1. Gender Affirming Placement of Children and Youth in
California Foster Care
Gender Spectrum Professional Symposium
July 8, 2016

2. Objectives To understand Gender identity and expression
TGNC children in foster care
Gender affirming services

3. Needs of TGNC children Risks associated with stigma and rejection
Same inherent capacity for health, happiness, and success
Adults play a critical role
Importance of gender affirming policies and practices

4. TGNC children in foster care
Overrepresented
Same risks as peers and additional challenges
Systemic failures
Systemic successes

5. SOGIE Basics Sex Assigned at Birth Anatomy, chromosomes, hormones
Male Intersex Female
Gender Identity
Psychological sense of self
Male bi-gendered/two-spirit/3rd gender Female
Gender Expression
Communication of gender
Masculine Androgynous Feminine
Sexual Orientation
Romantic, erotic response
Attracted to women bisexual/pansexual/asexual Attracted to men

7. Ellen Degeneres and Portia DeRossi

8. “Let us not forget that this great nation was founded by a bunch of men wearing wigs.”
RuPaul: gay drag queen

9. Chaz Bono
First identified as a lesbian, now straight trans man

11. Gender identity development
Innate or fixed at early age: 18 mos – 3 yrs
Not subject to voluntary control
Gender nonconforming behavior
Transgender identity
Gender dysphoria

12. Assessing needs of TGNC children
Affirm the child’s gender as it is expressed and experienced by the child
Consult with adults who know the child
If necessary, consult with gender specialist

13. Foster Care Nondiscrimination Act AB 458
Nondiscrimination policy
Training
Gender inclusive practices
Prohibit attempts to “convert” TGNC children
Ensure safety and respect autonomy

14. Competent health care
Individualized approach that permits TGNC children to explore and develop GI in at atmosphere of support and acceptance
Social workers are not responsible for determining appropriate treatment protocols
appr

15. Conversion therapy Includes formal therapy and informal “counseling”
AB 1172: applies to licensed therapists
Intervene to protect children from efforts to change their gender identity or expression
Court order if necessary

16. SB 731
Gives foster children in CA the right to placements that are consistent with their gender identity
Sex segregated facilities or units
Room sharing

17. Placement AB 403– The Continuum of Care Reform
Priority placements with family and extended family, new approval process
Child and family teams for every child –advocate for SOGIE knowledge on every team
Assessment driven process
Training required for all staff and caregivers
Limits use of group homes/res. tx,
Youth in lower levels of group care will be moved—where will the LGBT kiddos go?
Opportunity to work with families to minimize rejection and maximize acceptance

18. TGNC children at school
SB 777 (prohibits discrimination)
AB 1266 (access to sex segregated programs and facilities consistent with GI)
Ensure safety
Ensure gender affirming school climate

19. Privacy GI information is private Do not “out” TGNC children
Balance pros and cons of disclosure
Obtain child’s consent
Prioritize child’s welfare and autonomy
Third parties not entitled to information

20. Practice issues
Challenges: perceived and real---don’t assume the worst— assume the best! When actually asked, many caregivers are welcoming and willing to become affirming
Partner with the collateral folks—CASA’s and attorneys
Overcoming resistance—Don’t get stuck!
figure it out—it is social work
Setting expectations—expect that ALL youth will be affirmed and supported and cared for
Be REAL with the youth—ask them what they want, where they are most comfortable; for GNC and non-binary kiddos seek non-gendered placements and let the youth have voice and choice

21. National Center for Lesbian Rights
Presenters
Jill Jacobs
Executive Director
Family Builders
Shannan Wilber
Youth Policy Director
National Center for Lesbian Rights