Weeks after New York City advocates for homeless LGBTQ+ youth released a white paper detailing discrimination in the foster care system, its members are now hailing renewed commitment by city leaders to provide more welcoming homes and an end to hostile treatment.
Upcoming reforms they say they’ve secured include updates to the Administration for Children’s Services’ 12-year-old policy on youth of all genders and sexualities; better enforcement of existing policies requiring city workers to use preferred pronouns; tailored mental health services; and updated training for caregivers and staff. Caseworkers also must prioritize placements in homes “that not only affirm but celebrate” the identities of LGBTQ+ foster youth.