WHO WE ARE HOW WE HELP OUR RESULTS GET INVOLVED GET HELP CONTACT DONATE TO LFC GET HELP LGBTQ Rights Project The Challenge: Some data suggest that LGBTQ youth are overrepresented in foster care, with as many as 2 times the number of LGBTQ youth in care as not in care. Like all children in foster care, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ), gender expansive and non-binary (GNB) youth are affected by the elimination of services, overburdened Family Courts, and an often-dysfunctional child welfare system. Unlike other children in foster care, however, LGBTQ and GNB youth must also contend with discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity; lack of service providers who are sensitive to their particular needs; questions about whether to “come out” or openly acknowledge sexual orientation or gender identity while in foster care; and difficulty finding a supportive community of other LGBTQ youth and adults. LFC’s Response: LFC’s LGBTQ Rights Project consists of two attorneys who collaborate with LFC’s highly skilled social workers on each of their cases. The objectives of the project are to: 1) assess the needs of LGBTQ and GNB youth in foster care; 2) develop and implement advocacy plans both for individual young people and for system-wide improvements; and 3) inform LGBTQ and GNB youth in foster care of their rights through workshops and distribution of our You Are Not Alone handbook for LGBTQ and GNB youth in foster care, which includes a resource guide of programs and services specifically for LGBTQ youth. "Shardee begged for a transfer to a trans-friendly placement." Read Shardee's Success Story In order to preserve client confidentiality, names and other details have been changed. Volunteer models appear in all photographs that depict LFC clients. Photographs courtesy Ben Fink Shapiro Studio and Jasmin Ortiz. Lawyers For Children | 110 Lafayette Street, 8th Floor | New York, NY 10013 | 212.966.6420 | info@lawyersforchildren.org Copyright © 2021 | All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy Who We Are Our Mission Staff Board of Directors Leadership Council Our Supporters Honors & Awards Videos How We Help Our Model Public Policy Domestic Violence LGBTQ Education Aging Out Mental Health Sex Abuse & Trafficking Immigration Videos Our Results The LFC Difference Success Stories LFC News LFC Publications Videos Get Involved Donate Now Lunch Money Campaign Fellowships Internships Careers Other Ways You Can Help Planned Giving Matching Gift Programs Get Help Emergency Information Know Your Rights Video Series Know Your Rights Handbooks Find Your Lawyer and Social Worker Links to Resources Conozca Sus Derechos: Vídeos Contact