Foster Care Training

Trainers will discuss aspects of sexual orientation, gender identity expression (SOGIE) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+), as related to resource families caring for self-identified youth. The main message in this training is acceptance and respectful treatment of the youth’s self-expression. This training is designed for caregivers and professionals to understand the challenges the LGBTQ community face within the system of care. Like all young people, LGBTQ youth in foster care need the support of a nurturing family to help them negotiate adolescence and grow into healthy adults. However, LGBTQ youth in foster care face additional challenges. This course addresses common misconceptions about sexual orientation and gender identity expression (SOGIE), it teaches participants about the unique risks that LGBTQ youth face and the important role care takers and social workers can play in reducing those risks, and it provides tips for creating a welcoming home for LGTBQ youth.