“We should be treated like we are somebody”: Building supportive relationships with LGBTQ foster youth

Objective

This study uses in-depth interviews and ecomapping techniques to explore LGBTQ youths' relationships with child welfare professionals and other affiliated, nonparental adults (CWP/ANPAs) who play a primary role in providing them with care and services.

Background

Supportive relationships with caring adults are essential in reducing minority stress impacts and improving outcomes for LGBTQ foster youth, who often face victimization affecting their access to support. However, limited knowledge exists regarding LGBTQ foster youths' relationships with CWP/ANPAs and the role of relational support in their identity disclosure and access to appropriate care and services.

Method

Twenty-one LGBTQ foster youth, aged 17 to 21, participated in interviews and constructed visual diagrams of their relationships with CWP/ANPAs. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis.

Results

Findings highlight the need for CWP/ANPAs to improve relationships with LGBTQ foster youth. These improvements can be achieved through engagement in attitudes and practices that facilitate relationship development (e.g., empathy, respect, affirmation, knowledge, responsiveness), and reduce existing barriers (e.g., neglect, discrimination, mistreatment, lack of knowledge, fear of rejection).

Conclusions

To provide better support LGBTQ foster youth, CWP/ANPAs and child welfare agencies should increase their knowledge and skills, be more responsive to LGBTQ youths' specific needs, and implement inclusive policies and practice standards.

Implications

CWP/ANPAs and agencies working with LGBTQ foster youth must develop an awareness and understanding of the strengths, needs, and challenges of LGBTQ foster youth to reduce stigma, bias, and discrimination in the foster care system and engage in affirming actions and practices that create a more inclusive environment for this population.