GLBTQ Project

• Nearly 70% of GLBTQ students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment in their schools
• GLBTQ youth are 4 times more likely to skip school because they feel unsafe
• Nearly 1/3 of GLBTQ youth drop out of high school to escape the violence, harassment and isolation they face there - a dropout rate nearly three times the national average
• 40% of gay youth are thrown out of their homes when parents learn they are gay
• Gay students are five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual counterparts

While there is very little data available on GLBTQ youth specifically in foster care, we know that being a GLBTQ youth can be difficult, but even more devastating for youth in foster care.  The already traumatic experience of being in foster care is amplified by confronting sexual orientation and identity issues and facing rejection from peers and family.

According to the Child Welfare League of America Best Practices Manual, GLBTQ youth are disproportionately represented in the foster care system and service providers and ill-prepared to address the issues they face.

This population is very much in need of informed adults who will advocate on their behalf and deliver necessary services.  Through funding from The Dade Community Foundation, Foster Care Review has worked to improve positive outcomes for GLBTQ youth by raising awareness and training volunteers, program staff and service providers on issues related to GLBTQ foster youth. 

FCR has produced and distributed an e-newletter to create awareness of issues related to GLBTQ youth in foster care.  To view it, please click the link below.

Special Issue GLBTQ Youth in Foster Care

FCR also hosted a symposium on September 11, 2009 titled "GLBTQ Youth in Dependency;  What Do We Need To Know?" Subject matter experts and local resource providers joined with us in this successful endeavor.  To view several presentations from the symposium, please click the chosen link below:

YES Institute

Pridelines Youth Services

Pridelines Youth Services Fall Activities

Safe Schools South Florida

Bibliography Keynote Speaker Rob Woronoff