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This chapter draws on a recent study the authors conducted in the Netherlands on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) youth and young adults and their participation during their time in the public child protection system (CPS). It draws on qualitative interviews with thirteen young people and provides insight into strengthening child welfare services and practices for LGBTQIA youth in a way that allows for their voices to have weight. It shows that there are four prerequisites for participatory practices with LGBTQIA+ children and youth involved with the public CPS: first, the importance of a supportive and affirmative environment for LGBTQIA+ young people; second, the need to develop a connection with a caregiver or staff member to be able to participate; third, children’s need to be informed and prepared to be able to participate in decision-making processes; and fourth, the request of young people to have their own “space” and be surrounded by staff trained to address the needs of LGBTQIA+ youth.

This chapter analyses how policies and practices in the U.S. and the Netherlands affect the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. We first present an overview of the situation of LGBTQ+ youth in the child welfare system (CWS), and the national and administrative policies and practices in both countries. Despite the gains of the last years in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, we face a current backlash of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. These anti-LGBTQ+ movements impact the well-being of all LGBTQ+ youth, but especially that of LGBTQ+ youth in care. Care professionals responsible for youths’ well-being are also exposed and influenced by this anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, affecting their willingness to offer affirmative care. Secondly, we explore recent studies with LGBTQ+ youth in the CWS in the Netherlands that shed light on the ways to create safe and affirming care environments. Thirdly, based on a study with LGBTQ+ youth in the CWS in the U.S., we explore youth perceptions and recommendations to create a safe and affirming environment. The chapter ends with a number of recommendations for policymakers, care professionals and agencies to ensure that care environments offer appropriate care for LGBTQ+ youth.

Written through a constant exchange between LGBTQIA+ young people, researchers, professionals and foster families, this book offers a valuable tool to improve the practice with LGBTQIA+ youth at a personal, organizational, and policy level. This book shows the powerful influence of relationships and networks for the LGBTQIA+ young person growing up in child protection and welfare systems. LGBTQIA+ youth need meaningful connections with individuals within their communities in order to be able to heal, learn, and be authentically themselves. Child welfare professionals have a crucial role in creating these connections and cultivating supportive environments, free of additional trauma, where LGBTQIA+ young people can feel valued and loved.

This report has been developed in the context of the project BRIGTHER FUTURE: Innovative tools for developing full potential after early adversity, whose working team consists of the following entities: - Comune di Torino (Italy) - CORA (Spain) - PAC UK/ Family Action (United Kingdom) - Pharos Expertise Center on Health Disparities (Netherlands) - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain) - Università di Verona (Italy) - University of Groningen (Netherlands) Editor: Beatriz San Román (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Contributors: Barbara Ferrero and Sandra Patt (Comune di Torino) Ana Mª Linares, Águeda Ruibal, Elisa de Santiago and Chus Vázquez Paredes (CORA) Rebecca Wilkins and Jo Mitchell (PAC UK, Part of Family Action) Anna de Haan and Marjolein Keij (Pharos Expertise Center on Health Disparities) Chandra K. Clemente and Beatriz San Román (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Federica de Cordova, Giulia Selmi and Chiara Sità (Università di Verona) Mijntje ten Brummelaar,lk Joyce Fokkens, Mónica López López, Vasiliki Soultani and Elianne Zijlstra (University of Groningen) This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

This handbook has been developed in the context of the project BRIGTHER FUTURE: Innovative tools for developing full potential after early adversity, whose working team consists of the following entities: - Comune di Torino (Italy) - CORA (Spain) - PAC UK/ Family Action (United Kingdom) - Pharos Expertise Center on Health Disparities (the Netherlands) - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain) - Università di Verona (Italy) - University of Groningen (Netherlands) Editor: Beatriz San Román (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Contributors: Barbara Ferrero and Sandra Patt (Comune di Torino) Ana Mª Linares, Águeda Ruibal and Chus Vázquez Paredes (CORA) Rebecca Wilkins and Jo Mitchell (PAC UK, Part of Family Action) Anna de Haan and Marjolein Keij (Pharos Expertise Center on Health Disparities) Chandra K. Clemente, Beatriz San Román and Aida Urrea (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Federica de Cordova, Giulia Selmi and Chiara Sità (Università di Verona) Mónica López López, Mijntje ten Brumelaar and Elianne Zijlstra (University of Groningen)

Een handboek voor leerkrachten over uithuisgeplaatste kinderen en geadopteerde kinderen. Dit handboek is ontwikkeld in het kader van het project BRIGTHERFUTURE: Innovative tools for developing full potential after early adversity, waarvan het werkteam bestaat uit de volgende entiteiten: - Comune di Torino (Italië) - CORA (Spanje) - PAC UK/ Family Action (Verenigd Koninkrijk) - Pharos Expertisecentrum Gezondheidsverschillen (Nederland) - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spanje) - Università di Verona (Italië) - Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (Nederland) Redacteur: Beatriz San Román (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Medewerkers: Barbara Ferrero en Sandra Patt (Comune di Torino) Ana Mª Linares, Águeda Ruibal en Chus Vázquez Paredes (CORA) Rebecca Wilkins en Jo Mitchell (PAC UK, onderdeel van Family Action) Anna de Haan en Marjolein Keij (Pharos Expertisecentrum Gezondheidsverschillen) Chandra K. Clemente, Beatriz San Román en Aida Urrea (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Federica de Cordova, Giulia Selmi en Chiara Sità (Università di Verona) Mónica López López, Elianne Zijlstra, Carla van Os en Mijntje ten Brummelaar (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen)

Written through a constant exchange between LGBTQIA+ young people, researchers, professionals and foster families, this book offers a valuable tool to improve the practice with LGBTQIA+ youth at a personal, organizational, and policy level. This book shows the powerful influence of relationships and networks for the LGBTQIA+ young person growing up in child protection and welfare systems. LGBTQIA+ youth need meaningful connections with individuals within their communities in order to be able to heal, learn, and be authentically themselves. Child welfare professionals have a crucial role in creating these connections and cultivating supportive environments, free of additional trauma, where LGBTQIA+ young people can feel valued and loved. Cover design / Typesetting: LINE UP boek en media bv | Riëtte van Zwol and Mirjam Kroondijk Cover illustration © Shekakaka | Dreamstime.com Publisher: University of Groningen Press, Broerstraat 4, 9712 CP Groningen Production support: LINE UP boek en media bv The softcover version of this book (ISBN: 9789403429311) can be ordered via Print on demand directly on the site of our partner Uitgeverij kleine Uil, and through all regular (internet) bookshops. International shipping is possible via Amazon. This publication is peer reviewed Authors:The Audre Project Collective (alphabetical order): Mijntje ten Brummelaar,Rodrigo González Álvarez, Emi Howard, Mónica López López, Gary Mallon, Samar Orwa, Natalia Pierzchawka, Bjorn Ridderbos, Charly Ros, Selena Torsius, Kevin van Mierlo, Daylano Verwer, Leo Wieldraaijer-Vincent and Skye Wijkstra

Written through a constant exchange between LGBTQIA+ young people, researchers, professionals and foster families, this book offers a valuable tool to improve the practice with LGBTQIA+ youth at a personal, organizational, and policy level. This book shows the powerful influence of relationships and networks for the LGBTQIA+ young person growing up in child protection and welfare systems. LGBTQIA+ youth need meaningful connections with individuals within their communities in order to be able to heal, learn, and be authentically themselves. Child welfare professionals have a crucial role in creating these connections and cultivating supportive environments, free of additional trauma, where LGBTQIA+ young people can feel valued and loved.

This handbook has been developed in the context of the project BRIGTHER FUTURE: Innovative tools for developing full potential after early adversity, whose working team consists of the following entities: - Comune di Torino (Italy) - CORA (Spain) - PAC UK/ Family Action (United Kingdom) - Pharos Expertise Center on Health Disparities (the Netherlands) - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain) - Università di Verona (Italy) - University of Groningen (Netherlands) Editor: Beatriz San Román (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Contributors: Barbara Ferrero and Sandra Patt (Comune di Torino) Ana Mª Linares, Águeda Ruibal and Chus Vázquez Paredes (CORA) Rebecca Wilkins and Jo Mitchell (PAC UK, Part of Family Action) Anna de Haan and Marjolein Keij (Pharos Expertise Center on Health Disparities) Chandra K. Clemente, Beatriz San Román and Aida Urrea (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Federica de Cordova, Giulia Selmi and Chiara Sità (Università di Verona) Mónica López López, Mijntje ten Brumelaar and Elianne Zijlstra (University of Groningen)

Een handboek voor leerkrachten over uithuisgeplaatste kinderen en geadopteerde kinderen. Dit handboek is ontwikkeld in het kader van het project BRIGTHERFUTURE: Innovative tools for developing full potential after early adversity, waarvan het werkteam bestaat uit de volgende entiteiten: - Comune di Torino (Italië) - CORA (Spanje) - PAC UK/ Family Action (Verenigd Koninkrijk) - Pharos Expertisecentrum Gezondheidsverschillen (Nederland) - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spanje) - Università di Verona (Italië) - Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (Nederland) Redacteur: Beatriz San Román (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Medewerkers: Barbara Ferrero en Sandra Patt (Comune di Torino) Ana Mª Linares, Águeda Ruibal en Chus Vázquez Paredes (CORA) Rebecca Wilkins en Jo Mitchell (PAC UK, onderdeel van Family Action) Anna de Haan en Marjolein Keij (Pharos Expertisecentrum Gezondheidsverschillen) Chandra K. Clemente, Beatriz San Román en Aida Urrea (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Federica de Cordova, Giulia Selmi en Chiara Sità (Università di Verona) Mónica López López, Elianne Zijlstra, Carla van Os en Mijntje ten Brummelaar (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen)

Pen picture accounts of four young people in the Netherlands’ care system help to focus attention on the needs of young people and their families. This also highlights issues facing the Dutch care system and how it is organised and funded. In one of the world’s most densely populated countries, the child protection and welfare system in the Netherlands focuses on family preservation and community-based interventions. However, the number of young people in out-of-home care facilities has increased over the past decade and a half. The New Act on Care for Children and Young People which came into effect in 2015 has made far-reaching changes to Dutch child and youth care policy, and administrative and financial practices that are now re-located to municipalities.

Participatie van jongeren in beslissingen die hun leven en ontwikkeling betreffen is één van de basisbeginselen van het Verdrag voor de Rechten van het Kind (VRK) en daarmee ook een fundamenteel recht voor alle jongeren die verblijven in gesloten residentiële zorg. Daarnaast wordt participatie van jongeren in besluitvorming gezien als een belangrijk aspect in het zorg- en behandelingsproces van jongeren. Ondanks het feit dat de zorg en behandeling in gesloten residentiële zorg in eerste instantie gebaseerd is op een gedwongen maatregel en hiermee de ruimte voor jongeren om invloed uit te oefenen beperkt wordt, is ook op grond van gedragswetenschappelijke bronnen duidelijk dat participatie van jongeren binnen gesloten zorg van belang is. Het doel van ons onderzoek is om inzicht te krijgen in de participatie van jongeren in besluitvorming tijdens hun verblijf in gesloten residentiële zorg. Daartoe hebben we, ten eerste, de bestaande praktijk van residentiële zorg en jongerenparticipatie bestudeerd; ten tweede, de ervaringen en percepties van jongeren en professionals op dit punt in kaart gebracht; en, ten derde, onderzocht hoe het perspectief van jongeren in besluitvorming ingebracht kan worden. De resultaten laten zien dat er in toenemende mate aandacht is voor participatie van jongeren in besluitvormingsprocedures in gesloten residentiële zorg. Gelijktijdig komt met deze gesloten context de complexiteit van het participatievraagstuk naar voren. Zo zijn er vele contextuele factoren die een − faciliterende of inperkende − rol spelen in het participatieproces van jongeren. De opvattingen en het handelen van professionals op de werkvloer zijn van cruciaal belang voor het realiseren van participatie van jongeren in besluitvormingsprocessen. Bij het implementeren van participatie in de praktijk dient hier rekening mee gehouden te worden., Young people's participation in decisions regarding their life and development is one of the basic principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and with this a fundamental right for all young people staying in secure residential care. In addition, participation is regarded as an important aspect of the care and treatment process. Although care and treatment in secure residential care is, in first instance, based on a coercive measure, thereby substantially constraining the room for participation of young people in decision-making, it is also evident from a behavioural scientific perspective that participation is essential for young people in these facilities. The central aim of this dissertation was to shed new light on the participation of young people in decision-making procedures while staying in (secure) residential care. We did so, first, by focusing on the current state of knowledge; second, by looking at the experiences and perceptions of both young people and care professionals working in such facilities; and third, by finding ways to support young people in expressing their views in decision-making procedures while being in care. Results show that there has been an increased focus on the participation of young people in decision-making while staying in secure residential care. At the same time, with this coercive context the complexity of the topic of participation comes forward. There are various contextual components which are critically important for the participation processes of young people. For example, the professional’s attitude and underlying rationales seem to play an important role in the implementation of youth participation in decision-making during secure residential care.

The Best Interest of the Child − Self-report questionnaire (BIC-S) is designed as a tool to ensure young people in secure residential care have a voice about their living environment. The primary aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the BIC-S. Second, we wanted to map the experiences of young people with their current residential living environment. Therefore, both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to assess the experiences of young people with the BIC-S instrument. In 2015, based on a sample of 74 young people staying in secure residential care in the Netherlands, we explored the construct validity and reliability of the BIC-S through a Mokken Scale Analysis. The sample consisted of 38 boys and 36 girls (mean age 15.5). After exploring the psychometric properties of the instrument, we used descriptive statistics and analysed the open-ended BIC-S questions to map the experiences of young people with their current residential living environment.The results show that eleven out of the fourteen BIC-S conditions form a moderate scale to measure how young people perceive the quality of their living environment (H=.40; Rho=.86). With regard to the residential environment, the participants often raise issues which relate to personal safety, to activities within the institute, or to the relationship they have with care professionals. The results indicate that the BIC-S has the potential to serve as an instrument for young people to voice opinions on their living environment while in residential care.

Pen picture accounts of four young people in the Netherlands’ care system help to focus attention on the needs of young people and their families. This also highlights issues facing the Dutch care system and how it is organised and funded. In one of the world’s most densely populated countries, the child protection and welfare system in the Netherlands focuses on family preservation and community-based interventions. However, the number of young people in out-of-home care facilities has increased over the past decade and a half. The New Act on Care for Children and Young People which came into effect in 2015 has made far-reaching changes to Dutch child and youth care policy, and administrative and financial practices that are now re-located to municipalities.