Case Study 3: Finding Safe Families for GLBTQ Youth

Families Like Ours (FLO)—GLBT&Q: SAFE program Placement Case Study: Finding Safe Families for GLBT&Q Youth

Placing a GLBT&Q youth with a foster or adoptive family can be a difficult task for agencies and placement teams. Often we hear; “We do not have families for gay children”, or “We do not have the resources available to help a gay child.” These perceptions are not uncommon beliefs from many agencies managing foster families.

Identifying and educating families open to fostering and adopting GLBT&Q youth has become a critical need in the foster system today. Education is also needed to prepare agencies and caseworkers on how best to support both the youth and families.

A recent case involved a 16 year old girl who revealed to her biological parents that she was homosexual. Her parents in turn, kicked her out of the home. She was subsequently placed in a group home while a placement team searched for a safe foster home.

Finding a foster home that was willing to take a GLBTQ youth was not an easy task. The placement team experienced unreturned calls from potential foster homes and even hang-ups. One foster family stated; “The only bed I have available would be in my daughter’s room and I cannot do that, it would be like putting a boy in there with her.”

Supporting agencies, placement workers, and families with education and pre-identified families open to GLBTQ fostering & adoption is what the Families Like Ours GLBT&Q: SAFE program is designed to do.

In this case, FLO’s GLBT&Q: SAFE program was able to assist in recruiting families open to taking a GLBTQ youth. SAFE also was able to provide referrals for local community resources and counselors experienced in the GLBTQ field that could help this youth with the grief & loss of her biological parents.

Case Issues

• Identifying a foster placement that was open and supportive of a GLBT&Q child
• Support of a GLBT&Q youth in transition

FLO’s, GLBT&Q: SAFE Program Results

• Identified family who had expressed a specific interest in providing a home (foster or adoptive) to a GLBT&Q youth
• Post placement transitional support for the16 year old girl and the foster family

For more information, contact Families Like Ours at 1-877-230-3055.