This workshop focuses on LGBTQ youth and fully meets the legal requirements of California’s AB 1856, which requires foster care providers to receive this or equivalent training. As shared in the 2011 Information Memorandum by the ACFY, it is critical that a young person who identifies as LGBTQ have a caseworker who “has the capacity, understanding and willingness to support the child’s social and emotional development while in foster care.”
The curriculum draws from the very latest and strongest clinical, research and practice findings. After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify typical and atypical LGBTQ youth behavior
- Understand the impact of adults’ reactions to youth coming out
- Identify the risk factors for LGBTQ youth (including bullying, involvement with juvenile justice, homelessness, depression and suicide)
- Identify protective factors that address risks
- Describe the legal rights of LGBTQ youth in care
- Promote healthy spiritual development and “thriving” among LGBTQ youth
A variety of training techniques will be used to engage all styles of adult learners as these complex issues are discussed. Specific tools and strategies will be shared to help caseworkers whose responsibility it is to assess and serve the needs of each child without bias and to ensure the safety of all children in foster care.