Foster Care Providers

Trans Specific Dynamics

Common barriers trans survivors face to this service

Lack of trans affirming families and providers

Trans youth are more likely to end up in congregate care settings than non-trans youth due to a lack of trans-affirming family placements. This can negatively affect young people because they are less likely to receive affirming care from adults and more likely to live in a controlling environment. Many trans young people report preferring homelessness over living in group settings.

Faith-based service providers may feel unsafe or unwelcoming

Many foster care agencies are faith-based organizations. Some have explicit anti-LGBTQ+ policies or practices, while others may be affirming. Because faith communities have historically excluded or harmed transgender people, and because some discrimination continues today, many trans/nonbinary people may be reluctant to seek services from faith-based organizations.

Discrimination against trans families

Trans families, including families with one or more transgender adults, may have a harder time getting approved to become foster parents than non-trans and non-LGBTQ+ parents. Trans families may also face increased scrutiny and be more likely to encounter the child welfare system, regardless of whether those investigations are warranted or not.

Trauma caused by investigations

Child welfare investigations are often traumatizing for families, even when no findings are made. The invasion of privacy and loss of security can be difficult for both children and adults. Families may fear they have done something wrong and may become overly cautious in their actions, even when they have not caused harm.

Most children in the foster care system have also had contact with the child welfare system, and that involvement can be traumatizing. Children may respond to that trauma in ways adults misinterpret, especially when they do not have support to understand what is happening or to cope with it.

To adults who do not understand trauma, trauma responses may be misread as “bad behavior” or “acting out,” which can lead children to experience higher rates of punishment and stigma.

Common dynamics trans survivors experience

Lots of trans youth in foster care

Because transgender and nonbinary youth are overrepresented in foster care, child welfare advocates should identify and address the root causes and factors that make family homes less safe or less available for them. This includes reducing family rejection, expanding affirming foster home options, and preventing trans youth from being placed in congregate care when an affirming family setting would better meet their needs.

Need access to trans-affirming supports

Trans youth need access to trans-affirming supports, including healthcare, social support, and mental health care. Not every trans youth wants to medically transition, but those who do should be supported in accessing appropriate care. Social supports may include affirming adults, connections with other trans youth in person or virtually, and opportunities to participate in activities that match the young person’s interests. Mental health support should be available to youth who want it, including support for depression, anxiety, or trauma, but providers should not assume that a young person needs mental health care simply because they are trans.

High experiences of violence within care and without

Trans youth may have experienced violence or harm before entering foster care, and they may continue to experience violence or harm while in care. That harm can come from caregivers, peers, providers, or systems that fail to protect them.

Addressing suicidality in youth

Trans youth report higher rates of suicidality than non-trans youth. Providers should create safe, supportive environments where young people can talk about their feelings and experiences without fear of punishment or dismissal. Providers can also help address the root causes that may contribute to suicidal thoughts, including anti-trans attitudes in the world  housing insecurity, lack of healthcare, and other structural barriers.

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