Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth are overrepresented in child welfare with some studies estimating as many as 30% of youth in care being LGBTQ+. Therefore, it is incumbent upon child welfare agencies and organizations to adopt inclusive policies and practices to support LGBTQ+ youth in care as well as LGBTQ+ families.
The following guidance focuses on the placement of transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive youth in congregate care such as group homes or residential treatment facilities. State facility licensing regulations may require separation based on gender, especially when making rooming decisions, and many congregate care facilities segregate youth by their sex assigned at birth and do not account for transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive youth.
Read the guidance here.
