Experiences of LGBTQI2-S Youth and Young Adults

Youth and young adults with foster care histories are at significantly greater risk than other youth for homelessness and other negative outcomes, such as substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, mental health problems and educational deficiencies (Courtney, Dworsky, Cusick, Havlicek, Perez, & Keller, 2007). Among foster care youth, those who identify as a part of the LGBTQI2-S community are particularly vulnerable to experiencing these risk factors and often have a difficult time in the transition to adulthood, including efforts to obtain and maintain housing, employment, and education (Banghart, 2014). Most LGBTQI2-S youth with foster care histories also report being discriminated against and rejected because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression by peers, birth families, foster families, and child welfare staff (Banghart, 2014; Matarese, 2012). Gaining greater insight into the perceived experiences of LGBTQI2-S youth relative to recent events in their lives, their life experiences in general, and their experiences in the foster care system, will help to shed some light on the particular risks confronted by this group of youth/young adults and identify avenues for system reform. Funding for this research came from a federal grant under the Administration on Children and Families. A cross-sectional, non-probability convenience sample was used in order to reach this population. Participants were recruited by three community agencies that provide services to LGBTQI2-S youth and young adults, ranging in age from 14 years of age to under 30 years of age. The survey instrument contained 30 questions and covered the following four areas: (1) demographics and gender identity; (2) perceived experiences of recent events; (3) life experiences; and (4) foster care experiences. The questionnaire was administered anonymously to protect the identity of the participants. Respondents noted that they were likely to be treated poorly in relation to their being a part of the LGBTQI2-S community, being in foster care, because of their gender, being transgender, or because of not being manly or womanly enough. In addition, youth recounted experiences of being homeless, being kicked out of a placement or running away, having gone to the city for sexual experiences, and being hospitalized for emotional reasons. A majority also reported being bullied in school, with some acknowledging suspensions or expulsions. Furthermore, the foster care youth had an above average number of placements, which reflected the difficulties that some LBGTQI2-S youth and their caregivers have in relating to one another. This session will focus on describing some of the life experiences of foster care youth and young adults who identify as a part of the LGBTQI2-S community from their perspective, with a view towards developing more targeted policies and programs to assist this at-risk population, as well as gaining greater insight into their circumstances and needs.