927: Advocating for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program

Agenda Introduction Definitions and development Strategies Closing The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program

Learning Objectives Participants will be able to: Describe the needs of youth in the sexual minority Identify how to address their needs Develop intervention strategies for responding to the LGBTQ issues that arise for youth in child welfare placement settings The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program

Challenges Isolation Bullying Family difficulties/multiple placements Substance abuse Suicide HIV/AIDS Homelessness Mental health challenges Physical health challenges The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program

Four Areas of Support Family School Community Religious/Spiritual The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program

Triangle Symbol This symbol designates that the area you are entering is a “safe space.” It indicates that you will be respected regardless of your sexual orientation, racial category, ethnic background, religion, age, ability, or gender. The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program

Speak Up “In Germany they first came for the Communists and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me – and by that time no one was left to speak up.” -Pastor Martin Niemoller The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program