Protect LGBTQI+ youth in foster care

Voting position

Background

The voting position of "Protect LGBTQI+ youth in foster care" focuses on the well-being of LGBTQI+ minors in the foster care system. This issue recognizes that these youths often face unique challenges, including a higher risk of discrimination, mental health issues, and placement instability. The goal is to ensure that foster care environments are safe, affirming, and responsive to the specific needs of LGBTQI+ youth, promoting their overall welfare and equal treatment within the child welfare system.

Name

Types

Voting position

Opposing arguments

Implementing specialized training for foster care workers on LGBTQI+ youth could introduce unnecessary complexity

Specialized protection for LGBTQI+ youth in foster care could create a perception of unequal treatment among other children

Supporting arguments

Overrepresentation of LGBTQI+ youth in foster care underscores the necessity of protective measures

Training foster care workers on LGBTQI+ needs improves the care quality

LGBTQI+ youth must be protected from dangerous practices like so-called "conversion therapy"

Providing safety for LGBTQI+ youth in foster care upholds federal efforts to promote equality and prevent discrimination in public systems