LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care

HRC Learn - Hosts a variety of webinars and other courses with information for parents, caregivers, allies, and LGTBQ+ youth on best practices for creating inclusive environments.

Family Equality - Virtual peer support and community for LGBTQ+ Families.

Children’s Minnesota - Resources for LGTBQ+ youth and families.

Outfront Minnesota - Maintains a list of support and counseling organizations for youth and families throughout the state, including rural areas.

Camp True Colors – Summer camps specific to LGBTQ+ youth.

NAMI Minnesota - Offers resources, information, and support groups.

The Bridge for Youth - Located in Minneapolis, offers a range of services to youth and their families who are experiencing crisis, including homelessness, violent crime, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and others. Not a LGBTQ+ specific organization, but they do offer weekly LGBTQ+ support groups. They have a helpline via text 612-400-7233 or voice 612-377-8800. Minnesota Resource

Transforming Families - “Transforming Families is a community where transgender, gender non-conforming, and questioning youth and their families come together to support each other in a safe, welcoming space.” Support and networking for both youth and parents.

Child Welfare Information Gateway - Supporting Your LGBTQ+ Youth: A Guide for Foster Parents (2021).

Youth Connections Scale – An assessment to help caregivers know the supportive adult connections in their youth’s life and areas where they may need more support to meet their needs.

Human Rights Campaign Glossary – A comprehensive list of terminology.

Gender Terminology – This is a glossary of terms specific to gender. 

Dos and Don’ts – A list of appropriate terms and terms to avoid. It also provides reasons why and example sentences. This is a good beginning resource that can be shared with others who may not know what to say or how to say it.

Supporting and Caring for Our Bisexual Youth – This report helps parents, caregivers, social workers, teachers, and other youth-serving professionals understand the lived experiences of bisexual youth and ways to effectively nurture and guide them toward a successful future.

2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report – This report discusses the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ teens and is the largest survey of its kind. It shows the challenges these youth face at home, in their communities, and in their schools.

Coming Out Resources – These resources can assist the coming out experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth—to whom they come out, in what settings, obstacles they experience, and the ways in which coming out may be related to their personal well–being, sense of safety, and their connections to family, school and community.

New York Administration for Children’s Services, LGBTQ+ Affirming Foster and Adoptive Parents Needed, (nd). This document provides steps for foster parents to make their home environment affirming for LGBTQ+youth.

Explore: Adoption – Human Rights Campaign offers a number of resources to LGBTQ+ people interested in adopting.

HRC Learn - Hosts a variety of webinars and other courses with information for parents, caregivers, allies, and LGTBQ+ youth on best practices for creating inclusive environments.

MN Dept of Education – Overviews, resources and information on school supports. Minnesota Resource

Children’s Minnesota - Resources for LGTBQ+ youth and families. Minnesota Resource

MENTOR – The nation’s leading youth mentoring organization. Not a LGBTQ+ specific organization. Find your local chapter in order to search for a mentor in your area, and inquire about who is an affirming match for your LGBTQ+ youth. The Minnesota chapter of MENTOR. Minnesota Resource

Preparing for your Mentoring Relationship – A short video with information and guidance for youth prior to being a mentee to help ensure it is a positive, helpful experience.

Because You Mentored Me – A short video from the perspective of successful adults who were mentored as youth.

Make an Impact: Mentor in Real Life – A short video about the benefits of mentoring for youth.

Human Rights Campaign Glossary – A comprehensive list of terminology.

Gender Terminology – This is a glossary of terms specific to gender. There are other glossaries that are more comprehensive, but this is another resource for those learning terms for the first time.

Dos and Don’ts – A list of appropriate terms and terms to avoid. It also provides reasons why and example sentences. This is a good beginning resource that can be shared with others who may not know what to say or how to say it.

Supporting and Caring for Our Bisexual Youth – This new report helps parents, caregivers, social workers, teachers, and other youth-serving professionals understand the lived experiences of bisexual youth and ways to effectively nurture and guide them toward a successful future.

2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report – This report discusses the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ teens and is the largest survey of its kind. It shows the challenges these youth face at home, in their communities, and in their schools.

Coming Out Resources – These resources can assist the coming out experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth—to whom they come out, in what settings, obstacles they experience, and the ways in which coming out may be related to their personal well–being, sense of safety, and their connections to family, school and community.

HRC Learn - Hosts a variety of webinars and other courses with information for parents, caregivers, allies, and LGTBQ+ youth on best practices for creating inclusive environments.

Family Equality - Virtual peer support and community for LGBTQ+ Families\

Foster Adopt Resources - A directory of resources maintained by Foster Adopt MN Minnesota Resource

Camp True Colors – Summer camps specific to LGBTQ+ youth 

Children’s Minnesota - Resources for LGTBQ+ youth and families.

Twin Cities Pride - Pride festival family specific activities – Each summer, annual Pride festivals are held for all members of the LGBTQ+ community throughout the country. Minnesota Resource

Just Breathe - A podcast for parents of LGBTQ+ youth.

Coming Out + Beyond – A popular LGBT podcast. Available on various platforms.

The Family Acceptance Project - A research, intervention, education and policy initiative for LGTBQ+ youth and families.

Human Rights Campaign Glossary – A comprehensive list of terminology.

Gender Terminology – This is a glossary of terms specific to gender. There are other glossaries that are more comprehensive, but this is another resource for those learning terms for the first time.

Dos and Don’ts – A list of appropriate terms and terms to avoid. It also provides reasons why and example sentences. This is a good beginning resource that can be shared with others who may not know what to say or how to say it.

Supporting and Caring for Our Bisexual Youth – This report helps parents, caregivers, social workers, teachers, and other youth-serving professionals understand the lived experiences of bisexual youth and ways to effectively nurture and guide them toward a successful future.

2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report – This report discusses the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ teens and is the largest survey of its kind. It shows the challenges these youth face at home, in their communities, and in their schools.

Coming Out Resources – These resources can assist the coming out experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth—to whom they come out, in what settings, obstacles they experience, and the ways in which coming out may be related to their personal well–being, sense of safety, and their connections to family, school and community.

HRC Learn - Hosts a variety of webinars and other courses with information for parents, caregivers, allies, and LGTBQ+ youth on best practices for creating inclusive environments.

QChatSpace - A bully-free online community of LGBTQ+ teens and trained staff from LGBTQ+ centers around the country.

Transforming Families - “Transforming Families is a community where transgender, gender non-conforming, and questioning youth and their families come together to support each other in a safe, welcoming space.” Support and networking for both youth and parents. Minnesota Resource

Children’s Minnesota - Resources for LGTBQ+ youth and families.

RECLAIM -  Located in St. Paul, MN, RECLAIM offers individual, group and family therapy for queer and transgender youth and young adults ages 12-26 and their families. 80% of the youth served self-identify as transgender or gender nonconforming. They emphasize training practitioners to provide gender competent care. They also focus on the intersection of gender and race. Minnesota Resource

The Bridge for Youth - Located in Minneapolis, offers a range of services to youth and their families who are experiencing crisis, including homelessness, violent crime, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and others. Not a LGBTQ+ specific organization, but they do offer weekly LGBTQ+ support groups. They have a helpline via text 612-400-7233 or voice 612-377-8800. Minnesota Resource

Family Tree Clinic – Affordable, sliding fee health services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth, including trans hormone care, STI testing, and free HIV testing for uninsured patients. Minnesota Resource

They/Them Project – An engaging website devoted to sharing photo portraits of transgender and gender-expansive individuals with their stories, experiences, and perspectives.

Comprehensive Gender Care Program, University of Minnesota - “An interdisciplinary, compassionate approach to gender-affirming care. Whether you’re looking for primary care or transition support, our specialists and care coordinators are here to help. Minnesota Resource

HealthPartners Gender Services - A Twin Cities gender services clinic. Minnesota Resource

Human Rights Campaign Glossary – A comprehensive list of terminology.

Gender Terminology – This is a glossary of terms specific to gender. There are other glossaries that are more comprehensive, but this is another resource for those learning terms for the first time.

Dos and Don’ts – A list of appropriate terms and terms to avoid. It also provides reasons why and example sentences. This is a good beginning resource that can be shared with others who may not know what to say or how to say it.

Supporting and Caring for Our Bisexual Youth – This new report helps parents, caregivers, social workers, teachers, and other youth-serving professionals understand the lived experiences of bisexual youth and ways to effectively nurture and guide them toward a successful future.

2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report – This report discusses the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ teens and is the largest survey of its kind. It shows the challenges these youth face at home, in their communities, and in their schools.

Coming Out Resources – These resources can assist the coming out experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth—to whom they come out, in what settings, obstacles they experience, and the ways in which coming out may be related to their personal well–being, sense of safety, and their connections to family, school and community.

Face to Face – Located in St. Paul, this clinic provides LGBTQ+ youth with mental health therapy and general medical care for little or no cost. They also provide support for basic needs such as food, shower, clothing, etc. Minnesota Resource

Family Equality - Virtual peer support and community for LGBTQ+ Families

QChatSpace - A bully-free online community of LGBTQ+ teens and trained staff from LGBTQ+ centers around the country.

Foster Adopt Resources - A directory of resources maintained by Foster Adopt MN. Minnesota Resource

RECLAIM - Located in St. Paul, RECLAIM offers individual, group and family therapy for queer and transgender youth and young adults ages 12-26 and their families. 80% of the youth served self-identify as transgender or gender nonconforming. They emphasize training practitioners to provide gender competent care. They also focus on the intersection of gender and race. Minnesota Resource

HRC Learn - Hosts a variety of webinars and other courses with information for parents, caregivers, allies, and LGTBQ+ youth on best practices for creating inclusive environments.

The Bridge for Youth - Located in Minneapolis, offers a range of services to youth and their families who are experiencing crisis, including homelessness, violent crime, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and others. Not a LGBTQ+ specific organization, but they do offer weekly LGBTQ+support groups. They have a helpline via text 612-400-7233 or voice 612-377-8800. Minnesota Resource

Transforming Families - “Transforming Families is a community where transgender, gender non-conforming, and questioning youth and their families come together to support each other in a safe, welcoming space.” Support and networking for both youth and parents. Minnesota Resource

Camp True Colors – Summer camps specific to LGBTQ+ youth. 

Family Tree Clinic – Affordable, sliding fee health services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth, including hormone therapy, STI testing, and free HIV testing for uninsured patients. Minnesota Resource

MENTOR – The nation’s leading youth mentoring organization. Not a LGBTQ+ specific organization. Find your local chapter in order to search for a mentor in your area, and inquire about who is an affirming match for your LGBTQ+ youth. Minnesota chapter of MENTOR. Minnesota Resource

Because You Mentored Me – A short video from the perspective of successful adults who were mentored as youth. Preparing for your Mentoring Relationship – A short video with information and guidance for youth prior to being a mentee to help ensure it is a positive, helpful experience.

Human Rights Campaign Glossary – A comprehensive list of terminology.

Gender Terminology – This is a glossary of terms specific to gender. There are other glossaries that are more comprehensive, but this is another resource for those learning terms for the first time.

Dos and Don’ts – A list of appropriate terms and terms to avoid. It also provides reasons why and example sentences. This is a good beginning resource that can be shared with others who may not know what to say or how to say it.

Supporting and Caring for Our Bisexual Youth – This new report helps parents, caregivers, social workers, teachers, and other youth-serving professionals understand the lived experiences of bisexual youth and ways to effectively nurture and guide them toward a successful future.

2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report – This report discusses the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ teens and is the largest survey of its kind. It shows the challenges these youth face at home, in their communities, and in their schools.

Coming Out Resources – These resources can assist the coming out experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth—to whom they come out, in what settings, obstacles they experience, and the ways in which coming out may be related to their personal well–being, sense of safety, and their connections to family, school and community.

QChatSpace - A bully-free online community of LGBTQ+ teens and trained staff from LGBTQ+ centers around the country.

Family Equality - Virtual peer support and community for LGBTQ+ Families.

OutFront - Offers a directory according to regional areas of Minnesota. Minnesota Resource

Foster Adopt Resources - A directory of resources maintained by Foster Adopt MN. Minnesota Resource

HRC Learn - Hosts a variety of webinars and other courses with information for parents, caregivers, allies, and LGTBQ+ youth on best practices for creating inclusive environments.

Psychology Today Therapist Locator - A tool to find therapists according to zip code. They offer filters that provide results according to accepted insurance plans, specialties, fees, and a brief personal description and a photo of each therapist listed. It is important to call and ask questions about their comfort level, experience, and affirming approaches surrounding LGBTQ+ related concerns and identities.

Camp True Colors – Summer camps specific to LGBTQ+ youth 

GLSEN - A network of educators and students working to advance equity and justice for LGBTQ+ youth in school environments.

Human Rights Campaign Glossary – A comprehensive list of terminology.

Gender Terminology – This is a glossary of terms specific to gender. There are other glossaries that are more comprehensive, but this is another resource for those learning terms for the first time.

Dos and Don’ts – A list of appropriate terms and terms to avoid. It also provides reasons why and example sentences. This is a good beginning resource that can be shared with others who may not know what to say or how to say it.

Supporting and Caring for Our Bisexual Youth – This new report helps parents, caregivers, social workers, teachers, and other youth-serving professionals understand the lived experiences of bisexual youth and ways to effectively nurture and guide them toward a successful future.

2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report – This report discusses the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ teens and is the largest survey of its kind. It shows the challenges these youth face at home, in their communities, and in their schools.

Coming Out Resources – These resources can assist the coming out experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth—to whom they come out, in what settings, obstacles they experience, and the ways in which coming out may be related to their personal well–being, sense of safety, and their connections to family, school and community.

Outfront Minnesota - An organization focused on public policy, coalition building, education, anti-violence, law, and school Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) networks. They offer events for advocacy and a helpline. Helpline: 800-800-0530. Minnesota Resource

RECLAIM - Located in St. Paul, RECLAIM offers individual, group and family therapy for queer and transgender youth and young adults ages 12-26 and their families. 80% of the youth served self-identify as transgender or gender nonconforming. They emphasize training practitioners to provide gender competent care. They also focus on the intersection of gender and race. Minnesota Resource

Make an Impact - Mentor in Real Life – a short video about the benefits of mentoring for youth.

Because You Mentored Me – A short video from the perspective of successful adults who were mentored as youth.

Human Rights Campaign Glossary - A comprehensive list of terminology.

Because You Mentored Me – a short video from the perspective of successful adults who were mentored as youth. 

Human Rights Campaign Glossary – A comprehensive list of terminology.

Gender Terminology – This is a glossary of terms specific to gender. There are other glossaries that are more comprehensive, but this is another resource for those learning terms for the first time.

Dos and Don’ts – A list of appropriate terms and terms to avoid. It also provides reasons why and example sentences. This is a good beginning resource that can be shared with others who may not know what to say or how to say it.

Supporting and Caring for Our Bisexual Youth – This new report helps parents, caregivers, social workers, teachers, and other youth-serving professionals understand the lived experiences of bisexual youth and ways to effectively nurture and guide them toward a successful future.

2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report – This report discusses the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ teens and is the largest survey of its kind. It shows the challenges these youth face at home, in their communities, and in their schools.

Coming Out Resources – These resources can assist the coming out experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth—to whom they come out, in what settings, obstacles they experience, and the ways in which coming out may be related to their personal well–being, sense of safety, and their connections to family, school and community.

All Children – All Families Report, Human Rights Campaign Foundation - This project promotes LGBTQ-inclusive policies and affirming practices among child welfare agencies. The report also features profiles of child welfare organizations that are setting the bar for LGBTQ+ inclusion, as well as profiles of the LGBTQ+ youth and clients they serve. Ramsey County of Minnesota is 1 of the 70 agencies profiled. Minnesota Resource

Explore: Adoption – Human Rights Campaign, the HRC offers a number of resources to LGBTQ+ people interested in adopting.

MN POC Pride - Empowering LGBTQ+ people of color in Minnesota through celebration, advocacy, and community building. Minnesota Resource

Queer BIPOC Resources - An overview of resources in Minnesota for the Queer BIPOC community. Minnesota Resource

RECLAIM - Located in St. Paul, RECLAIM offers individual, group and family therapy for queer and transgender youth and young adults ages 12-26 and their families. 80% of the youth served self-identify as transgender or gender nonconforming. They emphasize training practitioners to provide gender competent care. They also focus on the intersection of gender and race. Minnesota Resource

GLBTA Campus & Community Resources - A comprehensive list of various community groups, including communities of color, communities of faith, violence and prevention centers, and more. Minnesota Resource

Supporting and Caring for Latine LGBTQ+ Youth. This report explores the experiences of nearly 2,000 LGBT youth who identify as Latine.

Walking in Two Worlds: Understanding the Historical and Intergenerational Trauma on the Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ+ Community Webinar - This webinar discusses the historical roles and identities of Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ+ people, how historical/intergenerational trauma has impacted this community, and the efforts to bring back balance, beauty, and acceptance.

Supporting Two Spirit/Native LGBTQ+ Youth Webinar - This webinar discusses how tribal communities welcome their Two-Spirit relatives back into their circles, what child welfare agencies can do to create a safe and welcoming environment, and how those who work with youth can protect and support the Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ+ individuals in their care.

Working with Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ+ Youth - This guide provides various resources and learning opportunities for supporting Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ+ youth.