Working with Schools to Support Trans Youth: Seen, Safe and Supported

Abstract

As one of the primary places of socialization for a young person, school is a critical part of any transgender student’s life. Mental health providers can play a fundamental role supporting these vulnerable young people as they navigate the hallways and classrooms of their schools. This article provides mental health personnel with information and resources for supporting transgender youth in the school setting. Some general principles for working effectively with educational institutions serving transgender youth are provided. In addition, three critical tools are introduced for maximizing conditions for a successful experience at school for these students. Educational institutions have adopted a range of specific structures found effective in anticipating and managing various issues a transgender child may encounter at school. These include structured approaches for initial discussions with school officials about a child’s gender, and Gender Support Plans and a Gender Communication Plans designed to codify ways a school will support a student around their emerging gender status. Awareness of these resources will help mental health providers effectively partner with patients and their families as they navigate educational institutions. For many transgender and other gender diverse students, the day-to-day tumult of school can be a source of great anxiety and concerns that they have no control over their circumstances. Using gender support and gender communication plans can diminish these feelings. Mental health providers must have a firm understanding of these plans and their implementation to provide the necessary support for gender diverse students.