personal space and privacy in any foster care placement when doing so does not threaten the personal safety and well-being of my caregiver, others, or myself.
VII. To access medical services that support my health and well-being. I also have the right to participate in making decisions about my health, including choosing which services and providers will best meet my health needs and goals.
I am guaranteed the following rights that support information sharing and promote my personal growth:
I. To seek information and resources to support my personal growth and development and to have opportunities to demonstrate that I am responsible, self-directed, and engaged.
II. To have access to information about myself and to get timely, respectful answers to questions about choices or services from my social worker, caregiver, GAL, or other members of the support team involved in my life.
III. To have my social worker communicate with me in a way that is consistently supportive and to have my social worker return my phone calls and check in with me regularly.
IV. To have a social worker who asks me about and listens to my needs and goals and who acts proactively to address my needs and support my goals.
V. To engage in opportunities that promote my growth and overall well-being, including educational, sports, and other extra-curricular activities.
AI – Bill of Rights for Youth in Care Page 1 of 3 Attachment A: Bill of Rights
VI. To have my support team help me create a learning plan to ensure I learn basic skills.
VII. To have access to comprehensive skill development opportunities, including quality life skills training and educational and vocational programs.
VIII. To be included in real-time planning for and decision making about my life regardless of my permanency goal and to attend all meetings and court hearings about me.
IX. To request meetings that include all members of my support team, to have assistance in setting up these meetings, and to make decisions during these meetings.
X. To attend and lead my own team meetings and transition planning meetings.
XI. To have professional support for finding housing and referrals to community resources that will support my stability.
XII. To have access to current contact information for all child welfare staff who may answer my questions and support my personal development.
XIII. To have access to resources that support successful transition to a new placement and/or opportunity, such as college.
XIV. To have support from adults on my team in planning for independence and preparing to succeed after I leave foster care.
XV. To be treated, and to have my belongings treated, with dignity and respect when I move from one placement to another.
I am guaranteed the following rights that support positive relationships:
I. To have as much assistance as I need in developing relationships and resources that support me during and after foster care. This includes the right to support from my team in identifying and developing mentoring and life-long supportive relationships.
II. To have support and assistance in building relationships with my relatives, foster parents, and others that could lead to legal permanence or life-long connections.
III. To maintain or develop healthy relationships with my siblings, biological family, and extended kin while I am in care.
IV. To honest conversations about changes in or the end of key relationships, including those with my biological and foster families, GAL, social worker, mentor, and others important to me.
V. To have my support team treat me with respect and dignity while I am in and as I prepare to leave foster care.
VI. To communicate directly with my social worker’s supervisor and to ask for assistance if I think my rights, as stated in this document, have been violated.
AI – Bill of Rights for Youth in Care Page 2 of 3 Attachment A: Bill of Rights
Signature and Attestation
We agree to respect and enforce the integrity of this document, and to guarantee each of the stated rights.
______Signature of the Social Worker
______Signature of the Parent or Caregiver
______Signature of the Foster Parent (if applicable)
______Signature of the Youth
______Signature of any other team member selected by the youth
______Date
AI – Bill of Rights for Youth in Care Page 3 of 3 Attachment A: Bill of Rights
Resources for LGBTQ Youth
National Resources ...... 1 Resources by State ...... 5 Selected Bibliography ...... 26 Journal Articles ...... 27
National Resources
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Affirmation includes extensive resources for transgender individuals and youth.
LAMBDA LEGAL P.O Box 1435 Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to Palm Springs, CA 92263-1435 achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, Phone: 661-367-2421 gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with www.affirmation.org HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. AMBIENTE JOVEN Ambiente Joven is a project of Advocates for Youth and th 120 Wall Street, 19 Floor is dedicated to the gay, lesbian and transgender Latino/a (National Headquarters) youth community in the U.S. and Latin America, with New York, NY 10005 the goal of providing information about sexual and Phone: 866-LGBTeen (toll free) / 212-809-8585 mental health, as well as general cultural information. Email: [email protected] www.lambdalegal.org www.ambientejoven.org
CHILD WELFARE LEAGUE OF AMERICA BISEXUAL RESOURCE CENTER (CWLA) BRC is a website dedicated to providing resources to the CWLA is an association of nearly 1000 public and bisexual community, as well as those who identify as private nonprofit agencies that assist over 3.5 million pansexual, fluid, etc. It includes youth resources. abused and neglected children and their families each year with a wide range of services. Email: [email protected] www.biresource.net 1726 M Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC, 20036 CASEY FAMILY PROGRAMS Phone: 202-688-4200 Fax: 202-833-1689 Casey Family Programs’ Life Skills Assessment is a free www.cwla.org and easy-to-use tool to help young people prepare for adulthood. The Assessment includes an optional supplement developed specifically for LGBTQ youth. It AFFIRMATION: GAY AND LESBIAN MORMONS provides instant feedback. Customized learning plans Affirmation's mission is to provide a forum for gay provide a clear outline of next steps, and the Mormons to associate with their peers. It seeks to meet accompanying teaching resources are available for free the needs of persons experiencing frustration or or at a minimal cost. alienation from family, friends, and the Church. 2001 Eighth Avenue, Suite 2700 FAMILY EQUALITY COUNCIL Seattle, WA 98121 The Family Equality Council works to ensure equality Phone: 206-282-7300 for LGBT families by building community, changing Fax: 206-282-3555 hearts and minds, and advancing social justice for all www.casey.org families.
CENTERLINK PO Box 206 Boston, MA 02133 The National Association of LGBT Community Centers’ Phone: 617-502-8700 website features the capability to search for LGBT Fax: 617-502-8701 community centers in your city or state. Centers are the Email: [email protected] primary point of contact for people coming out and www.familyequality.org seeking LGBT health services, community information and referrals. THE GAY, LESBIAN AND STRAIGHT PO Box 24490 EDUCATION NETWORK (GLSEN) Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33307 GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Phone: 954-765-6024 Network, is the leading national education organization Fax: 954-765-6593 focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Email: [email protected] www.lgbtcenters.org 90 Broad Street, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10004 CHILDREN OF LESBIANS AND GAYS Phone: 212-727-0135 EVERYWHERE (COLAGE) Fax: 212-727-0254 Email: [email protected] COLAGE is the only national and international www.glsen.org organization in the world specifically supporting young people with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender parents. GENDER SPECTRUM Gender Spectrum provides education, resources and 4509 Interlake Ave. N, #180 training to help you create a more gender sensitive and Seattle, WA 98103 supportive environment for all people, including gender Phone: 855-4-COLAGE variant and transgender youth. In a simple, Email: [email protected] straightforward manner, Gender Spectrum helps www.colage.org students, families, schools, and organizations understand and address the concepts of gender identity. Their FAMILY ACCEPTANCE PROJECT accessible, practical approach is based on research and The Family Acceptance Project™ is a community experience, enabling their clients to gain a deeper research, intervention and education initiative to study understanding of gender variance. the impact of family acceptance and rejection on the 1122 E. Pike Street #796 health, mental health and well-being of LGBT youth. Seattle, WA 98122 Results will be used to help families provide support for Phone: 510-567-3977 LGBT youth, to develop appropriate interventions, Email: [email protected] programs and policies, and to train providers to improve www.genderspectrum.org the quality of services and care they receive.
Caitlin Ryan, Director GLBT NATIONAL HELP CENTER Adolescent Health Initiatives The GLBT National Help Center is dedicated to meeting César E. Chávez Institute the needs of this community and those questioning their San Francisco State University sexual orientation or gender identity. The hotline offers 3004 - 16th St. #301 free and confidential peer-counseling, information and San Francisco, CA 94103 local resources for cities and towns throughout the Email: [email protected] United States. It offers counsel to callers of all ages http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/
2 www.lambdalegal.org about coming out issues, relationship concerns, 1325 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 700 HIV/AIDS anxiety, safer-sex information and more. Washington, DC 20005 Phone: 202-903-0112 2261 Market Street, PMB #296 Fax: 202-393-2241 San Francisco, CA 94114 www.transequality.org/ National Hotline: 888-843-4564 Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743 Administrative Phone: 415-355-0003 NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCACY COALITION Fax: 415-552-5498 (NYAC) Email: [email protected] The National Youth Advocacy Coalition is a capacity- www.GLBTNationalHelpCenter.org building organization that advocates for and with LGBTQ young people in an effort to end discrimination against these youth and to ensure their physical and LGBTQ MUSLIM YOUTH emotional well-being. NYAC builds the capacity of Young people who are Muslims and identify as lesbian, organizations that serve LGBTQ youth through technical gay, bisexual, transgender, or who may be questioning assistance, resource sharing, and youth engagement. their sexual orientation or gender identity are welcomed to join this online discussion group. 1638 R Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20009 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LGBTQMuslimYouth/ Phone: 800-541-6922 Fax: 877-492-8916 MATTHEW’S PLACE Email: [email protected] An online community and resource center for GLBTQQ www.nyacyouth.org and allied youth, the Youth Lounge provides resources about GLBTQQ youth friendly shelters, outreach centers OPENING DOORS PROJECT and empowerment programs across the country. It The Opening Doors Project, a project of the American includes moderated chats, discussion boards, and Bar Association’s Center on Children and the Law, aims informational columns from notable individuals in the to increase the legal community’s awareness of LGBTQ GLBTQQ and allied communities. youth in foster care and the unique issues they face, and to provide the legal community with advocacy tools to www.matthewsplace.com successfully represent these youth.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS 740 15th Street, NW (NCLR) Washington, DC 20005-1019 NCLR is a national legal resource center with a primary Phone: 202-662-1720 commitment to advancing the rights and safety of Fax: 202-662-1755 lesbians and their families through a program of Email: Please direct inquiries to litigation, public policy advocacy, free legal advice and Mimi Laver: [email protected] or counseling and public education. Andrea Khoury: [email protected] www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/migrated/child/ 870 Market Street, Suite 370 PublicDocuments/opening_doors_brochures.authcheckd San Francisco, CA 94102 am.pdf Phone: 415-392-6257 Fax: 415-392-8442 OUTPROUD Email: [email protected] OutProud, the National Coalition for Gay, Lesbian, www.nclrights.org Bisexual & Transgender Youth, serves the needs of these young men and women by providing advocacy, NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRANSGENDER information, resources and support. Its goal is to help EQUALITY queer youth become happy, successful, confident and The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) vital LGBT adults. is a 501(c)3 social justice organization dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people through 369 Third Street, Suite B-362 advocacy, collaboration and empowerment. San Rafael, CA 94901-3581
3 www.lambdalegal.org Email: [email protected] THE TREVOR PROJECT www.outproud.org The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline PARENTS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning LESBIANS AND GAYS (PFLAG) youth. PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of lesbian, 9056 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 208 gay, bisexual and transgender persons and their families West Hollywood, CA 90069 and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse Phone: 310-271-8845 society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; Hotline: 866-4-U-TREVOR and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal Email: [email protected] civil rights. www.thetrevorproject.org 1828 L Street NW, Suite 660 (National Office) Washington, DC 20036 THE WORLD PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION Phone: 202-467-8180 FOR TRANSGENDER HEALTH Fax: 202-349-0788 WPATH is a professional organization devoted to the Email: [email protected] understanding and treatment of gender identity disorders www.pflag.org with 500 members from around the world, in fields such as medicine, psychology, law, social work and RENAISSANCE TRANSGENDER ASSOCIATION counseling. RTA offers support groups in various locations on the 1300 South Second Street, Suite 180 East Coast, and its website offers extensive resources for Minneapolis, MN 55454 transgender people. Phone: 612-624-9397 987 Old Eagle School Road Email: [email protected] Suite 719 www.wpath.org Wayne, PA 19087 Phone: 610-636-1990 YOUTH GUARDIAN SERVICES www.ren.org Youth Guardian Services is a youth-run organization that provides support services on the internet to LGBTQ SAFE SCHOOLS COALITION and supportive youth. The Safe Schools Coalition is a public-private 101 East State Street, #299 partnership in support of LGBT youth to help schools — Ithaca, NY 14850 at home and all over the world — become safe places Phone: 877-270-5152 where every family can belong, where every educator www.youth-guard.org can teach and where every child can learn, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. YOUTHRESOURCE 10501 Meridian Avenue N YouthResource, a website created by and for LGBTQ Seattle, WA 98133 young people ages 13 to 24 years old, takes a holistic Phone: 206-632-0662, ext. 49 approach to sexual health by offering support, Email: [email protected] community, resources and peer-to-peer education about www.safeschoolscoalition.org issues of concern to LGBTQ young people.
TRANSGENDER ZONE 2000 M Street NW, Suite 750 Washington, DC 20036 Transgender Zone is an online resource for transgender Phone: 202-419-3420 people, offering numerous forums and virtual support www.youthresource.com groups. www.transgenderzone.com
4 www.lambdalegal.org Resources by State
ALABAMA ARIZONA
GLBT ADVOCACY & YOUTH SERVICES, INC. 1n10 (GLBTAYS) www.1n10.org www.glbtays.org The mission of 1n10 is to serve LGBTQA youth and GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. is dedicated to young adults. It works to enhance their lives by engaging in effective advocacy for LGBTQ people and providing empowering social and service programs that to ensuring the well-being of youth and young adults promote self‐expression, self‐acceptance, leadership struggling due to sexual orientation or gender identity development and healthy life choices. issues. Phoenix, AZ PO Box 3443 Contact: Michael Weakley Huntsville, AL 35810 Phone: 602-475-7456 Phone: 256-425-7804 Email: [email protected]
ALABAMA LGBT MENTORS EON www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=117888378225291 www.wingspan.org Alabama LGBT Mentors is a Facebook group that The Homeless Youth Project offers advocacy, provides a forum in which LGBT youth in Alabama can information, a support group, access to shelters and basic connect with older, college-age LGBT students from services to LGBTQ youth. Alabama as mentors. Phone: 520-624-1779 ext. 115 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
ALASKA ARKANSAS
IDENTITY, INC NWA CENTER FOR EQUALITY www.identityinc.org www.nwacenterforequality.org Identity, Inc. builds the infrastructure for a strong Youth Equality Services (YES) is an LGBTQ youth LGBTQ community in Alaska through its core program providing a safe space for open dialogue, programs, including Youth Program Support. support and authentic self-expression.
336 East 5th Avenue 179 N. Church Avenue, Suite 101 Anchorage, AK 99501 Fayetteville, AR 72701 Phone: 907-929-4528 Phone: 479-966-9014 Toll Free: 888-391-9222 ANCHORAGE MPOWERMENT PROJECT (AMP) Christina Seitz, Facilitator Email: [email protected] www.bentalaska.com/tag/anchorage-mpowerment- project-amp The Anchorage MPowerment Project (AMP) is a group CALIFORNIA dedicated to empowering young gay, bi or curious guys by getting involved with and building a better THE PACIFIC CENTER community for themselves and their friends in www.pacificcenter.org Anchorage. The Pacific Center offers extensive LGBTQ youth programming, including free drop-in groups, counseling and opportunities for activism. The Pacific Center also
5 www.lambdalegal.org offers HIV counseling and information about testing where youth can come and talk with peers, make friends sites. and take part in monthly workshops.
2712 Telegraph Avenue 1125 N. McCadden Place Berkeley, CA 94705 Los Angeles, CA 90038 Phone: 510-548-8283 Phone: 818-506-5344 Email: [email protected] STONEWALL ALLIANCE CENTER www.stonewallchico.org SISTERS OF SAKIA The Stonewall Alliance Center has provided a drop-in www.myspace.com/sistersofsakia group for LGBTQ youth since 1994. Currently, it has Sisters of Sakia is a collective that exists to empower two discussion groups, SAY Twenties and SAY Teens. and specifically address the needs of young queer women of African descent. 358 East 6th Street Chico, CA 95927 PO Box 743038 Phone: 530-893-3336 Los Angeles, CA 90004 Teens: [email protected] Phone: 310-902-6292 20’s: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER ZUNA INSTITUTE www.laglc.convio.net www.zunainstitute.org The Jeff Griffith Youth Center Zuna proposes that in order to counter the effect of the The Youth Center is a safe, welcoming place where disproportionate impact of social discrimination and youth can get free meals, clothing and emergency stigma on black lesbians, we need the development of a shelter, as well as housing and education support. healthy black lesbian identity.
Transitional Living Program 4660 Natomas Boulevard 120-181 This program offers LGBT youth 18-24 years old a safe, Sacramento, CA 95835 comfortable place to live for up to 18 months in dorm- Phone: 916-207-1037 style rooms. Email: [email protected]
Latino Services THE CENTER LONG BEACH Created by The Center, the mission of Latino/a Services is to provide a safe, welcoming and culturally and www.centerlb.org linguistically appropriate space that allows our Mentoring Youth Through Empowerment (MYTE) is community members to accept and embrace all of who committed to improving the quality of life for LGBTQ they are, including their culture, traditions, language, youth by providing a safe, affirmative environment for spirituality and sexual and gender identities. peer interaction and by enlisting informed, productive and positive role models. McDonald/Wright Building 1625 N. Schrader Boulevard 2017 E. Fourth Street Los Angeles, CA 90028 Long Beach, CA 90814 Phone: 323-993-7450 Phone: 562-434-4455 ext. 227 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
LIFEWORKS MENTORING STANISLAUS PRIDE CENTER www.lagaycenter.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Lifew www.stanpride.org orks_Homepage_Test The GLBTQ Youth Group provides social opportunities LifeWorks Mentoring offers two mentoring programs and support to LGBTQ and allied youth ages 14 to 9. for LGBTQ youth ages 15-24. For youth ages 15 and Youth can expect a safe, friendly and confidential older, LifeSupport is a weekly peer mentoring program environment, with food and music provided.
6 www.lambdalegal.org 201 Needham Street are currently transitioning out of foster care and/or group Modesto, CA 95354 homes or living in the streets. Phone: 209-338-0855 Fax: 209-338-0852 3909 Centre Street Email: [email protected] San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: 619-255-7854 ext. 102 SACRAMENTO GAY AND LESBIAN CENTER Email: [email protected] www.saccenter.org The Center provides a safe place for LGBT people to THE ARK OF REFUGE seek free legal assistance, referrals and information www.arkofrefuge.org without judgment. The Ark of Refuge runs a 15 person transitional living facility specifically targeting LGBTQ young adults in 1927 L Street San Francisco. Sacramento, CA 95811 Phone: 916-442-0185 1025 Howard Street Fax: 916-325-1840 San Francisco, CA 94103 Email: [email protected] Phone: 415-861-6566 Fax: 415-861-6103 WALDEN FAMILY SERVICES Email: [email protected] www.waldenfamily.org Walden Family Services’ LGBTQ Network is designed CENTER FOR YOUNG WOMEN’S to meet the special needs of LGBTQ foster youth. DEVELOPMENT www.cywd.org/nelly.html 6150 Mission Gorge Road, Suite 210 CYWD provides on-going opportunities to young low- San Diego, CA 92120 income lesbians of color who are involved in the Phone: 619-584-5777 juvenile justice system and who have lived and worked Fax: 619-584-5757 on the streets of San Francisco.
LARKIN STREET YOUTH SERVICES 832 Folsom Street, Suite #700 San Francisco, CA 94107 www.larkinstreetyouth.org Phone: 415-703-8800 With 25 comprehensive youth service programs located Fax: 415-703-8818 throughout San Francisco in over 13 sites, Larkin Street Marlene Sanchez, Executive Director Youth Services is now an internationally recognized Email: [email protected] model successfully integrating street outreach and emergency shelter, primary medical care, transitional housing, and job training and scholarship assistance to LEGAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN get homeless and at risk kids off the streets. www.lsc-sf.org LSC provides confidential legal and related social 701 Sutter Street, Suite 2 services to LGBTQ young people, free of charge. LSC San Francisco, CA 94109 also provides legal representation in cases of Phone: 415-673-0911 guardianship, emancipation, child abuse and neglect and Fax: 415-749-3838 school discipline.
THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, 1254 Market Street, Third Floor TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY CENTER OF SAN San Francisco, CA 94102 DIEGO Phone: 415-863-3762 Fax: 415-863-7708 www.thecentersd.org The Youth Housing Project will provide 23 units of affordable, supportive housing for youth between 18-24 years of age, with a special focus on LGBTQ youth who
7 www.lambdalegal.org ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER WELLNESS SOUTH BAY CENTER CENTER www.southbaycenter.org www.apiwellness.org/youth.html The Outlet is a social network for LGBTQ young adults AQU25A (Asian & Pacific Islander Queer and ages 18-30. Questioning Under 25, Altogether) is a program of Asian/Pacific Islander (including multiracial/multiethnic PO Box 4218 APA) LGBTQ youth age 25 and under. Torrance, CA 90510 Phone: 310-328-6550 730 Polk Street Youth: 310-328-6550 San Francisco, CA 94109 Email: [email protected] Phone: 415-292-3400 REACH LA THE CENTER ORANGE COUNTY www.reach.la www.thecenter.org Through its media arts programs, REACH LA is This LGBT community center offers free drop-in HIV committed to advocacy of LGBTQ youth rights, testing six days a week, with a special youth drop-in visibility for the LGBTQ youth of color community, from 1:30-6 PM Wednesdays, as well as recreational fostering LGBTQ youth creative media expressions and youth programming. building connections to existing resources.
1605 N. Spurgeon Street 1400 E. Olympic Boulevard, Suite 240 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Los Angeles, CA 90021 Phone: 714-953-5428 Phone: 213-622-1650 Fax: 714-246-8907 Email: [email protected] Counseling info: 714-953-5428 ext. 330 Youth info: 714-953-5428 ext. 206 BIENESTAR www.bienestar.org/eng/page/114/LGBT-Youth.html BILLY DEFRANK LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER Mpowerment is Bienestar’s community level www.defrankyouthspace.org intervention program targeting gay/bisexual Latino LGBTQ Youth Space is a community drop-in center and youth ages 18 to 24 at risk of HIV infection. mental health program for LGBTQ and allied youth ages 13-25 who live in Santa Clara County. 5326 East Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90022 938 The Alameda Email: [email protected] San Jose, CA 95126 Phone: 323-727-7896 ext. 116 Phone: 408-293-3040 Intake Line: 408-343-7940 THE CENTER Email: [email protected] www.thecentersd.org/programs/youth-services/hillcrest- youth-center.html SPECTRUM The Hillcrest Youth Center is a drop-in and recreational www.spectrumlgbtcenter.org center in San Diego County serving primarily Latino, Spectrum is currently hosting a monthly support group African-American, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and for LGBTQ youth ages 14-19. Native American LGBTQ youth.
30 N. San Pedro Road, Suite 160 1807 Robinson Avenue, Suite 106 San Rafael, CA 94903 San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: 415-472-1945 Phone: 619-692-2077 ext. 116 Fax: 415-472-2158 Email: [email protected] Youth: 415-472-1945 ext. 203 Counseling: 415-472-1945 ext. 273 Email: [email protected]
8 www.lambdalegal.org COLORADO TRUE COLORS, SEXUAL MINORITY YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES THE GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER OF www.ourtruecolors.org COLORADO Components of the Safe Harbor Project include foster parent recruitment, an LGBTQ youth mentoring www.glbtcolorado.org program and comprehensive training for those who work Rainbow Alley is a drop-in center for youth, including with LGBTQ youth. many in Out-of-Home care, that provides education, advocacy, support and fun. 576 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105 PO Box 9798 Phone: 860-232-0050 Denver, CO 80209 Email: [email protected] Phone: 303-831-0442 Fax: 303-282-9399 Email: [email protected] OUTSPOKEN www.ctoutspoken.com LA GENTE UNIDA Outspoken is a confidential social and support group for LGBTQ youth ages 16-22. La Gente Unida is an organization serving the needs of
LGBTQ Latinas and Latinos in the Denver and Colorado Triangle Community Center Area. River View Plaza
19 River Street PO Box 11714 Norwalk, CT 06850 Denver, CO 80211 Contact: Dan Woog Phone: 303-831-6086 Phone: 203-227-1755 Email: [email protected] THE TWO SPIRIT NATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE DELAWARE www.twospiritnce.net The Two Spirit Society of Denver provides community outreach to GBLT Two Spirit, Native, youth, elders, and J.U.S.T. FOR YOUTH the non-Native community. www.justforyouthde.org J.U.S.T. for Youth aims to create a safe and nurturing PO Box 140634 environment for sexual and gender minority youth in Edgewater, CO 80214 families, schools and communities, while reducing risk Email: [email protected] behaviors so they can develop into healthy adults. Phone: 720-261-1854 1308 Delaware Avenue, Suite 10 Wilmington, DE 19806 CONNECTICUT Phone: 302-547-6629
HARTFORD GAY AND LESBIAN HEALTH FLORIDA COLLECTIVE www.hglhc.org Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective offers HIV COMPASS (GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY counseling, education and outreach programs and several CENTER OF THE PALM BEACHES) support groups, including the Rainbow Room for www.compassglcc.com LGBTQ youth ages 13-21. The HOPE Program offers a safe, non-judgmental environment staffed by experienced counselors and 1841 Broad Street trained professionals and offers weekly social and Hartford, CT 06114 support groups. Phone: 860-278-4163 Fax: 860-278-5995 201 N. Dixie Highway Email: [email protected] Lake Worth, FL 33460
9 www.lambdalegal.org Phone: 561-533-9699 PRIDELINES YOUTH SERVICES Fax: 561-586-0635 www.pridelines.org Email: [email protected] Pridelines is dedicated to supporting, educating and empowering South Florida’s LGBTQ youth in a safe and ALSO OUT YOUTH diverse environment. ALSO offers social activities, workshops, one-on-one individual attention and crisis support for GLBT youth. 9526 NE 2nd Avenue #104 Miami Shores, FL 33138 1470 Boulevard of the Arts Phone: 305-571-9601 Sarasota, FL 34236-2906 Fax: 305-571-9602 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 941-544-7016 Email: [email protected] Office Phone: 941-951-2576 THE PRIDE CENTER JACKSONVILLE AREA SEXUAL MINORITY www.glccsf.org YOUTH NETWORK, INC. (JASMYN) The LGBTQS Youth Group includes two groups, one www.jasmyn.org for teens ages 13-17 and young adults ages 18-21 that JASMYN provides support and advocacy for LGBTQ provide a youth-led safe space. youth under the age of 24 who are currently or were formerly in foster care. 2040 N. Dixie Highway 923 Peninsular Place Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Jacksonville, FL 32204 Phone: 954-463-9005 Fax: 954-764-6522 Phone: 904-389-3857 Youth Information Line: 904-389-0089 SUNSHINE SOCIAL SERVICES, INC. Fax: 904-389-3089 www.sunserve.org Email: [email protected] Sunshine Social Services provides life assistance and mental health care for the LGBTQ community with a ORLANDO YOUTH ALLIANCE focus on economically disadvantaged and marginalized www.orlandoyouthalliance.org youth. The mission of OYA! is to provide a non-exploitative, safe, drug and alcohol-free social outlet for youth ages 1480 SW 9th Avenue 13-20 who are dealing with LGBTQ issues. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 Admin. Phone: 954-764-5150 PO Box 536944 Intake/Info/Referral Line: 954-548-4602 Orlando, FL 32853 Email: [email protected] Phone: 407-244-1222 ZEBRA COALITION THE ALLIANCE FOR GLBTQ YOUTH www.zebrayouth.org www.glbtqalliance.com The Zebra Coalition is a network of organizations that The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth offers care provides services to LGBTQ youth. These organizations coordination, community-based group and individual assess and support youth in need of shelter, emotional or counseling, prevention education and youth enrichment spiritual guidance, medical services or education. activities. PO Box 1513 1175 NE 125th Street, Suite 510 Windermere, FL 34786 North Miami, FL 33161 Phone: 877-909-3272 Toll Free Number: 866-634-8087 Office Number: 305-899-8087 GEORGIA Fax: 305-899-8071 Email: [email protected] ATLANTA JEWISH LGBT CENTER
www.therainbowcenter.org
10 www.lambdalegal.org The Center offers a compassionate Jewish response to 305 Adams Street LGBT Jewish people and their families by delivering Garden City, ID 83714 support, education and resources. Phone: 208-841-3220
4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road ILLINOIS Atlanta, GA 30338 Phone: 770-677-9471 AFFINITY COMMUNITY SERVICES www.affinity95.org THE RAINBOW PROGRAM Affinity Community Services is a social justice www.chriskids.org organization that works with and on behalf of Black The CHRIS Rainbow Program provides a safe and LGBTQ communities, queer youth and allies. supportive residence for homeless LGBTQ youth. 1424-28 E. 53rd Street, Suite 306 3111 Clairmont Road, Suite B Chicago, IL 60615 Atlanta, GA 30329 Phone: 773-324-0377 Phone: 404-457-1721 Email: [email protected] Fax: 404-486-9053 Email: [email protected] UP CENTER OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY www.unitingpride.org YOUTHPRIDE Talk it UP is a peer-run LGBTQ support group for www.youthpride.org middle and high-school youth. LGBTQ youth can expect Youth Pride offers Safe Zone, a daily after-school an atmosphere of acceptance and support while meeting program, and regular support and discussion groups. other LGBTQ youth.
1017 Edgewood Avenue 202 S. Broadway, Suite 102 (IMC) Atlanta, GA 30307 Urbana, IL 61801 Phone: 404-521-9713 Phone: 217-892-0071 24/7 Crisis Line: 404-521-9711 Email: [email protected] MID ILLINOIS YOUTH ALLIANCE www.midillinoisyouthalliance.webs.com FIERCE YOUTH RECLAIMING AND The Mid Illinois Youth Alliance is a group of LGBTQ EMPOWERING (FYRE) youth and their allies who meet weekly. www.fyrerj.org/ Fierce Youth Reclaiming & Empowering (FYRE) seeks 900 Main Street, Conference Room AB to support and build the leadership and power of Peoria, IL 61602-5004 LGBTQ youth of color and their allies, in Atlanta and Email: [email protected] statewide.
PO Box 8551 HOWARD BROWN HEALTH CENTER- Atlanta, GA 31106 BROADWAY YOUTH CENTER Phone: 404-532-0022 www.howardbrown.org Howard Brown’s Broadway Youth Center (BYC) is a safe space in which young people can access IDAHO compassionate support, life-saving healthcare, and a range of support services. BOISE GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER www.yadiversity.org 4025 North Sheridan Road Youth Alliance for Diversity strives to provide youth Chicago, IL 60613 with the opportunity to meet and receive the support of Phone: 773-388-1600 other youth who are LGBTQ and allied.
11 www.lambdalegal.org HORIZONS COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. IOWA www.horizonsonline.org Horizons Youth Group provides a safe, supportive OZONE HOUSE environment for LGBTQ youth and young adults to meet www.ozonehouse.org and socialize. Ozone House provides a crisis line, emergency youth
shelter, transitional housing, drop-in center, counseling, 961 W. Montana Street case management, street outreach, community education Chicago, IL 60614 and QueerZone, a social and support group for LGBTQ Phone: 773-472-6469 youth.
LESBIAN AND GAY HOTLINE 1705 Washtenaw Avenue Trained volunteer resource counselors assist callers to Ann Arbor, MI 48104 the Helpline by providing information and referrals, as Phone: 734-662-2265 well as support, counseling, and crisis intervention. Fax: 734-662-9724
Phone: 773-929-HELP Ozone Drop-In 102 N. Hamilton Street Ypsilanti, MI 48197 AMIGAS LATINAS YOUTH GROUP Phone: 734-485-2222 www.amigaslatinas.org Fax: 734-829-0126 Amigas Latinas is a youth group specifically for Latina 24-Hour Crisis Line: 734-662-2222 adolescents and 20-somethings who identify as LBTQQ.
Phone: 773-661-0940 UNITED ACTION FOR YOUTH Email: [email protected] www.unitedactionforyouth.org The GLBTQ & A Youth Group is a free, informal, drop- in social and support group for LGBTQ and allied junior PROJECT VIDA and senior high aged youth. www.projectvida.org/THECRU.html The CRU (Committed, Responsible, United) is Project 410 Iowa Avenue Vida’s program for LGBTQ, curious, and down-low Iowa City, IA 52245 Latino & African American men 14-24 years old. Phone: 319-338-7518 24 Hour Crisis Services: 319-338-7518 4045 W. 26th Street Email: [email protected] Chicago, IL 60623 Phone: 773-522-4570 Email: [email protected] IOWA PRIDE NETWORK www.iowapridenetwork.org INDIANA The Iowa Pride Network is a state-wide non-profit organization that works directly with students, helping empower them to start and enhance gay-straight INDIANA YOUTH GROUP alliances in their high schools and colleges. www.indianayouthgroup.org IYG provides a safe place, a confidential environment 777 Third Street, Suite 312 and services which foster self-esteem, resiliency and Des Moines, IA 50309 positive decision-making skills among LGBTQ young Executive Director: 515-471-8062 people. Outreach Coordinator: 515-471-8063
2943 E. 46th Street KANSAS Indianapolis, IN 46205 Phone: 317-541-8726 LAWRENCE AREA GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE www.lawrenceareagsa.wordpress.com
12 www.lambdalegal.org The mission of the GSA is to work toward a more BROTHERHOOD INC. accepting environment for all people, regardless of www.brotherhoodinc.org sexual orientation or gender identity, through education, MyHOUSE is a program of Brotherhood, Inc. that support, social action and advocacy. targets youth at high risk for HIV, including men of color who have sex with men and young transgender Phone: 785-330-2391 persons of color. Email: [email protected] 4032 Canal Street, Suite C1-A KENTUCKY New Orleans, LA 70119 Phone: 504-566-7955 LEXINGTON GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE www.lexgsa.com MAINE The GSA provides a safe environment for LGBTQ youth to meet, socialize, and support one another. PRYSM www.commcc.org Email: [email protected] PRYSM provides a safe and positive space for LGBTQ and allied youth, offering social support, leadership LOUISVILLE YOUTH GROUP development, psycho-education about common www.louisvilleyouthgroup.com problems facing youth and community education. LYG provides a safe, fun space for LGBTQ youth. 165 Lancaster Street PO Box 406764 Portland, ME 04101 Louisville, KY 40204 Program Coordinator: Tara Roberts Phone: 502-499-4427 Phone: 207-874-1030 ext. 403 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
LOUISIANA MARYLAND
JUVENILE JUSTICE PROJECT OF LOUISIANA UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF ROCKVILLE www.jjpl.org The LGBT and HIV/AIDS Project is dedicated to www.uucr.org/rainbow.php ensuring that LGBT youth in the juvenile justice system The Rainbow Youth Alliance is a support group for receive quality representation and secure care facilities LGBTQ and allied teens. RYA is a safe place to ask and significantly reducing the number of incidents of questions, find mutual support and learn information violence and harassment experienced by this population pertinent to their lives. in secure confinement. 1 Welsh Park Drive 1600 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Rockville, MD 20850 New Orleans, LA 70113 RYA Coordinator: Ryan Logue Phone: 504-522-5437 Phone: 301-762-7666 Fax: 504-522-5430 Email: [email protected]
LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER OF BALTIMORE ORLEANS AND CENTRAL MARYLAND www.lgbtccno.org www.glccb.org The young adult peer support and social group is open to Sufficient As I aM (SAIM) is a support group for youth all people ages 18-24. dealing with issues of sexuality, coming out, relationships, etc. 2114 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70116 241 W. Chase Street Phone: 504-945-1103 Baltimore, MD 21201
13 www.lambdalegal.org Phone: 410-837-5445 with a broad range of disabilities requiring supported Email: [email protected] housing.
MASSACHUSETTS 25 West Street Boston, MA 02116 Phone: 617-457-8150 FENWAY COMMUNITY HEALTH PEER Email: [email protected] LISTENING LINE The Peer Listening Line is an anonymous and WALTHAM HOUSE confidential phone line that offers LGBTQ youth a safe place to call for information, referrals and support. www.thehome.org Waltham House is a residential home that can house up Phone: 617-267-2535 to twelve LGBTQ youth ages 14-18. Toll Free: 800-399-PEER 271 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115-4506 BAGLY-BOSTON ALLIANCE OF GLBT YOUTH Phone: 617-267-3700 www.bagly.org Fax: 617-267-8142 The Boston Alliance of GLBT Youth is a youth-led, Email: [email protected] adult-supported social support organization committed to social justice and creating, sustaining and advocating for programs, policies and services for GLBT youth MICHIGAN aged 22 and under.
Emmanuel Church Boston ANN ARBOR’S TEEN CENTER 15 Newbury Street www.neutral-zone.org Boston, MA 02116 Riot Youth is a space for youth to talk and find support Phone: 617-227-4313 about their struggles as LGBTQ youth.
310 E. Washington Street BOSTON GLASS COMMUNITY CENTER Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 www.jri.org/glass Phone: 734-214-9995 GLASS provides a drop-in center for LGBTQ youth Email: [email protected] aged 13-25. It is a safe space to relax and socialize with trained adults who are available to talk. RUTH ELLIS CENTER 93 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd floor www.ruthelliscenter.com Boston, MA 02115 The Center provides residential and drop-in programs Phone: 617-266-3349 for LGBTQ youth. Ruth’s House provides youth 12-21 Email: [email protected] with two programs: semi-independent living for youth ages 12-17 and transitional living for those aged 16-21. Second Stories is a Monday-Friday drop-in center. BOSTON AREA TRANSGENDER SUPPORT
(BATS) 2727 Second Avenue, Suite 158 www.groups.yahoo.com/group/boston-area-trans- Detroit, MI 48201-2654 support Phone: 313-964-2091 BATS is a peer-run support group for transgender young Fax: 313-964-3372 adults in the Boston area. Email: [email protected]
JUSTICE RESOURCE INITIATIVE-HEALTH TRANS YOUTH FAMILY ALLIES www.jri.org www.imatyfa.org JRI-Health offers programs addressing the needs of TYFA empowers children and families by partnering persons at risk of or living with HIV/AIDS, for with educators, service providers and communities to homeless, troubled, and GLBT youth, and for persons
14 www.lambdalegal.org develop supportive environments in which gender may DISTRICT 202 be expressed and respected. www.dist202.org District 202 is a youth community center committed to PO Box 1471 providing social, cultural and educational opportunities Holland, MI 49422 by and for LGBT youth and their friends. Phone: 888-462-8932 Email: [email protected] PO Box 8139 St. Paul, MN 55108 OZONE HOUSE Phone: 651-340-6167 www.ozonehouse.org Email: [email protected] QueerZone is a weekly program that provides a safe space for LGBTQ youth to congregate, socialize, build JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE community and access support. GREATER ST. PAUL AREA www.stpauljcc.org 102 N. Hamilton Street The St. Paul JCC teen department supports teens who Ypsilanti, MI 48197 identify as GLBT or who are questioning their sexuality. Phone: 734-662-2265 Crisis Line: 734-662-2222 1375 St. Paul Avenue Email: [email protected] St. Paul MN 55116 Phone: 651-698-0751 MINNESOTA Teen Director: 651-255-4767
YOUTHLINK SHADES OF YELLOW www.youthlinkmn.org shadesofyellow.org/ One housing program offered by Youth Link is the Host INSPIRE is Shades of Yellow’s youth-led program Home Program in which carefully-screened GLBT aimed towards developing youth leadership for LGBTQ members open their homes to GLBT youth. Hmong (an Asian ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand) youth 41 N. 12th Street aged 14-24. Minneapolis, MN 55403 Phone: 612-252-1200 379 University Avenue W. #213 Email: [email protected] St. Paul, MN 55103 Phone: 651-309-0037 FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES Email: [email protected] www.everyfamilymatters.org PRIDE (from Prostitution to Independence, Dignity and MISSOURI Equality) is a nationally recognized and highly successful program to help women, teens and GROWING AMERICAN YOUTH transgender youth get out and stay out of prostitution. www.growingamericanyouth.org GLBT-KIDS offers resources to GLBT youth who may Growing American Youth is a social and support have experienced trauma. organization for LGBTQ youth 21 and under.
PRIDE Crisis Line Number: 612-728-2062 PO Box 11785 PRIDE Toll-Free: 888-PRIDE-99 St. Louis, MO 63105 GLBT-KIDS Phone: 877-452-8543 Phone: 314-821-3524 ext. 3 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
PASSAGES www.kcpassages.org Passages is a youth group for LGBTQ and allied youth, providing educational information and experiences to
15 www.lambdalegal.org encourage personal growth and social interaction to ease 1719 Leavenworth Street their transition into self-acceptance and to become Omaha, NE 68108 empowered. Phone: 402-341-0300 Email: [email protected] 620 E. Armour Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64109 Phone: 816-931-0334 PROUD HORIZONS YOUTH GROUP Email: [email protected] www.proudhorizons.pflag-omaha.org Proud Horizons is a youth group specifically for LGBTQ THE EQUAL YOUTH CENTER and allied youth ages 13 to 23. www.equalcenter.org EQUAL was founded on the belief that by giving youth PO Box 390064 the power to organize, lead and collaborate, youth would Omaha, NE 68139-0064 not only transform themselves, but transform their Phone: 402-291-6781 communities. NEVADA PO Box 32974 Kansas City, MO 64171 Phone: 816-984-0799 GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY CENTER OF Email: [email protected] SOUTHERN NEVADA www.thecenterlv.com R.U.1.2. Youth Group consists of 13-19 year old LGBT MONTANA and allied youth. The participants are educated on HIV prevention, coming out issues, drug and alcohol abuse WESTERN MONTANA COMMUNITY CENTER and many other topics. www.gaymontana.org Youth Forward is a safe and confidential gathering of 953 E. Sahara Avenue, B-31 LGBTQ youth ages 13-19. Las Vegas, NV 89104 Phone: 702-733-9800 127 N. Higgins Avenue, Suite 202 Missoula, MT 59802 NEW JERSEY Phone: 406-541-6891 Email: [email protected] CROSSROADS PROGRAMS, INC. www.crossroadsprograms.org HELENA YOUTH GSA Project DISCOVERY provides specialized foster homes www.montanapridenetwork.org for LGBTQ youth, aged 12-21, who are not able to live Helena Youth GSA is a support/discussion group for at home but who are capable of functioning in a home LGBTQ and allied youth. environment with extra support.
Contact: Aileen Gleizer 610 Beverly-Rancocas Road Phone: 406-457-2469 Willingboro, NJ 08046 Email: [email protected] Phone: 609-261-5400 Fax: 609-261-1824 NEBRASKA Email: [email protected]
RAINBOW OUTREACH METRO OMAHA GLBT PRIDE CENTER OF NEW JERSEY CENTER, GLBT CENTER YOUTH PROGRAM www.pridecenter.org www.rainbowoutreach.org The Youth Drop-in is for LGBTIQ and allied youth ages The Center Youth program is a safe and supportive place 17 and under. for LGBTQ and allied youth ages 13-23 to make friends.
16 www.lambdalegal.org 85 Raritan Avenue, Suite 100 NEW MEXICO Highland Park, NJ 08904-2701 Phone: 732-846-2232 U21 www.commonbondnm.org SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER U21 is open to LGBTQ and allied youth under 21. It is www.litsjc.org largely a social time with some planned events and The Social Justice Center offers True Colors, a drop-in sessions, such as arts & crafts, poetry, information on the program for LGBTQ youth and young adults. community, films, dances and workshops.
LGBTQI Programs MCC Albuquerque 11 Halsey Street 1101 Texas Street NE Newark, NJ 07102 Albuquerque, NM 87110 Phone: 973-621-2100 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] TRANS YOUTH SUPPORT GROUP AFRICAN AMERICAN OFFICE OF GAY www.tgrcnm.org CONCERNS www.aaogc.org/programs Young Women United T.G.I.F. (Thank Goodness I’m Fabulous) provides 120 Morningside Drive NE support to young African-American and Latina Albuquerque, NM 87108 transgender girls. Email: [email protected]
877 Broad Street, Suite 211 Newark, NJ 07102 NEW YORK Phone: 973-639-0700 Fax: 973-639-9722 AIDS COMMUNITY RESOURCES Email: [email protected] www.aidescommunityresources.com AIDS Community Resources is a center of support for NEW HAMPSHIRE LGBTQ youth throughout New York State. The Q Center offers a number of programs, support group meetings, and activities for youth. OUTRIGHT www.nhftm.org 627 West Genesee Street Outright is a social & support group for LGBTQ youth. Syracuse, NY 13204 Phone: 315-475-2430 PO Box 4064 Fax: 315-472-6515 Concord, NH 03302 Hotline: 888-475-2437 Phone: 603-223-0309 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Seacoast Outright ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COALITION ON PO Box 842 HIV/AIDS (APICHA) Portsmouth, NH 03801 www.apicha.org Phone: 603-431-1013 APICHA offers a Young People’s Project, as well as a Email: [email protected] weekly LGBTQ Asian and Pacific Islander youth group. 400 Broadway Manchester Outright New York, NY 10013 PO Box 492 Phone: 212-620-7287 Manchester, NH 03105 Email: [email protected] Phone: 603-537-7004 Email: [email protected]
17 www.lambdalegal.org THE AUDRE LORDE PROJECT HEALTH AND EDUCATION ALTERNATIVES www.alp.org FOR TEENS The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, www.heatprogram.org/lgbt.html Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People HEAT’s LGBT program provides case management, of Color community organizing center, focusing on the HIV/STD screening, mental health services, hormone New York City area. therapy treatment and various social and support groups.
Brooklyn 760 Parkside Avenue, Room 308 85 S. Oxford Street Brooklyn, NY 11226 Brooklyn, NY 11217 Phone: 718-467-4446 Phone: 718-596-0342 Email: [email protected]
Manhattan SCO FAMILY SERVICES 147 W. 24th Street, 3rd floor New York, NY 10011-1911 www.sco.org Phone: 212-463-0342 SCO Family Services provides a continuum of Email: [email protected] community based residential programs for 24 homeless and at-risk LGBTQ youth.
BRONX COMMUNITY PRIDE CENTER 1 Alexander Place www.bronxpride.org Glen Cove, NY 11542 Youth Services includes The Spot Next Door, a drop-in Phone: 516-671-1253 center open Monday-Friday; Operation Home Base, a case management program for homeless and at-risk METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF youth; free legal services; the Youth Leadership Institute NEW YORK and a Youth Advisory Board. www.homelessyouthservices.org 448 E. 149th Street Sylvia’s Place is an emergency night shelter with beds Bronx, NY 10455 for GLBTQ youth ages 16-23. It accepts walk-ins after Phone: 718-292-4368 6PM 365 days a year. Fax: 718-292-4999 Email: [email protected] 446 W. 36th Street New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-629-7440 THE ALI FORNEY CENTER (AFC) Email: [email protected] www.aliforneycenter.org The Ali Forney Center offers a Day Center, Emergency NEW ALTERNATIVES Housing Program and Transitional Housing for LGBTQ youth. www.newalternativesnyc.org New Alternatives provides basic items, case Headquarters management, recreation, community building, several 527 W. 22nd Street, 1st Floor support groups and a Life Skills dinner group for New York, NY 10011 homeless LGBT youth ages 16-24. Phone: 212-222-3427 50 E. 7th Street Fax: 212-222-5861 New York, NY 10003
Day Center GAY ALLIANCE OF THE GENESEE VALLEY 527 W. 22nd Street, 1st Floor www.gayalliance.org New York, NY 10011 The Youth Center is dedicated to providing a safe and Phone: 212-206-0574 supportive place for youth ages 13-23 to discuss issues, Fax: 212-206-7486 make friends and get support.
875 E. Main Street, Suite 500 Rochester, NY 14605
18 www.lambdalegal.org Phone: 585-244-8640 HETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE Email: [email protected] www.hmi.org The Supportive Services Department of the Hetrick- THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER Martin Institute provides services for homeless and at- www.jccmanhattan.org risk LGBTQ youth. The JCC offers two social and support groups for LGBTQ Jewish youth: Cometfire for youth aged 11-14, 740 Broadway, 8th Floor and JQYouth for young adults aged 18-30. New York, NY 10003 Phone: 212-674-2400 ext. 247 334 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10023 URBAN JUSTICE CENTER Phone: 646-505-4444 www.urbanjustice.org Fax: 212-799-0254 The Peter Cicchino Youth Project provides legal Email: [email protected] services to LGBT youth who are homeless, in foster care or in the juvenile justice system. Cometfire Contact: Scott Quasha 666 Broadway, 10th Floor Phone: 646-505-5708 New York, NY 10012 Email: [email protected] Phone: 646-602-5600 Fax: 212-533-4598 JQYouth Phone: 646-505-5708 Email: [email protected] LAWYERS FOR CHILDREN www.lawyersforchildren.org LFC has published a handbook for GLBTQ youth in CAPITAL PRIDE CENTER foster care with a list of resources in NYC and www.capitalpridecenter.org information about legal rights. They also provide legal Center Youth offers LGBTQ and allied youth ages 13-18 services to GLBTQ youth in foster care. a peer support group, healthy social opportunities and various opportunities to participate in activism. 110 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10013 332 Hudson Avenue Phone: 212-966-6420 Albany, NY 12210 Email: [email protected] STATEN ISLAND LGBT CENTER www.silgbtcenter.org GREEN CHIMNEYS CHILDREN’S SERVICES, The Center offers extensive youth programming, INC. including a drop-in space, support groups for teens and www.greenchimneys.org young adults, safer sex resources and opportunities to The Gramercy Residence houses 25 LGBTQ teenagers develop creative and leadership skills. in foster care aged 16-21. It provides a Supervised Independent Living Program, the agency operated 75 Victory Boulevard boarding home for LGBTQ youth 12-16; a Transitional Staten Island, NY 10301 Living Apartment Program for youth 17-21 and a Basic Phone: 718-808-1360 Center that provides emergency shelter and referrals for Fax: 718-808-1397 homeless and runaway youth 14-21. Email: lgbt@chasiny.org
456 W. 145th Street, Suite 1 New York, NY 10031 THE DOOR Phone: 212-491-5911 www.door.org Fax: 212-368-8975 In addition to health, legal, education, counseling and career services, the Door also provides a wide range of programs and services geared towards LGBTQ members.
19 www.lambdalegal.org income people and people of color. It represents and 121 Avenue of the Americas advises clients in a variety of contexts. New York, NY 10013 Phone: 212-941-9090 ext. 3328 147 West 24th Street, 5th floor New York, NY 10011 FIERCE Phone: 212-337-8550 Toll Free: 866-930-3283 www.fiercenyc.org Fax: 212-337-1872 FIERCE is a membership-based organization building Email: [email protected] the leadership and power of LGBTQ youth of color in New York City. It develops politically conscious leaders who are invested in improving themselves and their NORTH DAKOTA communities through youth-led campaigns, leadership development programs, and cultural expression. BISMARK GAY AND PROUD YOUTH GROUP Phone: 701-255-6120 147 West 24th Street, 6th floor New York, NY 10011 Phone: 646-336-6789 NORTH CAROLINA Fax: 646-336-6788 NORTH CAROLINA LAMBDA YOUTH NETWORK GAY MEN OF AFRICAN DESCENT (GMAD) www.angelfire.com/nc/nclambda/ www.gmad.org NCLYN is collaborating with a transitional housing MARS is the young adult program of GMAD, an agency in Durham to offer a residential program organization of gay, bisexual, transgender and specifically for LGBTQ youth. questioning men of color. MARS offers members 343 W. Main Street, Suite 201 training workshops, recreational activities, connections Durham, NC 27701 to local shelters and service organizations and a positive Phone: 919-683-3037 space for GBTQ youth to socialize. 103 E. 125th Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10035 LGBT CENTER OF RALEIGH Phone: 212-828-1697 ext. 117 www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.org Email: [email protected] The Center includes youth programming.
THE RASHAWN BRAZELL MEMORIAL 411 Hillsborough Street SCHOLARSHIP MENTORING PROGRAM Raleigh, NC 27603 Phone: 919-832-4484 www.gmad.org/mars/page2.htm Fax: 919-832-4483 The Rashawn Brazell Memorial Scholarship Mentoring Email: [email protected] Program connects scholars to a variety of professionals who have pledged time and support for the Memorial Fund, as well as the larger community of African- WRENN HOUSE descended LGBT people and their allies. www.havenhousenc.org Wrenn House is the only homeless/runaway crisis 85 S. Oxford Street intervention program and shelter for youth in the Brooklyn, New York 11217 Triangle. It partners with the LGBT Center of Raleigh to Phone: 718-596-0342 ext. 45 provide services for LGBTQ youth. Email: [email protected] 908 W. Morgan Street SYLVIA RIVERA LAW PROJECT Raleigh, NC 27603 Phone: 919-832-786 www.srlp.org Sylvia Rivera Law Project provides free legal services to transgender, intersex and gender nonconforming low- INSIDEOUT www.insideout180.org
20 www.lambdalegal.org iNSIDEoUT is a youth-founded, youth-led organization KALEIDOSCOPE YOUTH CENTER that provides leadership opportunities and a safe space www.kycohio.org for North Carolina’s Triangle-area LGBTQ and allied Kaleidoscope Youth Center provides a drop-in center, youth, both in and out of schools. counseling, homework help, and various recreational & educational opportunities. Contact: Corrin Donahue Email: [email protected] 1904 N. High Street Columbus, Ohio TIME OUT YOUTH Phone: 614-294-KIDS (5437) www.timeoutyouth.org Fax: 614-297-5906 Time Out Youth is dedicated to providing support, advocacy and education to LGBTQ and allied youth OKLAHOMA aged 13-23 in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. CENTRAL OKLAHOMA TRANSGENDER 1900 The Plaza SUPPORT GROUP Charlotte, NC 28205 Phone: 704-344-8335 www.twofoldgroup.org Fax: 704-344-8186 This group is for transgender people and their allies. Email: [email protected] PO Box 75784 Oklahoma City, OK 73147-0784 OHIO Phone: 405-443-4131 Email: [email protected] LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER OF GREATER CLEVELAND GAY LESBIAN BI YOUTH GROUP www.lgbtcleveland.org 311 South Madison Avenue The Center offers counseling support for youth ages 14- Tulsa, OK 74120-3208 24. Youth programming and HIV testing is open to Phone: 918-587-1300 LGBTQ youth ages 14-24. The Trans-Formers program is a support group for trans young adults ages 18-30, facilitated by a licensed counselor. OKC YOUTH UNITED www.okcyu.org 6600 Detroit Avenue The mission of Oklahoma City Youth United is to Cleveland, OH 44102 provide a safe, inclusive and affirming environment to Phone: 216-651-5428 youth, 14-20, of all genders and sexual orientations from Fax: 216-651-6439 the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.
First Unitarian Church RAINBOW AREA YOUTH (RAY) 600 NW 13th Street www.toledoray.org Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Rainbow Area Youth (RAY) is a peer-based support Email: [email protected] group created to provide emotional support, social opportunities, and health education to sexual minority teens. OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT www.openarmsproject.org St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Openarms brings LGBTQ and allied youth together to 2272 Collingwood Boulevard build a peer-based community that empowers them to Toledo, OH 43620 end isolation, create a progressive youth voice and Phone: 419-255-7510 increase well being and self-esteem. Email: [email protected] 2015-B S. Lakewood Avenue Tulsa, OK 74112 Phone/Hotline: 918-838-7104
21 www.lambdalegal.org YOUTH SERVICES OF TULSA –LGBTQ PENNSYLVANIA SUPPORT GROUP www.yst.org LUTHERAN CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES OF SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA 311 S. Madison Avenue www.lcfsinpa.org Tulsa, OK 74120 Bethel House is a group home for dependent LGBT Phone: 918-582-0061 youth aged 15-18, in Philadelphia, PA.
OREGON 937 South 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19147 SEXUAL MINORITY YOUTH RESOURCE Phone: 215-339-8002 CENTER (SMYRC) Fax: 215-339-8070 www.smyrc.org SMYRC provides a safe, supervised, harassment-free ATTIC YOUTH CENTER and alcohol- and drug-free space for sexual minority www.atticyouthcenter.org youth ages 23 and younger. The Attic creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults 3024 N.E. M.L. King, Jr. Boulevard within a safe and supportive community, and promotes Portland, OR 97212 the acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society. Phone: 503-872-9664 ext. 35 Fax: 503-231-3051 255 South 16th Street Email: [email protected] Philadelphia, PA 19102 Phone: 215-545-4331 OUTSIDE IN Email: [email protected] www.outsidein.org Outside In provides housing, education, employment, RHODE ISLAND counseling, medical care, food, recreation and a safe space. Outside In is a national leader in serving LGBTQ YOUTH PRIDE, INC. youth. www.youthpride-ri.org
YPI’s programming is dedicated to meeting the social, 1132 SW 13th Avenue emotional and educational needs of LGBTQ youth. Portland, OR 97205
Phone: 503-535-3800 95 Cedar Street Fax: 503-223-6837 Providence, RI 02903 Medical clinic: 503-535-3890 Phone: 401-421-5626 Email: [email protected] Fax: 401-274-1990 Email: [email protected] TRANSACTIVE www.transactiveonline.org SOUTH CAROLINA TransActive is a monthly social & support group for trans youth 12-21. AFFIRM OHSU Richmond Clinic www.affirmyouth.org 3930 S.E. Division Street AFFIRM provides LGBTQ youth education, social Portland, OR 97202 activities and referrals to related services. Phone: 503-252-3000 Email: [email protected] PO Box 4094 Greenville, SC 29608 Phone: 864-467-9004 Email: [email protected]
22 www.lambdalegal.org WE ARE FAMILY MEMPHIS GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY www.waf.org CENTER SafeSpace is a weekly gathering of LGBTQ and allied www.mglcc.org youth 16-23 who get together to share their experiences, Queer as Youth is a place for youth ages 14 to 19 to express their feelings, and find encouragement among meet and hang out with other youth while learning and their peers. expressing their creativity in a safe space.
PO Box 21806 892 S. Cooper Street Charleston, SC 29413 Memphis, TN 38104 Phone: 843-637-9379 Phone: 901-278-6422 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
SOUTH DAKOTA TEXAS
THE BLACK HILLS CENTER FOR EQUALITY OUT YOUTH www.bhcfe.org www.outyouth.org PRISM is a gay-straight alliance for youth ages 15-25 Out Youth’s mission is to promote the well-being of that provides support to young people who are in the sexual minority youth so that they can openly and safely process of coming out, as well as their allies. explore and affirm their identities.
1102 West Rapid Street 909 E. 49 1/2 Street Rapid City, SD 57701 Austin, TX 78751 Phone: 605-348-3244 Phone: 512-419-1233 Fax: 512-419-1232 Email: [email protected] CENTER FOR EQUALITY www.centersforequalitysd.org YOUTH FIRST TEXAS The Drop-in Center is open regularly for youth and the www.youthfirsttexas.org general community. Youth First Texas provides numerous resources for LGBTQ and allied youth, including counseling services, 406 S. 2nd Avenue, Suite 102 support groups, educational programming, recreational Sioux Falls, SD 57104 activities and leadership development. Phone: 605-331-1153 3918 Harry Hines Boulevard TENNESSEE Dallas, TX 75219 Phone: 214-879-0400 Toll-Free: 866-547-5972 ONE-IN-TEEN YOUTH SERVICES Fax: 469-547-5972 www.one-in-teen.org Email: [email protected] The Mission of One-In-Teen Youth Services, Inc. shall be to provide a continuum of support and services to benefit LGBTQ youth and youth-serving agencies UTAH throughout Middle Tennessee. VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA UTAH’S 703 Berry Road HOMELESS YOUTH RESOURCE CENTER Nashville, TN 37204 www.voa.org Phone: 877-663-4686 HYRC runs a 3-part program for homeless youth, and Email: [email protected] about 30% of the youth it serves report being LGBTQ. Programs include a drop-in center, a transitional living center and a street outreach program that focuses on reaching young male prostitutes.
23 www.lambdalegal.org 655 S. State Street Fax: 802-861-2075 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Email: [email protected] Phone: 801-364-0744 Fax: 801-364-0745 YOUTH OF COLOR SUPPORT GROUP –CASEY FAMILY SERVICES LGBTQ OUT OF HOME YOUTH INDEPENDENT www.caseyfamilyservices.org/ourdivisions/vermont CONSULTANT This group is open to all teens of color, ages 13 to 17, in Melissa Larsen, CSW Vermont’s Upper Valley. It meets on the first Sunday of Melissa is an independent consultant and trainer the month. concerning homeless LGBTQ youth and LGBTQ youth in foster care. 35 Railroad Row, Suite 400 White River Junction, VT 05001 Phone: 801-706-9168 Contact: Claudia Brandenburg Email: [email protected] Phone: 802-649-1400 ext. 8142 Email: [email protected] GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER OF UTAH www.glccu.com VIRGINIA The Youth Activity Center’s mission is to bring sexual minority youth together to build a peer-based ROSMY community. The YAC serves homeless LGBTQ youth www.rosmy.org and LGBTQ youth in foster care. Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth (ROSMY) was created for all youth aged 14-20 who are 355 N. 300 W., 1st Floor LGBTQ. ROSMY offers a drop-in center, support Salt Lake City, UT 84103 groups, a youth support line and a leadership program. Phone: 801-539-8800 Toll free phone: 888-874-2743 2311 Westwood Avenue Email: [email protected] Richmond, VA 23230 Phone: 804-644-4800 UTAH PRIDE CENTER Support Line: 888-644-4390 www.utahpridecenter.org Email: [email protected] Tolerant Intelligent Network of Teens (TINT) is the Center’s youth activity center which provides a safe WASHINGTON place for LGBTQ people ages 14-20. LA-BA-TE-YAH YOUTH HOME COMMUNITY 361 N. 300 W., 1st Floor La-Ba-Te-Yah is an independent living program for Salt Lake City, UT 84103 homeless youth, for urban Native Americans and youth Phone: 801-539-8800 of color. There is case management on site. It includes a Email: [email protected] Two-Spirit Program.
VERMONT 9010 13th Avenue N.W. Seattle, WA 98117-3405 OUTRIGHT VERMONT Phone: 206-781-8303 www.outrightvt.org/wordpress The Mission of Outright is to build safe, healthy, and YOUTH CARE supportive environments for LGBTQ youth. www.youthcare.org Youth Care offers transitional living for homeless youth 241 N. Winooski Avenue 18-21 and an emergency shelter for 12-17 year olds. McClure Mutigenerational Building Burlington, VT 05401 Isis House: 206-694-4507 Phone: 802-865-9677 The Shelter: 206-694-4506 24 Hour Help/Referral Line: 800-495-7802
24 www.lambdalegal.org SEATTLE COUNSELING SERVICES Youth offers resources specifically for LGBTQ youth www.seattlecounseling.org and their families. Seattle Counseling Services specializes in providing mental health services to the LGBTQI community. 2000 M Street N Youth Services offers counseling and support groups for Washington, DC 2003 youth. Phone: 202-419-342 Fax: 202-419-1448 1216 Pine Street, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98101 SEXUAL MINORITY YOUTH ASSISTANCE Phone: 206-323-1768Fax: 206-323-2184 LEAGUE (SMYAL) Email: [email protected] www.smyal.org SMYAL is a center for LGBTQI youth that has a LAMBERT HOUSE comprehensive list of housing options for youth and can www.lamberthouse.org refer to youth to the LGBT friendly housing. Lambert House is a center for LGBTQ and allied youth 410 7th Street, SE ages 14-23 that encourages empowerment through the Washington, DC 20003 development of leadership, social and life skills. Phone: 202-546-5940 ext.104 PO Box 23111 Fax: 202-544-1306 Seattle, WA 98102 Phone: 206-322-2515 Brotherhood University Brotherhood University is SMYAL’s HIV prevention intervention for young men of color who sleep with men. OASIS YOUTH CENTER www.oasisyouthcenter.hypermart.net Phone: 202-546-5940 ext. 105 Oasis is the only drop-in and support center dedicated to Email: [email protected] the needs of GLBTQ youth ages 14-24 in Pierce County and is a program of the Pierce County AIDS Foundation. MY SISTAHS
3520 South Pine Street www.amplifyyourvoice.org Tacoma, WA 98409 MySistahs was created by and for young women of color Office Phone: 253-671-2838 to provide information and offer support on sexual and Emergency Cell Phone: 253-988-2108 reproductive health issues through education and Email: [email protected] advocacy.
2000 M Street N.W., Suite 750 VISTA YOUTH CENTER Washington, DC 20036 www.vistayouthcenter.org Phone: 202-419-3420 Vista Youth Center offers LGBTQ individuals between the ages of 14-21 a unique combination of direct service, TRANSGENDER EDUCATION ASSOCIATION social service and referrals. www.tgea.net 2625 W. Bruneau Place, Suite E TGEA is a website offering a wealth of resources to the Kennewick, WA 99336 transgender community in Maryland, Northern Virginia Phone: 509-396-5198 and Washington DC.
WASHINGTON, DC WISCONSIN
ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH LGBT CENTER OF SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN www.advocatesforyouth.com www.lgbtsewisc.org Advocates for Youth champions efforts to help young The center offers programs and services for LGBTQ people make informed and responsible decisions about people, youth, transgender people, people of color and their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates for those with HIV/AIDS, LGBT seniors, parents and family of LGBT youth and children with LGBT parents.
25 www.lambdalegal.org Phone: 414-223-3220 1456 Junction Avenue Fax: 414-271-2161 Racine, WI 53403 Phone: 262-664-4100 WYOMING Fax: 262-664-4104 Email: [email protected] WIND RIVER COUNTRY INITIATIVE FOR YOUTH Wind River Country Initiative for Youth is an alliance of MILWAUKEE LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER LGBTQ and allied people of Native American and www.mkelgbt.org Caucasian ancestry who work to address multiple Project Q, the youth program of the Milwaukee LGBT oppressions at the local level. Community Center, provides a safe space for LGBTQ and allied youth ages 24 and under. Email: [email protected]
315 W. Court Street, First Floor Milwaukee, WI 53212
Selected Bibliography
Agency Readiness Index: A Self-Assessment Getting Down to Basics: Tools to Support and Planning Guide to Gauge Agency LGBTQ Youth in Care Readiness to Work With Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Child Welfare League of America and Lambda Legal and Transgender Youth Defense & Education Fund, 2006 National Network for Youth, 2002 (reprinted 2004) Download full publication: To order (Free of Charge): www.lambdalegal.org/publications/getting-down- Find ordering information: to-basics www.nn4youth.org/agencyreadiness.aspx To order (Free of Charge): Order online at www.lambdalegal.org/issues/youth- Breaking the Silence: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, in-out-of-home-care/yohc-publications/orderor call Transgender, and Queer Foster Youth Tell Their Lambda Legal at 212-809-8585. Stories - DVD and Resource CD National Center for Lesbian Rights, 2006 Justice for All? A Report on Lesbian, Gay, To order (free of charge): Bisexual and Transgendered Youth in the New Order online at www.nclrights.org/youth_bts York Juvenile Justice System Urban Justice Center, Feinstein, et al., 2001
CWLA Best Practice Guidelines: Serving LGBT Download full publication: Youth in Out-of-Home Care www.urbanjustice.org/ujc/publications/peter.html Child Welfare League of America, Wilber, Ryan, & Marksamer, 2006 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth: Download full publication, executive summary, An Epidemic of Homelessness and Power Point presentation: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Nicholas Ray, www.nclrights.org/youth_pubs 2006
To order: Download full publication: Order online at www.cwla.org/pubs or www.thetaskforce.org/reports_and_research/homele call CWLA at 1-800-407-6273. ss_youth
26 www.lambdalegal.org LGBTQ Youth in Child Welfare: A Special Issue Promising Practices in Adoption and Foster of CWLA’s Child Welfare Journal Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Policies and Child Welfare League of America, 2006 Practices That Welcome, Affirm and Support Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Foster To order: and Adoptive Parents Order online at www.cwla.org/pubs/ or call CWLA Human Rights Campaign Foundation All Children – All at 1-800-407-6273. Families Initiative, 2007
Opening Doors for LGBTQ Youth in Foster To order: Care: A Guide for Lawyers and Judges Order online at www.hrc.org/issues/7609.htm American Bar Association, Laver & Khoury, 2008 The Equity Project: Ensuring Fairness & To order: Respect for LGBT Youth in the Justice System Call the ABA Service Center at 800-285-2221 or go The Equity Project Staff and Advisory Committee, to the ABA web-store at www.ababooks.org (ISBN: Resource CD, 2007 978-1-60442-073-9, ABA CATALOG #: 5490444). Download Resource CD - Table of Contents: Website: www.equityproject.org/pdfs/Table_of_Contents._Eq www.americanbar.org/groups/child_law/projects_in uity_Project_Resource_CD.summit.pdf itiatives/openingdoors/contactus.html To order Resource CD: Out of the Margins: A Report on Regional Send an email to [email protected] Listening Forums Highlighting the Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Youth in the Margins: A Report on the Unmet Questioning Youth in Care Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Child Welfare League of America and Lambda Legal Transgender Adolescents in Foster Care Defense & Education Fund, Woronoff, Estrada & Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund, et al., Sommer, 2006 Sullivan, Sommer & Moff, 2001
Download full publication: Download full publication: www.cwla.org/programs/culture/outofthemargins.pdf www.lambdalegal.org/publications/youth-in- the-margins To order (free of charge): Order online at www.lambdalegal.org/issues/youth- To order (Free of Charge): in-out-of-home-care/yohc-publications/order or Call Lambda Legal at 212-809-8585. call Lambda Legal at 212-809-8585.
Journal Articles
Rudy Estrada & Jody Marksamer, Lesbian, Gay, Nonheterosexual Youth: A National Longitudinal Study, Bisexual and Transgender Young People in State PEDIATRICS Jan. 1, 2008 (2008) Custody: Making the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems Safe for All Youth Through Litigation, Richard A. Hooks Wayman, Homeless Queer Youth: Advocacy, and Education, 79 Temp. L. Rev. 415 (2006) National Perspectives on Research, Best Practices, and Evidence-Based Interventions, 7 Seattle Soc. Just. 587 Barbara Fedders, Coming Out for Kids: Recognizing, (2008-2009) Respecting, and Representing LGBTQ Youth, 6 NEV. L. J. 774 (2006) Jeanne Howard and Madelyn Freundlich, Expanding Resources for Waiting Children II: Eliminating Legal & Kathryn E. W. Himmelstein, Hannah Bruckner, Practice Barriers to Gay & Lesbian Adoption from Criminal-Justice and School Sanctions Against
27 www.lambdalegal.org Foster Care, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute Caitlyn Silhan, The Present Case Does Involve Minors: (2008) An Overview of the Discriminatory Effects of Romeo and Juliet Provisions and Sentencing Practices of Lesbian, Ernst Hunter, What’s Good for the Gays Is Good for the Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth, 20 Law & Sex. Gander: Making Homeless Youth Housing Safer for 97 (2011) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth, Family Court Review Vol. 46, Iss. 3 (2008) Heather Squatriglia, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth in the Juvenile Justice System: Jody Marksamer, And by the Way, Do You Know He Incorporating Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Thinks He’s a Girl? The Failures of Law, Policy, and into the Rehabilitative Process, 14 Cardozo J.L. & Legal Representation for Transgender Youth in Juvenile Gender 793 (Summer, 2008) Delinquency Courts, Sexuality Res. & Soc. Pol’y, Mar. 2008 (2008) Colleen A. Sullivan, Kids, Courts and Queers: Lesbian and Gay Youth in the Juvenile Justice and Foster Care Michelle Rosenwald, A Glimpse Within: An Exploratory Systems, 6 Tul. J.L. & Sexuality 31 (1996) Study of Child Welfare Agencies’ Practices With LGBTQ Youth, Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social J. Lauren Turner, From the Inside Out: Calling on States Services, Vol. 21, Iss. 4 (2009) to Provide Medically Necessary Care to Transgender Youth in Foster Care, 47 Fam. Ct. Rev. 552 (July 2009) Caitlin Ryan et al., Family Rejection as a Predictor of Negative Health Outcomes in White and Latino Lesbian, Sarah E. Valentine, Traditional Advocacy for Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults, 123 (1) Pediatrics 346 Nontraditional Youth: Rethinking Best Interest for the (2008) Queer Child, MICH. ST. L. Rev 1053 (2008)
28 www.lambdalegal.org Project STRIPES
The Latin American Youth Center's Project STRIPES is a social outreach club for self-identifying Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (GLBTQ) youth. The goal of the program is to provide a safe supportive space for youth to engage in self-discovery and reflection. Participants will explore issues that affect GLTBQ youth, such as coming-out, embracing non-traditional gender roles, coping with and challenging homophobia, and engaging in healthy relationships.
In addition, Project STRIPES participants are trained to provide their peers with HIV, STI, pregnancy prevention education, and to raise community awareness around GLBTQ issues. Social events are used as a platform for innovative educational outreach campaigns. These events are youth-led and aim to normalize HIV and STI testing and safer sex practices.
Project STRIPES is a year-long program that accepts new participants on an on-going basis. During weekly meetings, program participants work to "earn their STRIPES" by demonstrating knowledge, skills, and competencies in each of the following core areas: Sharing, Taking Responsibility, Respect, Identity, Participation, Educational Achievement, and Self-acceptance (STRIPES).
Program Requirements Youth ages 11-24. Self-identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, or Questioning. Completion of program application. Interview with program staff member. Attend weekly club gatherings and participate in outreach events. Individuals should be interested in learning peer health education skills. Individuals should also be committed to participating in a year-long program. The Project STRIPES Social Outreach Club meets weekly at LAYC on Fridays from 4pm-6pm.
Participant Benefits Stipends for participation in the execution of outreach campaigns and events. Community Service Hours Linkage to prevention services and referrals to community resources as needed. Assistance with costs of transportation to and from group activities. Leadership skills development and experience in peer health education and community outreach. Field trips, group retreats, team-building activities, parties, and other social events. Opportunity to make new friends. Foods and snacks at weekly meetings.
Contact Information Tamara Marzouk, Youth Developer: 202-319-0422 http://www.layc-dc.org/index.php/project-stripes.html LOCAL LGBT RESOURCES FOR AGINGOUT SMYAL YOUTH
SMYAL: Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League www.smyal.org 410 7th Street SE Washington, DC 20003‐2707 Phone: 202.546.5940 TTY: 202.464.4548 Fax: 202.544.1306 Email for Youth: [email protected] Email for Supporters: [email protected]
Second Edition, November 2009
Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
Activism and Politics ...... 5 DC for Marriage ...... 5 Gay and Lesbian Activists' Alliance ...... 5 Gertrude Stein Democratic Club ...... 5 Human Rights Campaign ...... 5 Log Cabin Republicans – DC Chapter ...... 5 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force ...... 6 Servicemembers Legal Defense Network ...... 6
Arts and Performance ...... 6 CenterArts ...... 6 DC’s Different Drummers ...... 6 DC Lambda Squares ...... 6 GLBT Arts Consortium ...... 7 Hillwood Estate and Gardens ...... 7 Lesbian and Gay Chorus of Washington DC ...... 7 One in Ten ...... 7
Business and Career ...... 7 CAGLCC, Capital Area's LGBT Chamber of Commerce ...... 7 Career Development at the Center ...... 8 The Choice Inc...... 8 Diversity Services, Inc...... 8
Community, Shared Interest, and Social ...... 8 Brother Help Thyself ...... 8 Burgundy Crescent Volunteers ...... 8 Capital Pride ...... 9 DC Center ...... 9 Lambda Rising ...... 9 Lavender Book Club ...... 9 The New Gay ...... 9 OutWrite Author Series ...... 9 PFLAG of DC ...... 10
Page 2 of 20
Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
Rainbow Families DC ...... 10 Team DC ...... 10 Youth Pride Alliance ...... 10
Crime Prevention and Safety ...... 10 Arlington Gay and Lesbian Liaison Team ...... 10 DC Rape Crisis Center ...... 11 Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV) ...... 11 Metropolitan Police Department's Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU) ...... 11 Rainbow Response Coalition ...... 11
Government ...... 11 DC Government Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Affairs ...... 11
Health and Wellness ...... 12 Capital Roundup ...... 12 Crystal Meth Working Group ...... 12 DC Young Poz Socials ...... 12 Different Avenues ...... 12 Food and Friends ...... 12 Gay and Lesbian Medical Association ...... 13 GLBT National Help Center ...... 13 GLBT National Youth Talkline ...... 13 Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive (HIPS) ...... 13 HIV/AIDS Administration (DC Department of Health) ...... 13 HIV Working Group ...... 14 Lambda Center ...... 14 MetroTeenAids ...... 14 Planned Parenthood DC ...... 14 Tobacco Working Group ...... 14 Triangle Club ...... 14 Whitman‐Walker Clinic ...... 15
Media ...... 15 MetroWeekly ...... 15
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
Washington Blade ...... 15 WPFW, 89.3 FM ...... 15
Men ...... 16 Big Gay Book Group ...... 16 Bisexual Men's Association DC ...... 16 Black and White Men Together – DC ...... 16 Book Men DC ...... 16 DC Cowboys ...... 16 Gay District ...... 16 Gay Men's Chorus of Washington ...... 17
People of Color ...... 17 Asians and Friends Washington ...... 17 API Queers United for Action (AQUA) ...... 17 DC Black Pride ...... 17 DC Coalition ...... 17 Khush DC ...... 18 MetroWeekly News for Gay Latinos/as ...... 18 Us Helping Us (UHU) ...... 18
Religion and Spirituality ...... 18 DC LGBT‐Affirming Church Directory ...... 18 Dignity Washington ...... 18 Kurlander Program for Gay & Lesbian Outreach and Engagement (GLOE) ...... 18 MCC‐DC (Metropolitan Community Church) ...... 19
Transgender ...... 19 Capital Trans Pride ...... 19 DCATS: DC Area Transmasculine Society ...... 19 DC Trans Coalition ...... 19 Transgender Health Empowerment (T.H.E.) ...... 19
Women ...... 19 Asian Pacific Islander Queer Sisters ...... 19 Black Lesbian Support Group ...... 20
Page 4 of 20
Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
DC Kings ...... 20 Mautner Project ...... 20 My Sister's Place (MSP) ...... 20 SHECircle ...... 20 Women in Their Twenties (WITT) ...... 20
Activism and Politics
DC for Marriage Supports the legal recognition of marriage between same‐sex couples in the District of Columbia. Web: http://dcformarriage.blogspot.com Email: [email protected]
Gay and Lesbian Activists' Alliance Volunteer, non‐partisan, non‐profit advocacy organization founded in 1971, with a local Washington, D.C. focus. Web: http://www.glaa.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.667.5139
Gertrude Stein Democratic Club The voice of LGBT Democrats in the District of Columbia. Web: http://www.steindemocrats.org Email: [email protected]
Human Rights Campaign Headquartered in DC, the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. Web: http://www.hrc.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.628.4160
Log Cabin Republicans – DC Chapter Log Cabin DC is part of the national Log Cabin Republican effort to achieve fairness and equality for gay and lesbian individuals and families. Web: http://www.logcabin.org/logcabindc/home.html Email: [email protected]
Page 5 of 20
Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force DC‐based organization that strives to build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Web: http://www.ngltf.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.393.5177
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network DC‐based, non‐partisan, non‐profit, legal services, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). Provides free, confidential legal services to all those impacted by DADT and related discrimination. Web: http://www.sldn.org Phone: 202.328.3244 or 202.328.FAIR Email: [email protected]
Arts and Performance
CenterArts Provides a space for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender artists in the metropolitan DC area to share their work with our community. Web: http://www.thedccenter.org/programs_centerarts.html Email and Phone: See DC Center listing (Community, Shared Interest, and Social)
DC’s Different Drummers Washington, D.C. metropolitan area's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender music organization including the Capitol Pride Symphonic Band (CPSB), DC Swing! big band, Marching Band, Pep Band, and several small ensembles. Web: http://www.dcdd.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.269.4868
DC Lambda Squares DC's Lesbian and Gay Square Dance Club Web: http://www.dclambdasquares.org Email: [email protected]
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
GLBT Arts Consortium Voluntary collaboration of varied arts organizations from the Washington, DC metro area. The organizations run the gamut from choruses and bands, to painters, actors, dancers, and filmmakers. Web: http://www.geocities.com/dcglbtarts/index.html Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.547.4102
Hillwood Estate and Gardens One of the premier art collector's museums in the United States. Offers many programs catering to the LGBT community. Web: http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.686.8500
Lesbian and Gay Chorus of Washington DC 25‐voice, non‐audition, consensus‐based, community chorus. Features a broad repertoire of choral music that affirms social justice, gay and lesbian pride, cultural diversity, and humor. Web: http://www.lgcw.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.546.1549
One in Ten Hosts Reel Affirmations Film Festival, Pride Film Festival, nights of live comedy, educational museum‐ based programs, grant program to support filmmakers, and collaborations with other arts organizations to tell the stories of the GLBT community. Web: http://www.oneinten.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.986.1119
Business and Career
CAGLCC, Capital Area's LGBT Chamber of Commerce Formerly called PEN‐DC, this group brings together GLBT professionals who work in business, non‐profits or government in the metro DC area. Web: http://www.caglcc.org Email: [email protected]
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
Career Development at the Center Brings trained and experienced volunteer counselors to offer support with job searches, interviews skills, resume writing and individual career goal counseling. This service has been designed to serve the specific and individual needs of the GLBT Community. Web: http://www.thedccenter.org/programs_career.html Email and Phone: See DC Center listing (Community, Shared Interest, and Social)
The Choice Inc. Local, women‐owned staffing service facilitating temporary as well as permanent placements. Web: http://www.thechoiceinc.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.408.1700
Diversity Services, Inc. LBGT‐friendly temporary employment and staffing company. Web: http://www.diversity‐services.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.624.9797
Community, Shared Interest, and Social
Brother Help Thyself Community‐based foundation that provides financial and other support to non‐profit organizations serving the GLBTQ community in the Washington/Baltimore area. Web: http://www.brotherhelpthyself.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.347.2246
Burgundy Crescent Volunteers Provides volunteers for local and national gay and gay‐friendly community organizations in the Washington, DC area. Strives to provide social opportunities for volunteers. Web: http://www.burgundycrescent.org Email: [email protected]
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
Capital Pride Annual ten day event celebrating the spirit and strength in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities in Washington DC. Web: http://www.capitalpride.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.719.5304
DC Center The Metro DC GLBT Community Center Web: http://www.thedccenter.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.682.2245
Lambda Rising LGBT bookstore in Dupont Circle. Web: http://www.lambdarising.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.462.6969
Lavender Book Club Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning book discussion club in Washington, DC. Web: http://www.lavenderbookclub.com Email: [email protected]
The New Gay An Online Resource for Alternative Queer Events and Ideas Web: http://www.thenewgay.net Email: [email protected]
OutWrite Author Series Provides a space for GLBT authors to share and discuss their work with the community through book readings, lectures, and community discussions. Web: http://www.thedccenter.org/programs_outwrite.html Email and Phone: See DC Center listing (Community, Shared Interest, and Social)
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
PFLAG of DC Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays promotes the equality and well‐being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, their families and friends through support, education, and advocacy. Web: http://www.pflagdc.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.638.3852
Rainbow Families DC Organization for all LGBT parents/prospective parents and allies in the DC Metropolitan area.Sponsors social events, hosts educational workshops and conferences, and creates space for families to connect directly with each other. Web: http://www.rainbowfamiliesdc.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.747.0407
Team DC Official organization of gay sports teams in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland suburbs. Web: http://www.teamdc.org Email: [email protected]
Youth Pride Alliance Promotes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Ally youth empowerment to encourage positive self‐development and expression, as well as leadership, while bridging diverse communities and individuals to address issues of visibility, equality, and social justice. Web: http://www.youthpridedc.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.387.4141
Crime Prevention and Safety
Arlington Gay and Lesbian Liaison Team The Arlington County Police Department founded the GLLT to improve the relationship between the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) community and the Police Department. Web: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/Police/GLLT.aspx Email: [email protected] Phone: 703.228.4389 *DO NOT EMAIL OR USE THESE NUMBERS IN AN EMERGENCY – CALL 911*
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
DC Rape Crisis Center Dedicated to creating a world free of sexual violence. Helps survivors and their families heal from the aftermath of sexual violence through crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy. Offers non‐ judgmental support and counseling for LGBTQ identified survivors. Web: http://www.dcrcc.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.232.0789 (office), 202.333.RAPE (hotline)
Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV) Working to reduce violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals Web: http://thedccenter.org/programs_glov.html Email: [email protected]
Metropolitan Police Department's Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU) Staffed by openly gay, lesbian and transgender members of the department and their allies. Since its inception in June 2000, the GLLU has dedicated itself to serving the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) communities in the Washington Metropolitan area and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Web: http://www.gllu.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.727.5427 (voicemail), 877.495.5995(pager) *DO NOT EMAIL OR USE THESE NUMBERS IN AN EMERGENCY – CALL 911*
Rainbow Response Coalition Increases the awareness about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) amid the relationships of LGBTQ individuals, educating within the LGBTQ communities and beyond. Web: http://www.rainbowresponse.org Email: [email protected]
Government
DC Government Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Affairs The official LGBT office of the DC Government Web: http://www.lgbt.dc.gov Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.727.9493
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
Health and Wellness
Capital Roundup Provides recovery‐oriented services to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) recovering community of metropolitan DC. Convenes the annual Capital Roundup Recovery Conference, where people in all walks of recovery can come together to learn and grow in a safe and joyous atmosphere. Web: http://www.capitalroundup.org Email: [email protected]
Crystal Meth Working Group Provides information and resources that help people make informed choices about crystal meth. Web: http://www.letstalkaboutmeth.org Email and Phone: See contact information for DC Center, in Community and Social listings
DC Young Poz Socials Informal social group geared for Washington, D.C. area HIV‐positive guys in their 20s and 30s. Activities include parties, picnics, sporting events, hiking, theatre outings and other recreational and social events. Web: http://www.dcyngpozsocials.com Email: [email protected]
Different Avenues Works for the health, rights and safety of youth and young adults affected by violence, HIV and discrimination. Prioritizes the peer leadership of people from these communities, including those who are homeless, engaging in sexual exchange, transgender, lesbian, bisexual or gay. Web: http://www.differentavenues.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.829.2103
Food and Friends Fosters a community caring for men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life‐ challenging illnesses by preparing and delivering specialized meals and groceries in conjunction with nutrition counseling. Web: http://www.foodandfriends.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.269.2277
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association World's largest and oldest association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) health care professionals. Not DC‐based, but provider directory (on website) includes DC listings. Web: http://www.glma.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 415.255.4547
GLBT National Help Center National hotline (800‐THE‐GLNH) providing peer counseling, information, and assistance with other resources available to gay and lesbian teens. Web: http://www.glnh.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 888.THE.GLNH (888.843.4564)
GLBT National Youth Talkline National hotline (800‐246‐PRIDE) providing telephone and email peer‐counseling, as well as information and resources for teens and young adults up to age 25 about coming‐out issues, relationship concerns, parent issues, school problems, HIV/AIDS anxiety and safer‐sex information. Web: http://www.glnh.org/talkline Email: info@GLBTNationalHelpCenter Phone: 800.246.PRIDE (800.246.7743)
Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive (HIPS) Assists female, male, and transgender individuals engaging in sex work in Washington, DC in leading healthy lives. Web: http://www.hips.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.232.8304
HIV/AIDS Administration (DC Department of Health) Partners with health and community‐based organizations to provide HIV/AIDS prevention and care services to District and Washington area eligible residents. Services include medical support, HIV counseling and testing, data and information on HIV/AIDS programs and services as well as on the impact of HIV/AIDS on the community, education, information, referrals, and intervention services. Web: http://doh.dc.gov/doh (for direct link, search for “DC HIV Administration”) Phone: 202.671.4900
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
HIV Working Group Volunteer driven HIV/AIDS outreach, education, and advocacy initiative of The DC Center. 1 in 20 District residents is living with HIV/AIDS. Web: http://www.fighthivindc.org and http://www.thedccenter.org/programs_fighthivindc.html Email and Phone: See DC Center listing (Community, Shared Interest, and Social)
Lambda Center Provides in‐patient and intensive out‐patient mental health and addiction treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults. Web: http://www.psychinstitute.com/inpatient_services/lambda_center.cfm Phone: 202.885.5600
MetroTeenAids Community health organization dedicated to supporting young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Seeks volunteers for Street Outreach Volunteer Corps, talking to youth about safe sex and HIV/AIDS. Web: http://www.metroteenaids.org Phone: 202.543.8246
Planned Parenthood DC Provides high‐quality, affordable healthcare to women, men, and teens in the Metropolitan Washington DC area. Web: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppmw Phone: 202.347.8500
Tobacco Working Group Works to raise awareness about how smoking impacts the GLBT community and people living with HIV/AIDS in DC; and provide support for individuals who are ready to quit smoking. Web: http://www.thedccenter.org/programs_tobacco.html Email: [email protected] Phone: See DC Center listing (Community, Shared Interest, and Social)
Triangle Club Provides a physically safe, properly maintained facility where LGBT recovery persons may hold meetings in accordance with the 12‐Steps and 12‐Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. Web: http://www.triangleclub.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.659.8641
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
WhitmanWalker Clinic Provides culturally sensitive, compassionate health care and supportive services to gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender individuals. Services include HIV / STD testing, peer support groups, primary health care, and counseling. All services free / sliding scale. Includes specific programs for transgender people, lesbians, and gay men. Services available in Spanish. Web: http://www.wwc.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.939.7690
Media
MetroWeekly Washington's LGBT newsmagazine. Guide to lesbian news, gay DC bars, arts, entertainment, clubs, and events in Washington. Website includes extensive directory of LGBT organizations. Web: http://www.metroweekly.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.638.6830
Washington Blade Weekly LGBT newspaper for DC. Offers local and world news, entertainment, classifieds, free personals, and an events calendar for the gay and lesbian community. Web: http://www.washblade.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.797.7000
WPFW, 89.3 FM DC radio station dedicated to programming which reflects progressive social change and democracy. Continues and furthers a global, humanistic, and futuristic approach to news, public affairs, the creative arts and cultural programming. Web: http://www.wpfw.org Phone: 202.588.0999
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
Men
Big Gay Book Group Group of guys who socialize and chat about the book selection and other topics. To join, just come to our next event. Anyone who is interested in reading gay literature and chatting is welcome. Affiliated with Lambda Rising. Web: http://www.biggaybookgroup.com Email: [email protected]
Bisexual Men's Association DC Source of resources, events, and programs for bisexual men in the District. Web: http://groups.google.com/group/bima‐dc Email: [email protected]
Black and White Men Together – DC Multi‐racial organization dedicated to providing a supportive environment for gay men to work together to understand racial and cultural differences and celebrate diversity. Web: http://dc.nabwmt.org Email: [email protected]
Book Men DC Informal group of men who are interested in gay literature (both fiction and non‐fiction). Web: http://www.bookmendc.blogspot.com Email: [email protected]
DC Cowboys 20‐member, all‐male, all‐volunteer, performing arts organization for gay men in the Washington, DC– metropolitan area. Web: http://www.dccowboys.org Email: [email protected]
Gay District Non‐profit, community‐based organization focused on building understanding of gay culture and personal identity, awareness of community events and civil rights for gay, bi, trans, queer and questioning (GBTQQ) men between the ages of 18 to 35. Facilitated discussion groups every Friday evening. (Formerly 20s Group.) Web: http://www.gaydistrict.org or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/twentiesgroupdc/
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington Strives to affirm the gay experience and promotes a culture of diversity through musical and performance excellence. Web: http://www.gmcw.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.293.1548
People of Color
Asians and Friends Washington Providing gay Asians and non‐Asians a wide variety of social, cultural, and educational activities. Web: http://www.afwashington.net Email: [email protected]
API Queers United for Action (AQUA) All‐volunteer organization empowering gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning men in the Asian and Pacific Islander community in the metro Washington, DC area. Web: http://www.aqua‐dc.org Email: [email protected]
DC Black Pride Building awareness of and pride in the diversity of the Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Web: http://www.dcblackpride.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.737.5767
DC Coalition Oldest Black LGBT political, educational and social organization in the country. Seeks to promote the needs and aspirations and celebrate the identity of Black Lesbian, Gay Male, Bisexual and Transgender Persons in the DC metropolitan area. Web: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DCCOALITION78 Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.609.7509
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
Khush DC Social, support and political group that provides a safe and supportive environment, promotes awareness and acceptance, and fosters positive cultural and sexual identity for LGBTQ gender South Asians in the DC area. Web: http://www.khushdc.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.518.2265
MetroWeekly News for Gay Latinos/as Online guide to GLBT latino/a life in the DC area. Web: http://www.metroweekly.com/community/latino
Us Helping Us (UHU) Specializes in HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care services for black gay and bisexual men. Web: http://www.uhupil.org Phone: 202.446.1100
Religion and Spirituality
DC LGBTAffirming Church Directory Listing of Catholic, Protestant, and non‐denominational LGBT‐welcoming churches in the DC area. Web: http://www.gaychurch.org/Find_a_Church/united_states/us_district_of_columbia.htm
Dignity Washington Community of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Catholics and other Christians, and families and friends. Web: http://www.dignitywashington.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.546.2235
Kurlander Program for Gay & Lesbian Outreach and Engagement (GLOE) Provides social, cultural, educational and public policy programming that speaks to issues, interests, choices and concerns of the Washington DC gay and lesbian Jewish community. Web: http://www.washingtondcjcc.org/social‐networks/gloe Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.777.3253
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
MCCDC (Metropolitan Community Church) Christian church with a special ministry to Gay men, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgendered people. Web: http://www.mccdc.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.638.7373
Transgender
Capital Trans Pride Official full‐day Capital Pride event, celebrating the Washington DC metro area Transgender community. Web: http://www.capitaltranspride.org Email: [email protected]
DCATS: DC Area Transmasculine Society Peer‐facilitated social and support group in the DC area for anyone on the transmasculine spectrum. We are persons born or assigned female at birth and feel that this is an inaccurate or incomplete description of who we are today. Web: http://www.dcatsinfo.org/ Email: [email protected]
DC Trans Coalition United to improve the lives of trans people in our nation's capital. Web: http://dctc.squarespace.com Phone: 202.917.0446
Transgender Health Empowerment (T.H.E.) Enhancing the quality of life of diverse transgender populations by advocating for and supporting a continuum of health and social services. Web: http://www.theincdc.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.636.1646
Women
Asian Pacific Islander Queer Sisters Organization for queer API sisters in the Washington DC metropolitan area, focusing on education, community, and sisterhood. Web: http://www.apiqsdc.org
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Nov. 2009 Local Resources for Aging‐Out SMYAL Youth
Black Lesbian Support Group Provides a positive medium through which black lesbians and bisexual women may communicate with one another. Web: http://www.blsg.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.797.3593
DC Kings Avant‐garde performance‐art troupe of 60+ members located in and around Washington, DC. Began in 2000 as a drag king troupe. Have since incorporated several other forms of performers that otherwise had limited venues available. Web: http://www.dckings.com Email: [email protected]
Mautner Project National lesbian health organization, based in DC. Web: http://www.mautnerproject.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 202.332.5536
My Sister's Place (MSP) Shelter for battered women and their children. Web: http://www.mysistersplacedc.org Phone: Office, 202.529.5261, Hotline, 202.529.5991
SHECircle National, DC‐based wellness community by and for African American lesbian and bisexual women. Web: http://www.shecircle.org Phone: 202.332.5536 (c/o the Mautner Project)
Women in Their Twenties (WITT) Social discussion group for lesbian, bisexual, transgender & other interested women in Washington, DC. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month. Web: http://www.womenintheir20s.org Email: [email protected]
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68348_HDS_Layout 1 4/12/10 4:54 PM Page 1
What to Expect
Coming Out? Communicate Permanency
Your Rights Equal Treatment Safety RESPECT LGBTQ Identity Opening DOOrs: imprOving the LegaL system’s apprOach tO LgBtQ yOuth in FOster care 68348_HDS_Layout 1 4/12/10 4:54 PM Page 2 68348_HDS_Layout 1 4/12/10 4:54 PM Page 3
Opening DOOrs: imprOving the LegaL system’s apprOach tO LgBtQ yOuth in FOster care
Contents Introduction 3 An Overview of Your Child Welfare Case 4 Your Placement 8 Your Rights While in Placement 13 Your Permanency Plan 19 Your Life After Foster Care 22 68348_HDS_Layout 1 4/12/10 4:54 PM Page 2
ou have the right to remain no matter how dysfunctional. I was told Krishna Desai silent, and that anything you say I was different, even sick, because I was AUTHOR may be used against you in court; confused about my sexuality. Even Mimi Laver and Andrea Khoury you have the right to consult with among friends who knew I was a gay, PROJECT DIRECTORS Yan attorney and to have that attorney it was not discussed. If it was discussed, Claire Chiamulera present during questioning, and that, if it was done in hushed tones and vague EDITOR you cannot afford one, an attorney will language. In foster care, I needed to Hasten Design Studio, Inc. be provided at no cost to represent you. know I was ok. Washington, DC DESIGNER
I bet you know that set of rights, you We rainbow foster kids need to know we have seen them on TV, the movies, and are not broken. In foster care, they tried maybe even had them read to you. to cure me. What a simple thing it would Copyright ©2010 American Bar Association You must now also learn about another have been to understand then what I do ISBN 978-1-60442- 924-4
set of rights that you have as a young now—I’m not alone, I’m ok, and it’s ok to This publication was made possible through a grant from an person, who happens to be LGBTQ and be different. If you have not heard it yet, anonymous donor. It was produced by the ABA Center on Children and the Law’s Opening Doors: Improving the Legal System’s in foster care. You should understand you are not alone, you are ok. Approach to LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care Project, what to expect while in the child http://new.abanet.org/child/Pages/lgbtq.aspx welfare system and how you should The pages that follow empower you to The views expressed herein have not been approved by the House be treated. It is important for you to take control of your life. Pursue your of Delegates or the Board of Governors of the American Bar Associ- know you are not alone. happiness, but know your rights. ation and, accordingly, should not be construed as representing the policy of the American Bar Association or the anonymous donor.
As a foster kid in care, I never felt more H. J. David Ambroz, Esq. The resource boxes that appear throughout this publication were adapted from material by T h e Safe Schools Coalition, alone. I was placed in the system, away Executive Director www.safeschoolscoalition.org/RG-homeless.html. from my family support network, Los Angeles City College Foundation
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Desai, Krishna. It’s your life : improving the legal system’s approach to LGBTQ youth in foster care / by Krishna Desai ; editor, Claire Chiamulera. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 1-60442-924-0 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Foster children--Legal status, laws, etc.--United States. 2. Sexual minority youth--Legal status, laws, etc.--United States. 3. Legal assistance to children--United States. I. Sandt, Claire. II. Title. KF3736.5.D47 2010 344.7303’2733--dc22 2010014210
2 IT’S YOUR LIFE 68348_HDS_R1_Layout 1 4/19/10 5:13 PM Page 3
Your Rights Support YOUR NEEDS LGBTQ Protection INTRODUCTION
If you are a young adult in foster care, Even if your identity as LGBTQ is This handbook: your parents may not be able to take unrelated to your placement, biases and n gives you the tools and support to care of you right now or you may have attitudes may affect your experience in make the best of your experience in had a breakdown in your relationship. the child welfare system and complicate the child welfare system; This may not be a permanent problem. the process of locating a safe and nur- During your time in the child welfare turing placement. However, locating n explains your rights, not only system, you and your parents will work such a placement remains the top goal as a young adult but also as a on repairing your relationship. In time for every child welfare professional. LGBTQ individual;
you may leave the system and reunite Figuring out the best way to reach n explains what you can expect with your family. Sometimes you may this goal may be hard for the adults in from the child welfare professionals spend a longer time in care or you may charge of you. This may discourage you. you meet; exit the system through adoption, The foster care system can be over- helps you determine if guardianship, or emancipation. whelming or confusing at first, espe- n child welfare professionals cially if you are trying to integrate your are meeting your needs and The child welfare system provides one identity as LGBTQ into your daily life. respecting you; and thing to all young adults: a safe place to No one expects you to know what you live, learn, and grow. This is true for all want and exactly how to get it. But if n helps you protect your rights by young adults, including lesbian, gay, you understand the process better, you explaining who you can turn to if bisexual, transgender or questioning can help your child welfare team figure your rights are violated and what (LGBTQ) young adults. Child welfare out what is best for you. steps to take. professionals have the same goal for all The next section overviews the child young adults: providing the best care welfare system, introduces the people and education possible for as long as you may meet while in out-of-home it is needed. care, and explains the possible outcomes If you identify as LGBTQ, your iden- of this process. Later sections include tity may or may not have played a role in information on your placement, your bringing you into the child welfare sys- rights to personal freedom and safety tem. LGBTQ rights are increasingly being in your placement, and tools and recognized and people who identify as strategies for enforcing those rights. LGBTQ are experiencing greater accept- The last section provides guidance on ance and support. However, homophobia, PHOTO life after foster care. sexism, and transphobia can still create friction in your personal relationships and this friction may result in your placement in the child welfare system.
INTRODUCTION 3 68348_HDS_Layout 1 4/12/10 4:54 PM Page 4
Emancipation Advocates FOSTER PARENTS Placement Options CASEWORKER AN OVERVIEW OF YOUR CHILD WELFARE CASE
Step One: Primary Contact
You probably have many questions When someone in the community Court/Judge right now. What is happening? Where reports that you may have been abused, The judge decides what is best for you am I going? Who are these people? neglected, or abandoned by someone and your well-being. The judge will lis- What happens next? The answers vary responsible for your health or welfare, ten to all sides of the story at the court depending on where you live, your age, a caseworker from your state’s child hearing and then pick the best course of and your personal circumstances. welfare agency will start an investiga- action. If you are not brought to court, Although each child welfare agency tion. This person will interview various find out why and ask to be present at has its own practices, procedures, people in your life to understand the the hearings. To get the full story, the and terms, they all follow the same situation and then make a recommen- judge will also want to hear from you general steps. Here’s a look at the dation. This investigation may last one and understand what you think is best key phases of the process and the day or many weeks depending on the for you. This does not mean the judge people you will meet. agency’s schedule, the number of peo- will do exactly what you want, but it is ple involved, and the seriousness of the important for you to tell the judge claim. You will meet many new people. what you want. If you are uncomfortable telling PEOPLE YOU MAY MEET the judge what you want in the court- Caseworker/Social Worker room, try to write your thoughts down A caseworker or social worker repre- and read them or simply give them to sents the child welfare agency in your the judge. This can be scary at first, county or state. This person is in charge especially in a courtroom. But after a of the initial investigation. The case- few times, you will become more famil- worker will ask you about your life at iar with each other and the situation. home and your relationship with your In most cases, you will have an advocate parents. Throughout this process, you who will help you talk with the judge. can contact this person with any Some of these advocates are questions or concerns. described next.
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Advocates How can I best work with my advocate? FOSTER PARENTS Throughout the process you may meet TIPS many types of advocates. It is important ➤ Get your advocate’s name, number, and e-mail address. to know what kind of advocate you have ➤ Contact your advocate within the first two weeks if he doesn’t contact you. because this may affect whether your ➤ Ask your advocate what her role is — whether she’ll keep your conversations are private. It also im- conversations private, and whether she will advocate for what you want pacts whether your advocate pursues or what she thinks is best for you. what you want or what the advocate ➤ Contact your advocate whenever you have a question about your case. thinks is best for you. If you are not sure, ask your advocate or caseworker ➤ If your advocate doesn’t call you back, call again. If your advocate still to explain her role in your case. doesn’t call you, tell your social worker that you want to ask the judge for another advocate. Advocates include: ➤ Be honest with your advocate. Lawyer: A lawyer is a professional legal ➤ If you feel comfortable, disclose your LGBTQ identity. advocate. This person’s job varies from state to state and county to county. In ➤ Tell your advocate what you want in a placement, school, social supports, and anything else you want. many states your lawyer will represent what you want to the court and the ➤ If you have problems with school or in your placement, call your advocate.
child welfare agency. Your lawyer will ➤ Always go to court with your advocate. make sure the judge and the child wel- fare professionals know what you want to happen. Conversations you have with your lawyer are privileged. That means Step Two: Initial Placement anything you discuss with your lawyer is confidential and may not be shared If the caseworker determines that your welfare agency generally conducts without your permission. life or well-being is in danger, then the background checks on these people and agency will ask a judge for help. The requires them to attend special train- Guardian ad Litem (GAL): In some judge will hold a hearing and everyone ings about being foster parents. They places, instead of a lawyer you will have involved in your case will explain their will participate in your case planning a GAL. A GAL evaluates your situation point of view. At the hearing the judge and help you achieve any goals you may and reports to the court what the GAL decides whether you will stay in your set. They will also work with the agency believes is in your best interest. Some- current living situation or be placed into to help you adjust to life in their home. times this person is also a lawyer. foster care. This is called a court-ordered Each foster family is unique. You Conversations with your GAL may not placement. Sometimes agencies also may have a single foster parent or you be kept confidential. Discuss this with offer voluntary placements. This is a may live with a family with children of your GAL before you share any service for families only when they their own. You may meet these people information you do not want repeated. agree they cannot care for their chil- right away if there is an opening or it dren for a period of time. For example, may take time to find a good fit. Court Appointed Special Advocate a parent may ask for a voluntary place- (CASA): A CASA is a volunteer from the ment if the parent is in the hospital and Residential/Group Home Staff community, appointed by a judge. A no one else can care for their child. A group home is a place where several CASA helps the court make decisions in young people live. You may have your PEOPLE YOU MAY MEET your case. Even though CASAs are usu- own room or share a room with other ally not trained as lawyers, they receive Foster Parents or Family young adults. Some states have group training from a state program or agency These are the people you will live with homes specifically for LGBTQ young and have experience helping young while your family gets help to fix the adults. If you are placed in a residential adults go through the child welfare problem that led the child welfare facility, the staff at the facility will be re- system and out-of-home care. agency to get involved. The child sponsible for your safety and well-being.
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Step Three: Case Plan
To best meet your needs throughout hold regular hearings to help update about your situation and can help your time in foster care, your case- everyone on your case’s progress and you or your parents achieve the case worker will develop a plan for you and status while you are in foster care. plan goals. These professionals have your family. The case plan will outline If everything goes according to attended college or some other educa- the goals for you and your parents. It plan and the situation gets better you tional program that qualifies them to should identify a primary goal and a might return to your family. However, deal with specific issues. Each profes- secondary goal in case the first one if you cannot return home, the case- sional has her own skill set. If she can- is not met. This is called concurrent worker, court, and other professionals not assist with a specific problem, she planning. The case plan helps everyone will identify a permanent placement can help identify someone who can. understand the goals and the best way for you. This may include adoption, Some service providers specialize in to meet them. It also includes steps your guardianship, placement with a relative, LGBTQ-friendly practices. If you feel caretakers must take to show the or another planned permanent living comfortable asking to work with such agency they can care for you. The plan arrangement within the child welfare a provider, ask your caseworker. may include counseling for you, your system. Each option will involve Service providers include: parents, or all of you together. It may additional court hearings and n Therapists/counselors also involve drug and alcohol counseling formal proceedings. n Medical professionals or rehabilitation, and parenting classes. PEOPLE YOU MAY MEET n Independent living counselors This plan is not set in stone and will n Drug and alcohol be revised as each person learns more Service Providers rehabilitation counselors about you and your family, and as your These professionals provide services parents work towards changing the cur- and supports required in the case plan. rent situation. The agency or judge will They may have attended a meeting
Step Four: Permanent Placement or Emancipation
Every case is different and so is every Foster care can be challenging, outcome. This makes it hard to predict especially if you are also beginning to exactly what will happen in your case. Reunified explore your LGBTQ identity. No matter 50 You may reunite with your family. You how hard these processes may be, both
may go on to live with relatives or in a 40 young adults in foster care and LGBTQ residential facility. If you are emanci- young adults go on to live rich and ex- pated, you will live on your own and be 30 citing lives. These Web sites offer more treated as an adult under the law. information on foster care and LGBTQ
20 Adopted Sometimes you may become frustrated Living with Relative/Guardian young adults in foster care. Your lawyer with the system or your placement. and caseworker can help you envision Emancipated 10 When this happens, you must speak Other your life both during and after foster up to avoid falling off the radar. care. With their help you can begin 0 The following chart shows possible working towards that life today. outcomes and how often they occur: Possible Outcomes for Youth in Foster Care 2006 in percentages www.FosterClub.com
Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway. “Foster Care Statistics, Series: Numbers and Trends,” 2009, available at www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/ www.ChildWelfare.gov factsheets/foster.cfm.
www.glsen.org
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Step Five: Case Closure
Foster care is not permanent. At some Regardless of how you exit care, For more resources point you will no longer need to be in you should have a stable, safe adult on issues discussed foster care. Your caseworker will evalu- in your life that you trust. This person in the book: ate if your case plan has been success- may be a family member, friend, fully implemented. At all times, your mentor, coach, teacher or someone ABA Opening Doors Project Web Site safety and well-being remain the most else. This person will be there for http://new.abanet.org/child/Pages/lgbtq.youth.aspx important goal. To ensure this goal is you to celebrate when things are met your caseworker will evaluate if the good and help you when things are Explore the online version of It’s Your Life. Here you will find the tools and resources to problems that brought you into foster not so good. This person must also help you make sense of your journey care have been solved. The caseworker support your sexual orientation and through the child welfare system: will make sure you are no longer in gender identity. These relationships n what to expect while you are in the child danger and that all solutions will are the key to a successful transition welfare system be permanent. to adulthood. n who can help you—the judge, your If your caregivers have proven they lawyer, your social worker and others can resume taking care of you, you will n the stages of your child welfare case, go back to your original home. Your from the time you enter care through case may also be closed because you placement or life on your own
are being adopted or have found some n how to advocate for yourself other permanent living arrangement as n where to turn for help, whether you’ve an adult. Even in these situations, your left home, are being harassed at school, caseworker and advocate will make or are not being valued for who you are sure you will be safe and well-adjusted in your new placement. In some states, even after you are too old for foster care, there may be added resources to help you transition to adulthood. Discuss these options with your caseworker.
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Nondiscrimination IdentityRESOURCES COMING OUT YOUR Protection PLACEMENT Before Placement Your stay in foster care may last a Child welfare professionals consider few weeks or a few years. This will many things when determining the best depend on what the agency and court fit for each young adult. If you have determine is in your best interest. strong preferences or opinions on your This is the point of the whole process— placement, tell your caseworker or identifying your best interest, then advocate. The checklist below shows working to achieve that goal. This the criteria the Michigan Department of includes providing you with physical Human Services considers when deciding and emotional support as well as the best placement for each young adult. limits and boundaries. If you have TALKING WITH YOUR ADVOCATE concerns about your placement, OR CASEWORKER tell your social worker or lawyer. Tell your caseworker or advocate what PICKING THE BEST PLACEMENT you think would be a good placement. Child welfare agencies place young This part of the process often happens adults in many different settings. In quickly, so be prepared to communicate special circumstances, placements your concerns and preferences, even if include emergency shelters, child care your caseworker or advocate forgets to institutions, or residential care. The ask you. Are there family members or graph to the left shows how many adults with whom you feel comfortable? young adults were living in each type of Your relationship with these adults may make one of them an ideal placement. Placement Settings placement across the nation in 2006: Where you live often determines where for Youth in Foster Care 2006 in percentages you attend school; so be sure to share n Non-Relative Foster Family Homes 46% any concerns about staying in the same n Relative Foster Homes 24% n Institutions 10% How do they determine your placement? school and continuing your involvement n Group Homes 7% ➤ Stability for you in any extracurricular activities. n Trial Home Visits 5% n Preadoptive Homes 3% ➤ Your safety, and physical and emotional needs Unlike your family or school his- n Runaway 2% ➤ Availability of your close relatives and extended family tory, your caseworker may not think to Supervised Independent Living 1% n ➤ Distance from your family ask about your LGBTQ identity. However, ➤ Your siblings’ placement Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway. this part of your identity is important in “Foster Care Statistics, Series: NumbersRelative and Foster Homes ➤ Your religious preference evaluating your placement. So, if it is Trends,” 2009, available at www.childwelfare.gov/24% ➤ Allowing the most freedom Non Relative pubs/factsheets/foster.cfm. not already clear from your reasons for Foster Family Homes ➤ Protecting the continuity of your relationships 46% coming into foster care, you may choose with friends, teachers, etc. to disclose your LGBTQ identity. Source: Michigan Department of Human Services
Institutions 8 IT’S YOUR LIFE 10%
Group Homes 7%
Trial Home Visits 5% Preadoptive Homes 3% Runaway 2% Supervised Independent Living 1%
Relative Foster Homes 24%
Non Relative Foster Family Homes 46%
Institutions 10%
Group Homes 7%
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Should you disclose your LGBTQ identity?
TIPSDisclosing your LGBTQ status is your choice. Your sexual orientation is pri- vate information even as you rely on public resources for support. If you feel comfortable discussing your LGBTQ status with your caseworker or advocate it may help them find a good fit for you. You may also discuss it with either person and ask that they try to find a suitable placement without disclosing NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY your LGBTQ identity. Note that while the law may not require all of these One way to determine how much people to keep this information private, it does require your lawyer to. support you will receive in an organization or placement is to look If you do not feel comfortable talking about your LGBTQ identity, no one at its nondiscrimination policy. If can make you disclose it. But you may still be able to find an acceptable the organization has a policy of placement by asking the questions in the next section and looking for nondiscrimination for its employees, signs of open and nurturing placements for LGBTQ young adults. then it is likely it will treat you fairly. ➤ Ask your caseworker if the child welfare agency has a nondiscrimi- nation policy for foster parents.
➤ If you are being placed in a resi- THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A PLACEMENT While child welfare professionals dential facility or group home, ask can ensure your safety, your comfort your caseworker if the home has When searching for an appropriate is more subjective. You should help a nondiscrimination policy. If not, ask for a different placement. placement remember the state is re- decide where you will feel most com- sponsible for your health and well-being fortable. Ask the child welfare profes- while you are in the child welfare sionals questions and evaluate the system. Child welfare professionals potential placement on your own. ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY are legally responsible for protecting To understand how the group home OR BULLYING POLICY you from emotional, psychological, and views LGBTQ young adults, look at its physical harm while in out-of-home history, the caretaker’s attitudes, and Bullying is repeated behavior that harms or disturbs the victim. care. This includes protecting you from any official policies. In group home It includes physical (hitting, shoving), abuse based on your LGBTQ identity. settings, staff attitudes tell a lot be- verbal (threats, teasing, insults) or psychological (spreading rumors) In addition to being safe, your cause the young adults who live there abuse. placement should be comfortable. often follow the staff’s lead. 70% of LGBTQ young adults in group homes reported experiencing some form of violence based on their sexuality. What questions should you ask about your placement? Many states have policies against such behavior in schools or require You may ask the following questions of your lawyer or advocate, caseworker, TIPS schools to pass such policies. potential caretakers, or residential facility staff. Ask them in person, or if you Depending on where you go to school feel you may forget some concerns, take a written list to your next meeting. you may enjoy this protection. Ask These questions come from actual experiences of LGBTQ young adults in your advocate or caseworker if your potential placement has a policy foster care. like that. Ask if the policy includes sexual orientation or other issues 1. Does the placement have any experience with LGBTQ young adults? you find important to your safety. 2. Are there currently any other LGBTQ young adults in the placement? 3. Do the caretakers, staff, or other young adults in the home receive training or instruction on LGBTQ inclusiveness? 4. Are there any LGBTQ-inclusive signs or posters displayed in the
common areas such as rainbow flags or hate-free zone stickers? Source: Susan Daugherty. Bullying and Children 5. How many staff members identify as LGBTQ? in the Child Welfare System, 2007, 1. Available 6. Does the agency use LGBTQ-friendly service providers? at www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp/ downloads/bullying.pdf 7. Does the placement have a nondiscrimination or bullying policy? (See Nondiscrimination Policy and Anti-Harassment Policy or Bullying Policy boxes for more detail.) 8. Does the residential placement restrict a young adult’s clothing choices or discussions about sexual orientation? 9. What is the official policy on religious beliefs and practices? 10. Are there any social functions or support groups specifically for LGBTQ young adults?
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If you are experiencing harassment, discrimination or violence
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund Provides legal advice and support for people experiencing sexual orientation-based harassment and other discrimination. 120 Wall Street, Suite 1500 New York, NY 10005-3904 212/809-8585 www.lambdalegal.org
National Center for Lesbian Rights Protects the rights and safety of lesbians and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, free Being in Care as a LGBTQ Young Adult legal advice, and public education. Its There are various reasons you may be first. The level of nurturance and support Youth Project advocates for lesbian youth in schools, foster care, juvenile in foster care. These include threats to you first experience is not final; your justice settings, and the mental your physical or emotional safety due family’s attitude may improve with time. health system. to abuse or neglect by your caregivers. Your family’s culture, heritage, and 870 Market Street, Suite 570 This abuse or neglect may or may not religious background may play a role San Francisco, CA 94102 have anything to do with your LGBTQ when they are learning to accept you as 415/392-6257 identity. You may have been thrown LGBTQ. Young adults from traditional www.nclrights.org out of your home, or you may have families and conservative cultures have National Coalition of decided to leave your home because of reported social pressure to conform to Anti-Violence Programs this abuse. You may already be in care stereotypes based on both sexual and Works to end violence against and and are beginning to embrace your racial identity. Cultures that expect boys within the LGBT and HIV-affected communities. LGBTQ identity. This section discusses to be macho may view homosexuality the avenues into care and how they as rejecting heterosexuality and racial 240 West 35th Street, Suite 200 may affect your experience in the identity. This can be difficult for some New York, NY 10001 212/714-1184 foster care system. families to process. No matter what is http://ncavp.org at the root of their bias, as your family THE ROLE OF YOUR LGBTQ IDENTITY works through its issues, they must Transgender Law and Policy Institute IN ENTERING CARE continue to adequately care for and Advocates for transgender equality Abuse and Neglect through law and policy reforms. support you and are not allowed to hurt www.transgenderlaw.org There are various stages in the coming- you for being honest about your iden- out process ranging from initial per- tity. When they are unable to provide sonal discovery to complete acceptance you this basic care, foster care will HOTLINE and integration. The further you travel provide a safe place while your family through these stages the more open learns to treat you with the love and you will become with your friends and Foster Care Helpline respect you deserve. 866-LGBTeen (542-8336) family. No matter what stage you are in, Call this hotline if you have questions it is important to understand that you LEAVING OR BEING KICKED OUT DUE about LGBTQ-related discrimination are not responsible for any negative ac- TO YOUR LGBTQ IDENTITY or abuse. tions taken against you when you share As an LGBTQ young adult, disclosing It is staffed Monday-Friday, your LGBTQ identity. your sexual orientation to your family 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time), Many parents, siblings, and family can be challenging. In addition to possi- 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). members have difficulty accepting or sup- You may leave messages 24-hours a day. ble violence and harassment at home, porting a young adult’s LGBTQ identity at you may also face multiple placements
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and discrimination while in foster care. This may cause you to want to leave your family WHAT TO READ or the child welfare system. Many LGBTQ young adults end up homeless after leaving Homeless & Runaway LGBTQ Youth their families or the child welfare system. Being Safe, Being Out: Helping LGBTQ Youth in Crisis A brochure describing how the National Runaway Switchboard LGBTQ YOUNG ADULTS can help LGBTQ youth who are in crisis. AND HOMELESSNESS www.1800runaway.org/pub_mat/documents/LGBTQ.pdf LGBTQ young adults represent approximately 20-40% of all home- Challenges Faced by Homeless Sexual Minorities: Comparison of Gay, less young adults, even though they Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Homeless Adolescents with Their make up a much smaller percentage Heterosexual Counterparts of the young adult population. A study in the American Journal of Pubic Health focusing on how LGBT youth differ from heterosexual youth in terms of their physical and mental health. Homeless youth Homeless LGBTQ young adults face a much more challenging and dangerous who identified themselves as members of sexual minority groups were found to be at life than young adults in care. They increased risk for negative outcomes. Recommendations for treatment programs and experience higher rates of substance implications for public health are discussed. abuse and mental health issues, and www.ajph.org/cgi/reprint/92/5/773.pdf are seven times more likely to be victims of crimes than their heterosexual peers. Let’s Talk—The Runaway Prevention Curriculum For more information, see: Module 12—Sexuality and Sexual Orientation www.NationalTaskForce.org Part of a curriculum by the National Runaway Switchboard, this lesson plan looks at the link between sexual orientation and running away, raises sensitivity to issues of sexuality and sexual orientation, and explores challenges experienced by LGBT youth on the streets. www.1800runaway.org/rpc/pdf/Module_12_SexualOrientation.pdf Although your frustration is under- standable, patience with the system and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth: An Epidemic of Homelessness child welfare professionals will help you. A 2007 report from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Coalition While you may not find the perfect place- for the Homeless that explores why LGBT youth become homeless and how they are threatened, belittled and abused at shelters by staff as well as other residents. ment the first time, leaving the system www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/reports/reports/HomelessYouth.pdf without a permanent home significantly reduces the resources available to you LGBTQI2-S Homeless Youth (from the Homelessness Resource Center of SAMSHA) and hurts your chances of finding a safe, Shares research and tips for working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nurturing environment. questioning, intersex, or two-spirited (LGBTQ12-S) youth.
n Who are LGBTQI2-S Homeless Youth?: focuses on how service providers can best COMING OUT WHILE IN CARE serve LGBTQI2-S youth.
You may enter the child welfare system n Quick Tips: Working with LGBTQI2-S Youth who are Homeless: focuses on how first and then begin discovering your agencies can help LGBTQI2-S youth feel welcome and safe.
LGBTQ identity. This is not surprising since n Research Notes: Sexual Health Risks Among Youth Who are Homeless: many young adults enter the system at a Explains the histories, risks and needs of LGBTQI2-S youth and shares younger age and may not consider their research findings. sexual identity until later in life. If this is Find these and other publications at the case, when you feel comfortable http://homeless.samhsa.gov/(X(1)S(id5c2su22dvnu0553h03cm45))/ you could share this discovery with your Organization/LGBTQI2-S-Youth-153.aspx lawyer or your caseworker. The main reason coming out is such a personal decision is because you have to be prepared to deal with the consequences, both positive and negative. If you feel your current place- ment is either hostile or is not accepting and nurturing of your identity, tell your lawyer and caseworker right away. They may have a more suitable option for you and may be able to provide you additional support and resources.
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WHAT TO READ (continued) Homeless & Runaway LGBTQ Youth
LGBTQ Homeless Youth Fact Sheet A one-page fact sheet summarizing trends among LGBTQ homeless youth, including underlying reasons for homelessness, risk factors, age, ethnic background, and interventions. www.safeschoolscoalition.org/LGBTQhomelessFactSheetbyNAEH.pdf
The National Alliance to End Homelessness National Advisory Council on LGBTQ Homeless Youth This coalition of local nonprofit groups advocates for increased support for LGBTQ homeless youth. Publications include:
n National Recommended Best Practices for Servicing LGBT Homeless Youth www.nyacyouth.org/docs/uploads/Recommended-Best-Practices-for-LGBT- Homeless-Youth-040909.pdf
n Incidence and Vulnerability of LGBTQ Homeless Youth – Research Brief www.nyacyouth.org/docs/uploads/LGBTQ-Homeless-Youth-Incidence-and- Vulnerability-2009.pdf
n A National Approach to Meeting the Needs of LGBTQ Homeless Youth www.nyacyouth.org/docs/uploads/LGBTQ-Homeless-Youth-Factsheet-4909.pdf
Resources on LGBTQ Youth in the Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Systems A tool kit that educates people about the experiences of LGBTQ youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Some information is California-specific. www.nclrights.org/site/PageServer?pagename=issue_youth_docsDownloads
Working with Homeless LGBTQ Youth: Getting Down to Basics Tool Kit Offers practical tips and information to ensure LGBTQ youth in care receive the support and services they deserve. www.lambdalegal.org/take-action/tool-kits/getting-down-to-basics/homeless-youth.html
Youth in the Margins: A Report on the Unmet Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adolescents in Foster Care Examines the foster care programs of 14 states. Highlights the shortfalls of each program in addressing LGBT youth and provides recommendations for reforms. www.lambdalegal.org/our-work/publications/youth-in-the-margins.html
VIDEOS Out in the Cold A documentary about homeless gay and lesbian youth. www.imdb.com/title/tt0328227/
We Are ... GBLTQ A video about LGBTQ youth in foster care, featuring diverse voices of LGBTQ current and former foster kids, with guest appearances by adult experts. View video online: www.dshs.wa.gov/video/ca/New GLBTQ.asx Download video discussion guide: www.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/ca/We%20Are%20GLBTQ%20Discussion%20and%20Re- source%20Guide.pdf
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Safety Freedom of Expression NO HARASSMENT
HEALTH CARE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM YOUR RIGHTS WHILE IN PLACEMENT
What to Expect from Your Lawyer
You have many legal rights while you You may be given a lawyer as your privileges. For example, you may not be are in care. The most important is the advocate. Throughout this process your able to receive phone calls from your right to safety. You also have the right lawyer is your advocate and represents partner after a certain time at night. If to be treated equally, express your your interests. You have many rights that policy applies equally to all young gender identity, and be open about when you are in out-of-home care and adults in the home, it only restricts a your sexual orientation. While in care, may enjoy some protection based on privilege and is probably not discrimi- your caseworker, lawyer, and judge your LGBTQ identity. If you do not feel natory. The following section describes should help you protect those rights. safe in the child welfare system, your some rights you may have while in care They should have the same standards lawyer can use several tools to enforce and shows you how your caseworker or and goals for your case when creating your rights. lawyer can help protect those rights. a case plan or selecting a placement as To protect your legal rights you they do for cases involving any other must tell your lawyer about your experi- young adult. They should have the ence in out-of-home care. This may in- same goals of reunification with your clude disclosing your LGBTQ identity. family, make the same effort to fix You may ask your lawyer not to disclose any problems, and try to find you this to anyone else. Unlike other profes- the most appropriate placement, sionals and advocates, your lawyer not just place you in a group home. must respect your wish to keep this information private under almost any circumstances. Your lawyer must also know the laws that protect your rights and must follow strict ethics rules. If you feel your lawyer is not doing her job as your advocate, tell your caseworker or the judge right away. You can also write to the judge about this problem. In addition to helping you identify your legal rights, your lawyer can help you distinguish guaranteed rights from
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If you are interested in national and international organizations that protect the rights of all LGBTQ people: Your Rights While in Foster Care
American Friends Service Committee LGBT Rights & Recognition QUICK OVERVIEW: YOUR RIGHTS International Quaker organization that Not all of these rights are absolute. If you feel your rights have been violated, promotes peace and social justice for you should speak to your social worker and advocate. The following rights LGBT people. are explored in the stories below. 1501 Cherry Street Freedom of expression — right to express yourself through speech and dress Philadelphia, PA 19102 ➤ 215/241-7000 ➤ Personal safety — right to be safe in placement and school www.afsc.org/lgbt/ ➤ Access to health care — right to have access to physical and mental health care Anti-Defamation League ➤ Maintain relationships with siblings — right to be placed with siblings, International organization that fights if appropriate; right to contact with siblings if not placed together all forms of bigotry and hatred. ➤ Religious freedom — right to practice your desired religion To locate your regional office, visit www.adl.org PERSONAL SAFETY AND APPEARANCE Child Welfare League of America Sexual Orientation/LGBTQ Youth Issues Project M.J.’s Story Builds the child welfare system's capacity M.J. is a lesbian who takes great pride You also have rights to a good to deal fairly and constructively with in her appearance. Most of her friends education and personal safety both in young people, family members, and em- ployees who are LGBTQ, with an emphasis and family appreciate M.J.’s creativity and out of foster care. If you are being on making the transition to adulthood. and gender-bending fashion sense. But repeatedly teased or harassed at school based on your appearance or your sexu- 2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250 there are a few kids at school who make Arlington, VA 22202 fun of her and her sense of style. Last ality it could hurt your ability to learn 703/412-2400 week, M.J. wore a tie and a polyester and socialize at school. You have the www.cwla.org suit to school and was teased all day right to feel safe at school regardless based on her sexuality. By the end of of your sexuality. In many states, the Human Rights Campaign A civil rights organization working to the day, M.J. and her friend got into a school and the child welfare agency are achieve LGBT equality. physical fight with a bully. All three legally responsible for making sure you are not harassed based on your sexual 919 18th Street, NW, Suite 800 students were punished for fighting. Washington, DC 20006 When M.J.’s foster parents found out, orientation. To find out if your state or 202/628-4160 they told her she could not wear men’s school has a nondiscrimination policy, www.hrc.org/ clothes anymore because it was affect- see www.familyequality.org. In some states, foster care providers must pro- National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, ing discipline at the school. Youth Program tect foster young adults from harms Protects the civil rights of LGBT youth The Rights: outside the home. This duty includes through policy advocacy, research, and There are three rights in this story: ensuring school officials address any safe school and youth empowerment freedom of expression harassment or discrimination. programs. n Some states have laws about the n personal safety 1700 Kalorama Road, NW disciplinary proceedings within a school n fair chance to defend one’s actions Washington, DC 20009-2624 district. If you commit a serious offense 202/332-6483 As a young person you have the http://thetaskforce.org/issues/youth you could be suspended or expelled. In right to express yourself through your that case, you may be entitled to “due physical appearance. The right to process.” This means the school may express yourself comes from the free- have to use a formal proceeding and dom of speech guaranteed by the U.S. ensure the process is fair. In this type Constitution. While you are in foster of proceeding you might also have the care, your freedom of speech cannot be right to have a lawyer present to restricted for trivial reasons. represent you.
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If you are experiencing harassment or discrimination at school:
American Civil Liberties Union Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Project Promotes school equality and antigay harassment. 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor New York, NY 10004. 212/549-2673 www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network Works to end harassment and discrimination against students based on sexual orientation or gender identity. 121 W. 27th Street, Suite 804 New York, NY 10001 212/727-0135 www.glsen.org/splash/index.html
Gay-Straight Alliance Network The Plan: A youth leadership organization that supports At School: At Home: school-based Gay-Straight Alliances. Talk to your school’s guidance coun- Communicate with your placement n n 1550 Bryant Street, Suite 800 selor or a teacher you trust. Tell him staff or foster family and explain the San Francisco, CA 94103 about the harassment and ask if he situation. 415/552-4229 can help you. www.gsanetwork.org n If you are still having difficulty getting
n Find out if the school or educational your point across, ask your advocate Matthew Shepard Foundation facility has a formal complaint proce- or caseworker to help. Supports diversity programs in schools and helps dure. If so, file a complaint. youth organizations establish environments n Should nothing else work, your advo- where youth can feel safe and be themselves. n If you are facing serious conse- cate may be able to get a court order 301 Thelma, #512 quences, such as suspension or expul- asking your school and your foster Casper, WY 82609 sion, tell your advocate right away. family to not interfere with your self- 307/237-6167 expression through your clothes. 1580 Lincoln Street, Suite 1150 n Tell the school that you would like Denver, CO 80203 your social worker or advocate pres- 303/830-7400 ent during any meetings discussing www.matthewshepard.org the harassment/suspension/expulsion. Safe Schools Coalition n Recognize that, while it is tempting, Works to reduce bias-based bullying violence will not solve your problem. and violence in schools. 1002 East Seneca Seattle, WA 98122-4203 How can harassment policies protect me? 877/SAFE-SAFE (877-723-3723) www.safeschoolscoalition.org TIPSAll school harassment policies are not created equal. Certain school districts have more protections in place for LGBTQ youth than others. For example, U.S. Department of Education Office in Berkeley, CA schools encourage curriculum, instruction, and activities that for Civil Rights are inclusive of all types of students and their families, and prohibit harass- Enforces five federal civil rights laws that prohibit ment in any form. This is not typical. Although many districts strive to be discrimination based on race, color, national inclusive, few provide lessons in inclusiveness. This is a great policy because origin, sex, disability and age by public schools. it helps prevent discrimination and harassment before they happen. If your U.S. Department of Education school district does not have one, you can work with your administration 400 Maryland Avenue, SW and any gay-straight alliance groups to implement a similar policy. Washington, DC 20202 800/421-3481 www.ed.gov/ocr
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HEALTH CARE Jasmine’s Story: Jasmine is a transgender young adult in first appointment with a counselor, Child welfare agencies and caregivers foster care. She was born Jacob, but a who tried to convince her to reject her may not make you participate in unethi- couple years ago she told her family identity as transgender and embrace cal, discriminatory, or harmful therapy that she identified as transgender. A being a boy. Her friend takes hormones sessions. Specifically, they cannot make few months ago, Jasmine decided to she gets on the street. She offers you attend “conversion therapy” or any begin transitioning. Now in care, Jasmine those hormones to Jasmine, who is other programs designed to “cure” hopes to continue with her transition; considering taking them. your LGBTQ identity. however, the staff at her residential fa- cility do not support her identity and The Rights: The Plan:
have forbidden her from wearing girl’s When you are in the foster care system n If you feel your physical or mental clothing. They insist on calling her Jacob you have a right to health care. This in- health is in immediate danger, alert and only address her with male pro- cludes doctor visits and therapy ses- your advocate and your caseworker nouns. Last week Jasmine had her sions to ensure you are in good physical right away (conversion therapy counts as an immediate danger). and mental health. It also requires the
state to address any other health-re- n Your lawyer can ask for an emergency lated needs you may have. Protecting hearing with the judge to address this this right is especially important for issue. If your advocate does not respect transgender young adults in care and your gender identity or use the name includes respecting your gender identity and pronouns you prefer, you can ask the judge for another advocate. and using the name and pronouns you prefer. Child welfare agencies may not n If you receive discriminatory health ignore the treatment plan created by a care from a state agency or caregiver, transgender young adult’s doctor. your advocate can find out why and As a LGBTQ young adult, you have either informally request that you be treated equally or ask for a formal a right to be treated equally with your court order. This is also true for the heterosexual peers. This right may If you have questions about name you would like to be called and translate to age-appropriate sex educa- your health: the pronoun you would like others to tion and STD/HIV awareness. In some use when referring to you. Advocates for Youth states, such as California, this means Helps youth make informed, responsible state agencies must take an open, n If the caregivers cannot guarantee decisions about sexual health. that this will not happen again, ask to nondiscriminatory approach to the be moved to a different placement. 1025 Vermont Avenue, NW, #200 standard sex education most young Washington, DC 20005 adults get in high school. For some n Street hormones can be dangerous. 202/347-5700 If you want to consider hormone www.advocatesforyouth.org examples, see www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/se/. The right to equal health care treatment, ask your caseworker to set up an appointment with a health care Gay and Lesbian Medical Association options also requires equal treatment provider who specializes in transgen- Promotes quality health care for LGBT people. when addressing your mental health. der health. You can find doctors in 459 Fulton Street, Suite 107 San Francisco, CA 94102 your area on the Internet. 415/255-4547 www.glma.org What if I am on hormone treatment? Sex Information and Education Council of the United States Promotes comprehensive sexuality education TIPSIf you have begun a doctor-prescribed hormone treatment, you have a right and sexual health promotion. to continue that treatment. Make sure that your social worker and advocate know who your doctor is and that your treatment is included in your case 130 West 42nd Street, Suite 350 plan. Also, ensure that any placement will respect and support your treat- New York, NY 10036-7802 ment. If it does not, tell your caseworker and advocate that you want 212/819-9770 another placement. www.siecus.org
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VISITATION RELIGIOUS FREEDOM If you have questions or concerns about how religious groups treat Eli & Megan’s Story: Jordan’s Story: LGBTQ people: Eli and Megan have been in foster care Jordan is a gay young adult in foster Soulforce for two months. They are sisters. When care. He has attended the same temple Seeks justice within religious communities Eli came out as a lesbian Megan’s foster with his family his whole life. He is a for LGBT people. parents would not allow Eli to visit part of the temple community and until PO Box 4467 Megan because they were afraid Eli recently attended services every Sun- Laguna Beach, CA 92652 would convince Megan to be a lesbian. day. When he first came out, the con- 1-877/705-6393 Eli attempted to call Megan, but gregation was very supportive of him. www.soulforce.org Megan’s foster parents would not allow Jordan’s foster family refuses to allow her to talk to Eli on the phone. Eli felt Jordan to attend services at his temple like she had no way to see Megan, so because their religion does not accept The Plan: she decided to skip school just to see homosexuality. Jordan misses the sup- n Tell your caseworker or advocate her sister. She got in trouble with her portive environment and the nurtu- about your religious beliefs or prefer- foster family and her school. She felt as rance he received from his temple and ences before placement. though she was out of options. is upset by the foster family’s religious n Ask about your potential placement’s rejection of his LGBTQ identity. He asks take on religion in the home. The Right: his advocate about his options. His ad- It is important to maintain relation- vocate talks to the caseworker who per- n If you feel uncomfortable with any ships with your family while you are in suades the family that while they may religious activity, tell your foster foster care. Federal law now requires not agree with the temple’s teachings, it family or placement staff.
the child welfare agency to try to place is in Jordan’s best interest to attend n If things do not change, tell your case- siblings together. If the agency cannot, services there. The next Sunday Jordan worker and your advocate. They might it must arrange contact between sib- returns to his regular services. be able to end your involvement or lings unless it is not best for them. In ask a judge to protect your rights. some states the social service agency The Right: n If you wish to participate in religious must develop a plan for regular and on- The First Amendment of the U.S. services or ceremonies at a particular going visits between siblings in foster Constitution guarantees your religious house of worship, talk to your foster care. Even if your siblings are not in freedom. While you are in foster care, family, caseworker, advocate, and if care with you, your advocate can ask neither the child welfare agency nor necessary, the judge to make it happen. the court to help you stay in contact your foster parents may require you to with them. participate in any religious activity. Service providers, such as counselors, The Plan: cannot tell you they think you are a sin- Talk to your caseworker if: ner based on their religious beliefs. You
n your siblings are in foster care and can practice any religion or choose not you would like to see them but cannot to believe in any religion at all. You also contact them have the right to not attend any reli- gious ceremonies or services that make n your foster family will not allow you you uncomfortable, including those that to see your siblings may put down LGBTQ people. Talk to your lawyer if:
n your caseworker is not arranging visits and regular contact with your siblings
n your parents will not allow you to see your siblings
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PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL OR EXTRACURRICULAR EVENTS Carson and Allison’s Story: Carson and Allison met in a group home The Rights: The Plan:
and immediately became best friends. There are two rights here. First, LGBTQ n If residential staff members refuse to When Carson came out to Allison as bi- young adults in foster care are entitled let you participate in an activity, ask sexual, Allison took it in stride. Other to be treated the same way as all young them why? young adults at the residential facility adults in care. This includes being able n Also see if any other residents are and at their school did not. To combat to socialize with and date other young similarly prohibited from participating. their ignorance and hate, Carson and adults their age. Unless dating is gener- Allison started a gay-straight alliance ally prohibited, LGBTQ young adults n If a school official insists on prohibit- (GSA). Carson asked a boy to the next cannot be singled out. Second, you may ing your GSA, ask them why and if dance at school and began preparing participate in extracurricular groups, other groups can meet at school.
for their big night. A week later the like GSAs. These groups may not be n Tell your advocate if you feel you are residential staff told Carson he could banned by schools if they allow other being discriminated against and ask not attend the dance if he took a boy as noneducation-related groups, such as a about your options. a date but could still go if he took a girl. bible study group. The next morning the principal told them the GSA could no longer meet at the school and suggested they join the Am I safe on Facebook and other social networking sites? weekly bible study for the betterment of their souls. TIPSIn recent years some concerns have popped up about using internet social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. Your LGBTQ identity should not affect your use of these services. For many youth, social networking can be an effective way to keep in touch with friends and family, providing an important support system. However, many of the concerns are legitimate when it comes to your personal safety online. Follow these tips to stay safe online.
➤ Do not post anything you would not want to share with the whole world; this includes photographs, status updates, and comments on your page or a friend’s page.
➤ Never exchange personal information with a person you do not know in real life.
➤ Be aware of cyber-bullying. Cyber-bullying is like physical bullying except instead of harassing someone to their face, bullies use the Internet or cell phones to hurt their victims. If you are being bullied online tell your case- worker, your foster parents, or your lawyer. They can help keep you safe.
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Reunification Options LIVING ARRANGEMENTS Guardianship ADOPTION YOUR PERMANENCY What is Permanency Planning?
Permanency planning focuses on find- Permanency hearings will be held at ing a permanent living arrangement, least every 12 months while you are in PLAN preferably one that includes a lasting foster care. At these hearings, the and nurturing parental relationship. judge, your advocate, and your case- The placement options are: worker will evaluate the agency’s effort
n Reunification: return to parent(s)/ to locate a permanent living situation guardian(s) for you. You have a legal right to be in- Talk to your advocate about the cluded in this process, so brainstorm best way to talk to the judge. Tell your Adoption: ending current parents’ n with your advocate about how to make advocate that you want to ask the judge rights and creating a bond and new the most of this right. The agency must questions about your permanency plan. legal rights with another adult(s) make “reasonable efforts” to create and Talk to your advocate about disclosing n Guardianship or placement with a implement the permanency plan. If it your LGBTQ identity to the judge so the relative: custody and legal rights to has not, the judge will issue an order judge can help you get appropriate an adult(s) who is not your current requiring the agency to implement the services, if necessary, and refer you to parent permanency plan. social networks that can support you. Like the case plan review hearings Make a list of things you want to talk to n Another planned permanent living arrangement: a placement that is that are held every six months, perma- the judge about so you don’t forget planned and permanent with a strong nency hearings let you share what you when you go into court. If you don’t connection to stable adult role models think is best for you. The law requires want to talk to the judge, ask your the judge to ask you what you want. It advocate to give your list to the judge. Sometimes your identity as LGBTQ may is very important that you attend these cause child welfare professionals to hearings and actively participate so overlook important permanency op- you can have a say in your permanent tions, such as reunification or adoption. living arrangement. However, these are generally the best outcomes for young adults and you de- serve an equal opportunity to explore The judge and my advocate sometimes talk about them. Your permanency plan is not “reasonable efforts.” What is that? final; it will change as your situation TIPS and your needs change. Through open “Reasonable efforts” is a term you may hear. The child welfare agency is required and honest communication with your to make “reasonable efforts” to finalize your permanency plan. Reasonable efforts refers to what the agency has to do to make sure you have a stable and permanent caseworker and your lawyer, you can home before you leave foster care. Examples of reasonable efforts are included create the most appropriate perma- under each permanency option in the next section. nency plan for you.
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Permanency Options
REUNIFICATION ADOPTION Most young adults who enter the foster If it is clear that reunification is unlikely, care system reunite with their families. the child welfare agency must present a Visitation with parents, siblings, and different plan at the permanency hear- other family members can improve your ing. Adoption requires ending your cur- chances of reunification if it goes well. rent parents’ rights and creating a new For this option to work, you and your bond and new legal rights with another family must follow the case plan and re- adult(s). Either you or the agency can solve the issues that led to your place- identify adults who may want to adopt ment with child welfare services. If your you. If this is your permanency plan, the LGBTQ identity played a role in your agency should explain the steps they placement, then your family must show are taking to facilitate your adoption at it can support you and provide you a safe the permanency hearing. This may in- and healthy home regardless of your sex- clude finding adoptive parents who uality. Your family may not have reacted identify as LGBTQ or who are friends of well at first, but through education and the LGBTQ community. If you are out to support groups, like Parents and Fami- the agency or your caseworker, they lies of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), they should make sure any potential If your family needs support can show they are able to care for you. adoptive parents will support your from other LGBT families, They may also need therapy, parenting LGBTQ identity. contact: courses, or drug and alcohol counseling. If you return home before these steps Best situation for adoption Family Equality Council are taken, reunification will probably not n Reunification is not an option. Offers peer support, newsletters, work and your health and safety will be n The agency has identified an able and conferences, and literature for LGBT in danger. However, if you are reunified willing adult to adopt you. parents and family groups. after these steps are taken, a positive PO Box 65327 outcome is likely. n The adult is comfortable with you and Washington, DC 20035-5327 your LGBTQ identity and will protect 202/331-5015 Best situation for reunification: you from those who may not be as www.familyequality.org comfortable (even if they are mem- n The agency has provided necessary Families United Against Hate services and your family has taken the bers of the adult’s extended family). A national network providing support recommended steps towards resolv- n You feel comfortable with your and technical assistance for families and ing issues. survivors of hate-motivated violence. potential adoptive family.
PO Box 6396 n You feel comfortable returning home. n You’ve been to adoption counseling, Olympia, WA 98507 Child welfare professionals do not be- if necessary. 360/888-5291 n lieve reunification will endanger your www.fuah.org n You have worked through any feelings physical or mental safety. you have about your parents’ rights Parents, Families and Friends You have the number of someone to being terminated and you are of Lesbians and Gays n comfortable with that. Promotes the health and well-being of call, such as a counselor, caseworker, LGBT people through support, education, advocate or CASA if things are not and advocacy. going well once you return home. 1726 M Street, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 202/467-8180 www.pflag.org
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GUARDIANSHIP OR PLACEMENT ANOTHER PLANNED PERMANENT GENERAL TIPS AND ADVICE WITH A RELATIVE LIVING ARRANGEMENT n All of these permanency options can If neither reunification nor adoption is If none of the above are options for you, be effective; any one of them may be a viable option, then the agency may then the agency may pursue another right for you. consider guardianship or placement planned permanent living arrangement Having the right permanency plan is with a relative. Tell your caseworker or (APPLA). These planned permanent liv- n important to your development while advocate if you know of an aunt, a ing arrangements include group homes. you are in care. grandparent, or some other adult who Even if you have an APPLA, the case- would support and care for you. Rela- worker should still try to help you main- n Your LGBTQ identity may not be cen- tives who may not be able to adopt you tain a relationship with your siblings and tral to crafting the permanency plan, may still serve as legal guardians and other family members. Also, emergency but any effective plan will ensure a provide a permanent home and shelters or multiple group homes do not placement that nurtures and supports connection to your family. count as an APPLA. Your caseworker you and your identity. should work with you to be sure you n Your permanency plan is not set in Best situation for guardianship have at least one adult with whom you stone and can change to a more per- n Your relative or guardian is comfort- feel connected. manent option. able with you and your LGBTQ identity and will protect you from those who Best situation for APPLA n Make sure you are getting the most out of your plan by maintaining good may not be as comfortable (even if n The other plans have been ruled out. they are members of the adult’s communication with your caseworker n Your living situation is stable. extended family). and your advocate. n You are receiving services to help The agency searched extensively n you transition into adulthood. for relatives. n You have at least one adult with The caseworker included you when n whom you have a good relationship considering who your guardian should that will last after you leave be and was willing to do home evalua- foster care. tions of the people you suggested. n The law requires that you have a You feel safe in the home of this rela- n transition plan before you leave foster tive and do not feel pressure to return care. Refer to the next section for to your parents or act in a way your more detail. Talk to your advocate parents would like. and caseworker about your
n The relative or guardian is willing to transition plan. commit to caring for you for the long term.
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Emancipation Transition Higher Education
COLLEGE YOUR LIFE WORKING WORLD AFTER FOSTER CARE
Exiting Foster Care
If you do not exit the foster care TRANSITION PLANNING Health Care system through reunification or n How will you get insurance? Federal law now requires a transition adoption, you will remain in foster If you have special health issues, how plan to be included in your case file at n care at least until your eighteenth will those be addressed? least 90 days before you exit care. A birthday. In most states, after you transition plan explains how you are n If you are transgender, is your doctor turn 18 you will no longer be legally going to get out of foster care and be supporting your transition? Who is required to be in foster care. This can your doctor? successful. The law requires that you be be exciting, overwhelming, or both. the driving force behind that plan. Talk n Does your prescription health care At 18 you are a legal adult and have to your advocate and caseworker to as- insurance cover hormones? the same legal rights and responsibili- sist you in creating this plan. The plan n Do you know how to make an ties as all other adults. This means should include: appointment and pay for doctor you will have to learn to take care of and hospital visits? yourself physically, emotionally, and Housing financially. However, this does not How will you find it? Employment mean you have to do these things by n How will you pay for it? n How will you financially support yourself? yourself. This section discusses your n n Who will live with you? Do you have a job? options as you leave foster care and n n Is the placement LGBTQ friendly? the tools and resources to make a n Is this job temporary? smooth transition. Do you have plans for changing jobs? Education n n Have you had any issues with LGBTQ n Will you graduate from high school or get a GED? discrimination at your job?
n Do you know how to address those issues? n Will you go to college or a vocational training program?
n How will you pay for it? Social Structure n Who are your lifetime support people? n Are there any extra tutoring or support services you need? n Are those people aware that you are LGBTQ?
n Do they support your identity?
n How often do you see them?
n Can you rely on them for help?
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As stated earlier, attend your court hearings. Talk to the judge about the How do I pay for college? transition plan. Tell the judge if you are College can be expensive. There are many resources available to former unsure about anything in the plan. TIPS foster youth. Visit these Web sites for more information on scholarships The judge can order your caseworker and financial aid. or advocate to help you secure housing, www.finaid.org a job, health care, or other needed www.pointfoundation.org services through the transition plan. www.leaguefoundation.org WORKING WORLD Possible Destinations
HIGHER EDUCATION AND COLLEGE PUBLIC SERVICE EMANCIPATION A college education is important to your You may not feel ready for college right Young adults under age 18 may be development as an adult and your fu- after finishing high school or getting emancipated from their legal guardians. ture career prospects. As an LGBTQ your GED. Programs like AmeriCorps, An emancipated minor has many of the young adult in foster care there are City Year, or the National Conservation same rights as an adult but must still many resources to help you explore Corps. offer meaningful experiences. follow the same laws as other young higher education. You may be eligible These programs allow you to develop adults. For example, an emancipated for grants and scholarships. Ask your professional skills by helping people in minor may sign a contract as an adult teachers, caseworker, school counselor, need. Typical projects include working but may not vote. Depending on where or advocate about your options. The at a food bank, helping victims of do- you live, you will have to fulfill different adults in your life and the listed Web mestic violence, or organizing relief ef- requirements. Emancipation is a major sites may provide guidance while you forts for the American Red Cross. In decision and requires careful considera- make this educational transition. return you get a monthly stipend, tion. Discuss this option with your case- In addition to traditional four-year money for college, and sometimes worker and advocate before taking any colleges, many young adults begin their housing during the program. Visit their major steps. The three common avenues higher education at community colleges Web sites or ask your caseworker or ad- to emancipation are discussed below. and technical schools. These schools are vocate for more information on these often easier to enroll in and provide a and similar projects. Court Order In most cases a judge quality education without a large finan- can emancipate you from your legal WORKING WORLD cial commitment. Community colleges guardians if you can show it is in your also offer GED programs for young For some young adults, life after foster best interest. Most states have a mini- adults who may not have completed care leads to the working world. As an mum age for emancipation, require that high school but would like to earn a adult you are entitled to legal protec- you manage your own finances, and high school diploma. Explore these op- tions while at work. Federal law makes that you live away from your parents or tions in addition to four-year colleges to it illegal to discriminate against lesbian guardian. The court will notify your find a good fit. or gay employees. Employers also may legal guardians of any proceedings and not discriminate against people based they will have an opportunity to present on gender or gender expression. If you their case to the court. feel you have been discriminated RESOURCES FOR YOUR against, contact a lawyer, the Equal Marriage Young adults can be legally COLLEGE SEARCH Employment Opportunity Commission emancipated upon marriage with www.CampusPride.org (eeoc.gov), or the American Civil parental consent. Depending on where www.CampusClimateIndex.org Liberties Union (aclu.org). you live, this may be an option. Most The Advocate College Guide for LGBT states continue to deny LGBTQ individu- Students by Shane Windmeyer als the right to marry. However, more and more states do not. If you want to get married, discuss your options with your advocate and your caseworker.
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Armed Forces Young adults under age 18 may be emancipated if they join the armed forces with parental consent. If you wish to join the military it is impor- tant that you learn about the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) policy. Under this policy you can serve in the military if you identify as LGBTQ, but you may not disclose your identity to the military. If you do disclose your identity either directly or indirectly, you PHOTO will be dismissed from the military and this may affect your ability to find a job in the future. The armed forces are cur- rently reviewing this policy and many elected officials are considering repeal- ing it. For more information on this policy visit www.sldn.org.
If you are interested in programs that support LGBTQ youth:
Youth Guardian Services A youth-run organization that provides sup- port services on the Internet to LGBTQ youth. 101 East State Street, # 299 Ithaca, NY 14850 877/270-5152 www.youth-guard.org/
Youth Resource —a project of Advocates for Youth Supports youth who are questioning their sexual orientation through online support groups. What to Take With You 1025 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005 Regardless of how you leave the foster n information on your options should 202/347-5700 care system or where you go after fos- you choose to re-enter foster care; www.youthresource.com/ ter care, you will need certain informa- n contact information for your lawyer tion to join society upon your exit. Pongo Publishing Teen Writing Project and your caseworker. These include: Provides opportunities for LGBT youth to You may need to work with your write and publish poetry about their lives. n your foster care records or case file; caseworker or advocate to get these personal documents: state-issued I.D., 2701 California Avenue, SW n documents. Do not wait until you are Seattle, WA 98116 birth certificate, social security card, about to leave foster care before you www.pongopublishing.org and medical and school records; start the process because sometimes
LGBT Local Support Groups n information on any siblings who are there are hold-ups. A state-by-state list of LGBT support groups still in care; developed by The Legal Aid Society– Juvenile Rights Practice Special Litigation and Law Reform Unit, New York, NY. Available at http://new.abanet.org/child/Pages/lgbtq.youth.aspx
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Life After Care: Personal Stories How young adults experience James’s Story foster care varies depending on what supports and services they James spent his time in a respite care Who helped you during your time receive. The following stories home, and most of his system involve- in foster care? ment took place in residential treatment share the experiences of two A woman named Whitney Bell. She was centers and independent living homes. LGBTQ youth who have been in the the residential supervisor of the inde- He is currently attending school in Texas. foster care system. They have very pendent living home I emancipated different stories with different re- What do you wish you knew at the be- from. She was, with every young adult sults. Lessons learned are offered ginning of your foster care experience? she worked with, always firm, fair, and after each story to highlight what consistent. Beyond that, it was obvious I think my biggest concern when I en- went well and what could have that she cared about our outcomes, I tered the system was, “What next?” I been done differently. never once thought that she was just had no idea what this change in my life there for the job, as I did with so many meant for my future, my education, professionals I encountered. even my friends.
What was the most confusing or What was the best thing about frustrating aspect of foster care? your experience? The fact that I couldn’t be like other The help I received that I would not young adults in my age group. I couldn’t have otherwise. I was given the oppor- go on dates, or try to get my driver’s tunity to engage in therapy to work out permit, or even go for a walk whenever my issues. Also, prior to emancipation I I felt like it. I felt like I was less than my was taught an entire range of skills, non-system involved peer group, and from how to create a budget to how to I didn’t know why that had to be apply for scholarships. the case. What was most challenging? What’s the best advice you’ve The most challenging aspect of being in gotten about navigating the foster the system was living with a wide and care system? diverse group of young adults. I lived in I was told to respect the red tape and close quarters with people of different the hoops that I had to jump through, religions, cultural backgrounds, rocky recognize them as steps I had to take to pasts, and outlooks on life. It was very achieve my goals and make it success- challenging for me at first, as I encoun- fully through the system. This advice tered people I never would have chosen was given to me by the above woman, to interact with before my time in the Whitney Bell. system. I am grateful though, my inter- personal skills are excellent and some of those “scary” people are now my best friends. StoryJames’s
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How was your educational experience? when I was taken out of the home and How did your sexuality most signifi- What could have made it better? put into the system. Being surrounded cantly affect your life in foster care? by new people, many of whom were in- My educational experience was horren- The shame I felt for so many things, the timidating or alien to me, took me back dous. My credits didn’t transfer. The crimes I had committed, the people I to the closet for a much longer time special school I was sent to offered no had hurt, the ways I had been victim- than was necessary. challenge to me whatsoever and the ized was crushing for so many years. When I began to deal with the shame of teachers were overwhelmed by the How did coming out affect your home being gay and dealing with it success- sheer number of young adults they had life or treatment in the system? fully, I was able to work on the shame to deal with and the number of behav- from everything else. ioral problems present in each and It allowed me to explore the feelings every one of us. Some of these prob- that I had in a safe therapeutic environ- lems could have been solved if my past ment, and connected me to organiza- LESSONS LEARNED and present schools could have commu- tions such as InsideOut, a community Don’t be afraid. Find at least one support group of LGBTQ young adults in n nicated with each other a bit more. person you trust so when you are Also, the opportunity to seek out more Colorado Springs. It was scary to start confused you can ask questions. challenging educational opportunities, to come out in the independent living Do communicate. No one can help you such as online college classes, would home, but seeing a group of ex-gang n unless they know something is wrong have made me feel as if I wasn’t members, criminals, and other hard- and what you want to happen instead. wasting my time. ened and discarded young adults accept me, despite my orientation, showed me n Don’t give up. Foster care is run by Describe your experience with the that I could come out to anybody. human beings, who are not perfect. Sometimes things can go wrong. If legal system. Were any of your needs as an LGBTQ you hang in there, like James did, you I attended no hearings in reference to young adult ignored by professionals in will find a solution. my becoming or staying a ward of the the system or your family? Were any n You’ll need to prepare before leaving state. I have no idea what happened at addressed well? foster care. Your advocate and case- these hearings, I was never invited, and worker should tell you about services I struggled with my bio family, and still I don’t know how I was represented. and supports that can help you gain do to some extent when it comes to dis- the knowledge and skills to make this Do you think your identity as LGBTQ cussing my sexual identity, even making transition to life on your own. remarks about my boyfriend can make affected your experience? Supportive people are all around you. them uncomfortable. If I had the oppor- n For James, the youth living in his I don’t think that any of the technical tunity to, I would have liked it to be a placement proved to be people he aspects of my experience were affected topic of family therapy. I also had no relied on and formed lasting relation- by the fact that I’m gay. My therapy and idea how to build a healthy homosexual the support groups were affected by my ships with. The supervisor at his relationship upon leaving the system. independent living program also sexual orientation however, with a focus There were various resources available played a key role in his life. on coming to terms with my identity to my heterosexual counterparts on and building a support network in the how to build stable relationships, but n You are not alone. Many organizations support the needs of LGBTQ young greater community that consisted of none specific to LGBTQ young adults. young adults like me. adults. Ask your caseworker or advocate for help finding them in Do you have any advice for LGBTQ your community. How did being in care affect your young adults currently in the foster coming-out process? care system? n Sometimes getting others to accept you requires learning to accept them. I feel that it was slowed down by my Don’t be afraid. In my experience it James grew to respect the “scary” being in care. I was just starting to always turns out better than you think it youth in his group home, and in turn come to terms with my sexuality and will, and there are probably one or two they grew to respect him. We are all sharing it with friends at my high school people around you who are just as scared different and getting along and respect- to be themselves. Lead by example. ing one another works both ways.
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“I would say never lose sight of who you are. Being LGBTQ is NOT a choice, but choosing how you live your life is.” — QUENTIN Quentin’s Story Quentin entered foster care at age six and or a bad kid because I was in therapeutic Were you “out” to your social worker went through 11 foster homes, two group foster care. When I cried for help and or your attorney? homes, and a Children’s Home. He was reported abuse the only thing that got I wasn’t out, but I was out-ed by a foster allowed to live on his own through an me attention was acting out or running parent. My last foster home I was in independent living program at age 16. He away—when in fact I always tried asking with a single mother who was incredibly aged out of the system after graduating for help first. religious. I had my first breakup and from high school in 2002 at age 18. like anyone who loses their first connec- Who was most helpful during your time tion was devastated. She jokingly said, What do you wish you knew at the be- in foster care? “What did you break up with your ginning of your foster care experience? The most helpful person I met in foster boyfriend?” I said, “Actually, yes.” She This is a hard question because I care was my sixth grade music teacher smacked me and said that no one would wish I knew everything. I guess what I who offered me voice and acting les- believe a lying little faggot. After I was wish I knew from the beginning was to sons in trade for lawn and housework. out-ed in care I ran away and then hide my sexual orientation—it would He is soon to adopt me. lived on my own. have saved me many years of tears and “disciplining.” What is the best advice you have Do you think your identity as LGBTQ gotten about navigating the foster care affected your experience in your What was the best thing about system? Who gave it to you? residential placement or at your your experience? What was the educational placement? The best advice I got was from another most challenging? older foster kid who said just survive No, I wasn’t out in college, and in care Unfortunately, the best thing about my until you age out. It gets better once I was out-ed right before I moved out. experience was living on my own. I suc- you have control of your own life. cessfully proved that I could take care How did being in care affect your of myself without the system. How was your educational experience? coming-out process? The most challenging thing I faced What could have made it better? It was rough. My first experience was was repetitive abuse while in care. I switched high schools three times and learning that it wasn’t ok to be gay. It seemed that I was automatically elementary schools five times. I actually What hurt most is that the foster considered a liar lost an entire semester because I moved mother I was with, I really cared about. high schools/homes the week before My being gay turned our relationship finals. I ended up taking double math, upside down and I lost someone I cared English, and science my junior year about and started caring for myself less. to catch up.
Describe your experience with the legal system? I never attended a hearing and am not sure if I was adequately represented. I wasn’t notified of hearings. Quentin’s Story
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Were there any needs that were not addressed by professionals in the LESSONS LEARNED s y s t e m or your family? Were there n A bad situation, no matter how n Supportive people are all around any that were addressed well? difficult, is only temporary. you (e.g., teachers, coaches). These The only need that was met, was when people can help you during your time n Even if a situation seems unmanage- in care and beyond. They may even they found out I was gay they made able, there may be a solution you be placement resources if you me go to therapy and get an HIV test. don’t know about. Give the system a cannot return home. No joke that was it. chance to help you.
n Be involved in your legal proceedings. n Just because a foster care placement Can you describe how your sexuality Ask your advocate about upcoming is not right for you, does not mean most affected your life in foster care? hearings and make it clear you want foster care cannot help you. My negative experience was when I to participate. n Education instability is a common came out my foster mom smacked Relationships sometimes change problem for young adults in foster n me and called me a fag. when you share your LGBTQ identity. care. The law ensures that you stay in Don’t assume the worst. With time the same school, when possible, or Do you have any advice for LGBTQ and understanding, important people that efforts are made to help you young adults currently in the foster in your life can come to value this transition to your new school so your care system? part of who you are. Ask your case- learning is not delayed. Speak with worker or advocate about services It depends on their situation. I would say your advocate about your education and supports to help rebuild never lose sight of who you are. Being rights if your placement changes. LGBTQ is NOT a choice, but choosing how relationships. you live your life is. Know that if you’re n You have a right to be safe and to be under 18 and in a bad situation that it is treated equally in your placement. If only temporary and will get better after you ever experience abuse or unfair you age out. But if you have a good rela- treatment, contact your advocate tionship and support, use that assistance or caseworker. because you are honestly lucky!
If you have questions or concerns about how the media portrays LGBTQ people:
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Works to end homophobia and discrimination by promoting fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of individuals and events in the media. 800-GAY-MEDIA www.glaad.org
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Identity
RESPECT No Harassment No Discrimination
LGBTQ Equal Treatment Long-term Relationships
COURT INVOLVEMENT
740 15th Street, NW • Washington, DC 20005 • http://new.abanet.org/child/pages/lgbtq.aspx
Additional Resources on LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care
National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections Numerous resources on LGBTQ Children and Youth are available at the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections. It’s “LGBTQ Issues & Child Welfare” page is available at: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp/info_services/lgbtq-issues-and-child-welfare.html or http://tiny.cc/ohtc7.
Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League The Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) is a D.C. based non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Its programs focus on Life Skills & Leadership Development, Counseling & Support, Health & Wellness Education, Safe Social Activities, and Community Outreach and Education. More information can be found at: http://www.smyal.org/index.php.