Ensuring safe and affirming placements is an essential part of the work we do in get R.E.A.L.

Many of the families stepping up to provide foster homes may not provide the affirming environment needed because of their religious or cultural beliefs. Yet we also know of many examples of faith-based caregivers providing these affirmative and supportive homes.  Our work has noted that LGBTQ youth often end up in congregate care, transgender youth especially. Their experience there is one of being managed rather than cared for, and often their normal adolescent behaviors are pathologized due to the perceptions of staff and community about the gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

Links

• Ideas Into Action