AGENCY TESTIMONY
2021 survey findings and LGBTQAI+ youth action plan
0:18:05
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51 sec
Commissioner Dannhauser presents the findings of a 2021 survey that revealed a disproportionate number of LGBTQAI+ youth in foster care. He then outlines the action plan developed in response to these findings.
- Highlights that over 1/3 of youth in foster care ages 13-20 identify as LGBTQAI+
- Describes the key components of the action plan, including committee formation, recruitment strategies, policy updates, and strengthening services
- Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the action plan in addressing the needs of LGBTQAI+ youth
Jess Dannhauser
0:18:05
In 2021, after an initial survey, and focus groups found that more than 1 out of 3 youth in foster care ages 13 to 20, identifies as lesbian gay, bisexual transgender, queer questioning, a gender, or asexual or intersex, which is disproportionate to the general population.
0:18:22
ACS released an action plan to strengthen our work specifically as it relates to youth and foster care.
0:18:28
The action plan included a dedicated LGBTQA plus committee as part of the larger ACS youth leadership council, working with foster care providers and foster parent recruitment strategies and training, updating the 2012 policy, strengthening training for staff, adding soju questions to the annual survey of youth and foster care, and strengthening the services and supports for LGBTQA plus youth and foster care.
0:18:52
ACS has made a great deal of progress since the release of the action plan.
