Nearly one in five foster youth in Los Angeles County identify as LGBTQ, a much higher percentage than in the general population, yet this vulnerable group is often not identified within the County’s child welfare system. This lack can mean that targeted services are not regularly provided by staff who may not have received the training necessary to support the unique needs of LGBTQ youth.

LGBTQ youth enter the foster care system for many of the same reasons as non-LGBTQ youth. Abuse, neglect and parental substance abuse may all be factors, but many LGBTQ youth also experience trauma as a result of rejection or mistreatment because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Similar factors can also lead LGBTQ youth into the LA County Probation system.

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a motion that seeks to identify ways to improve services for LGBTQ young people in the County’s care.

LA County Supervisor and Chair of the Board of Supervisors Sheila Kuehl, the lead author of the motion, said, “There are approximately 1,400 young people who self-identify as LGBTQ in our child welfare system. Often these children have been doubly disadvantaged by bigotry and ignorance as well as neglect and abuse. This motion lays the groundwork for the County to better provide for their needs, including tailored services delivered by well-trained and culturally competent staff, and identification of supportive, affirming caretakers. I am proud of the leadership role LA County is taking in addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ youth.”

The motion requests a report back in 90 days from the Departments of Children and Family Services, Probation, Mental Health, Public Health and Health Services, that will include an inventory and assessment of existing services, programs and training that currently assist LGBTQ youth; information on foster family recruitment and family finding efforts that would lead to affirming placements; and recommendations for innovative treatment models and improved training.

Supervisor Hilda Solis, co-author of the motion, said, “While we have made some deeply positive gains in achieving equality for LGBTQ people, LGBTQ youth – especially those in the child welfare or probation systems – still face discrimination, bullying, violence, and ignorance from people in their lives. Today’s motion will ensure the delivery of more sensitive and supportive services to this population of young people who both deserve and need affirming care to help them thrive.”