June is Pride Month and is a time to celebrate and amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community in the present moment and throughout history. LGBTQ+ children and youth especially need the support of communities and caregivers not just in June but year-round. Hephzibah’s gender and identity affirming care is ongoing and ensures all youth we serve, no matter how they identify, are heard, seen, and accepted exactly as they are.
Unfortunately, the stark reality is children and youth who identify as LGBTQ+ are greatly overrepresented in the child welfare system. Studies show up to 40% of youth currently experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+. Many end up homeless as a result of their caregiver’s rejection of them. If they do make it into the child welfare system tragically they may still face discrimination in the places they land which can take a disastrous toll on this population of youth.
When Hephzibah Foster Care staff care for youth within the LGBTQ+ population, they know these children are already facing enormous challenges after experiencing abuse, neglect, or instability in their homes. When they also face rejection because of who they inherently are, it is devastating and requires an exceptional level of care from our therapeutic staff and caregivers. Our teams understand the degree of attention that LGBTQ+ foster youth need and are trained to provide safe and loving care that is responsive to their situation. Hephzibah also requires foster parents licensed by us to take special LGBTQ+ trainings. We ensure each foster household is embedded with the same values we require of our staff caring for these children.
Hephzibah has a strong and long history of advocating for and supporting LGBTQ+ youth and foster parents and will always do our part to protect the children in our care from harm, especially when it involves their sense of self. We want each child in our care to be proud of who they are and of what makes them unique. Hephzibah care teams are trained to shine a light on every child’s uniqueness, helping each child thrive and flourish.