At Families Rising, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported, especially those who have experienced foster care, adoption, or kinship caregiving. LGBTQ+ youth in foster and kinship care often face unique challenges, and it’s up to all of us – caregivers, professionals, and communities – to ensure they grow up with love and affirmation, not fear or rejection.
Why LGBTQ+ youth in foster care need support
LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in the foster care systemOpens in a new tab. Research showsOpens in a new tab that they’re more likely to experience family rejection, homelessness, and discrimination, which often leads to their placement in care in the first place. Once in the system, many face additional barriers such as multiple placements, a lack of affirming services, and increased mental health challenges.
Supporting LGBTQ+ youth isn’t just about tolerating their identities. It’s about affirming them. It’s about recognizing their full humanity and committing to their safety, belonging, and joy.
How to support LGBTQ+ youth in foster and kinship care
Whether you’re a foster parent, kin caregiver, caseworker, or community member, here are some ways you can offer meaningful support for LGBTQ+ youth and families:
- Create an affirming environment
Make your home or program a place where LGBTQ+ youth can feel safe being themselves. This can include using inclusive language and asking about preferred names and pronouns, displaying signs of affirmation like pride flags, stickers, or books, or challenging homophobic, transphobic, or gender-stereotyping language and behavior. - Educate yourself and others
Take the initiative to learn about LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, especially those of LGBTQ+ foster youth. There are many great resources from organizations like Family Acceptance ProjectOpens in a new tab and GLSENOpens in a new tab. Training and continuing education can help caregivers and professionals better understand how to support LGBTQ+ youth in culturally responsive, trauma-informed ways. - Support mental and emotional health
LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, often because of rejection or isolation. Support their mental wellness by:– Ensuring access to LGBTQ+-affirming counselors and healthcare providers.
– Encouraging self-expression through art, writing, or advocacy.
– Listening without judgment. Be someone they can turn to. - Respect and protect privacy
Coming out is a personal journey. Never “out” a young person to others without their permission. Respect their boundaries, and don’t make assumptions about their identity, expression, or experiences. - Advocate for systemic change
Child welfare systems must do more to protect LGBTQ+ youth. Advocate for inclusive policies and practices in your local agency or court system. Push for training, accountability, and safe placements for LGBTQ+ youth in care.
Celebrating Pride Month year-round
At Families Rising, we recognize that Pride is not just a celebration – it’s a call to action. LGBTQ+ youth in foster and kinship care need champions every day of the year. Whether you’re a caregiver working to create a safe space at home or a professional striving to improve services, your efforts make a difference. We invite everyone in our community to get involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy.
And if you’re an LGBTQ+ parent in Minnesota, consider joining our monthly Rainbow Families Support Group! We created this space because LGBTQ+ caregivers deserve community, validation, and a place to be fully seen—as parents and as people. We hope you’ll join!
Happy Pride Month!