Foster Care Training

Studies have found that youth with marginalized sexual orientations are overrepresented in child welfare systems, despite the fact that they are likely to be underreported because they risk harassment and abuse if they disclose. What does this mean for those of us working to care for youth in the child welfare system? It is imperative that we question, interrupt, and challenge our personal biases as well as the larger systems of heterosexism to create truly inclusive, affirming, and healthy environments for people with marginalized sexual orientations. This requires intentionality and commitment from an entire community. In this half-day interactive workshop, we will introduce fundamental concepts and vocabulary necessary to engage in discourse and provide inclusive support to youth with marginalized sexual orientations. Participants will also be introduced to the cycle of oppression and begin to examine the ways in which we have been socialized into systems of oppression with a focus on heterosexism. Attendees will have a supported space to reflect on their experiences and socialization within an oppressive system, focusing on heterosexism, and will begin to imagine how we can create communities where all of us, including and especially those of us with marginalized sexual orientations, can thrive as our most full, vibrant selves.