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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.

This chapter examines the special needs and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth in residential child and youth care settings. The authors review data about LGBTQIA+ youth in care and describe two European programs that are striving to provide a secure, welcoming, and affirming living environment for LGBTQIA+ youth in child welfare systems. The Audre Project probed perspectives of LGBTQIA+ youth in residential and foster care placement as well the views of practitioners. Cornerstones Youth Care has been implementing an LGBTQIA+ focus within its Raising the Village model. The Raising the Village model is a framework for improving the quality of out-of-home care to young people through focusing decision-making around the individual young person and the carers and professionals involved.

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.

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.