June is Pride Month - a month dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ+ voices, celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and the support of LGBTQ+ rights* It's also time to spread awareness on the important topic of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care.
For those in foster care, the numbers of LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented. This means that there are more LGBTQ+ youth in foster care than there are in the general population - some studies suggest 30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+. There are many reasons children may end up in foster care - abuse, neglect, parents being incarcerated, parents on drugs etc. which can cause major trauma. LGBTQ+ youth have the added trauma that comes with being rejected or mistreated because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.*
The Child Welfare Information Gateway (www.childwelfare.gov) offers an incredible guide for foster parents to help them support LGTBQ+ youth. The guide can be found HERE.
Alaska CASA works to ensure a safe and stable future for our most vulnerable youth, including LGBTQ+ by mobilizing community volunteers to provide focused advocacy to children and youth in the child welfare system. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer here in Alaska, please call or email us at (907) 269-3513 alaskacasa@alaska.gov.
"Together, we can help change a child's story. "