Youth in Out-of-Home Care
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people in foster care have to cope with the burdens other children face in care. But these difficulties are often compounded by neglect, discrimination and abuse at the hands of the child welfare systems charged to protect them. Inappropriate placements and widespread misunderstanding or ignorance of the needs of LGBTQ teens also endanger their health and safety. They are at risk of physical violence, substance abuse, unsafe sex and even suicide. Many also cycle through homelessness and juvenile justice systems. Lambda Legal has joined forces with the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), the country's leading child welfare organization, to advocate on behalf of LGBTQ youth in care. Through our joint efforts we have brought attention to the plight of these neglected youth and are advocating to see safe, affirming and supportive services become the norm nationwide.
Fact Sheet
English version - Youth in Out-of-Home Care Project
Spanish version - Proyecto de Jóvenes LGBTQ que Viven Fuera de Casa
Youth in Out-of-Home Care publications order form
National Context
LGBTQ young people are in America's child welfare and juvenile justice systems in disproportionate numbers. According to the Lambda Legal report Youth in the Margins, one of every 10 to 20 adolescents in out-of-home care is lesbian or gay, and the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services estimates that 20 to 40 percent of young people who become homeless each year are lesbian, gay or bisexual. And yet, very few state foster care agencies maintain policies prohibiting discrimination against foster care youth on the basis of sexual orientation or require training for foster parents or foster care staff on sensitivity to LGBTQ youth.
Lambda Legal's Impact
Lambda Legal and CWLA have called on foster care systems and agencies to take crucial steps to better serve their LGBTQ clients. We have also provided innovative educational publications, such as Out of the Margins and Getting Down to Basics, to provide advocates with tools, practical tips and information to ensure that LGBTQ young people in care receive the support and services they need and deserve. Through the partnership we are increasing awareness of LGBTQ issues in child welfare, juvenile justice and homelessness systems. And we are developing resources to advance reform, advocate for change in targeted states and locales and expand the network of open and supportive child welfare agencies and systems. Lambda Legal has also undertaken considerable legal advocacy to ensure that LGBTQ youth are treated fairly.
