As National LGBTQ+ Pride Month comes to a close, CASA
of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties would like to honor and celebrate the many
members of the LGBTQ+ community in the child welfare system and those who work
to advocate for their rights on a daily basis. LGBTQ+ youth enter the child
welfare system for reasons similar those of other children and youth, that is,
their birth families cannot provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home.
According to the Children’s Rights Organization, a little over 30% of older youth in the foster care system identify as LGBTQ+. This number is significantly higher than the 11% of children who identified as LGBTQ+ outside of the foster care system. LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in child welfare systems, even though they are likely to be underreported because they risk harassment and abuse if their LGBTQ+ identity is disclosed.
This large percentage of children face a unique set of
challenges in addition to the adversity they experience as children in the
foster care system. Experiencing higher rates of harassment, neglect, and
abuse, LGBTQ+ children struggle to find safe and supportive foster homes and
caregivers. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ youth of color are disproportionately
overrepresented in the child welfare system and stay longer in child welfare
systems, while also having an increased risk of experiencing discrimination and
violence compared to their peers.
In some cases, families reject, neglect, or abuse
young people when they learn that they identify as LGBTQ+ or are questioning
their romantic/sexual orientation or gender identity. Often times, these
children who find themselves in unsupportive homes flee the maltreatment which
consequently results in their living on the street or seeking refuge in
shelters. The Williams Institute found that children who identify as LGBTQ+
represent 40% of the homeless youth population.
Like all youth, LGBTQ+ youth need a safe and stable
place to live, freedom to express themselves, and structure and guidance to
support them in becoming responsible, healthy adults. Your support of CASA of
Lancaster and Lebanon Counties provides for the very best volunteer advocacy
for children of all races and genders removed from their homes due to abuse or
neglect. CASA of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties will host a Virtual Information
Session on Wednesday, July 10, 5:30-6:30 pm and an In-Person Information
Session on Monday, July 22, 5:30-6:30 pm at the Lancaster office. Learn more about
becoming a CASA and register for either session by visiting www.casalancleb.org
or calling 717- 286-1430.
