Fostering Inclusion – Support for 2SLGBTQ+ Youth in Out-of-Home Care

This interactive training is specially designed for foster/group caregivers and providers to build their understanding and capacity to effectively support 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth in their care. Opportunities are provided for practice skill-building in a foster/group care context to promote health, well-being and positive outcomes for diverse 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Out-of-home providers and caregivers will learn how to affirm their identities, create safe(r) inclusive homes, and support their unique needs, including gender transition and intersecting identities. Gender/sexual identity will be discussed using an intersectional anti-oppression lens in relation to other identity dimensions, including race, culture, ability (including developmental) and newcomer status.

We will also examine organizational strategies specific to out-of-home care facilities to build safe(r), inclusive environments and remove barriers at policy, practice, administrative, leadership/governance and “climate” levels.

This training is unique in its focus on providing core training to front-line staff and service supervisors in multiple settings about the experiences, barriers, risks and needs of diverse 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth in out-of-home care. We will identify sources and manifestations of identity-related trauma for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, as well as factors and practical strategies designed to promote safety, health, wellbeing and positive outcomes for youth to thrive.

Learning Outcomes

Examine the challenges, barriers and risks faced by diverse 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth.
Recognize the signs of identity-based trauma when caring for these youth in family-based or group environments.
Discuss what factors contribute to health, well-being and positive outcomes for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Learn and practice effective strategies to engage, support and affirm diverse 2SLGBTQ+ youth in care-based settings.
Review organizational strategies for foster/group care that support 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and reduce hetero-cisnormative barriers.