B1 - Culturally Sensitive Practice with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth in Kinship Care and LGBT Caregivers

This workshop will provide training on building the capacity, awareness and skills of kinship caregivers and child welfare professionals to better serve and respond to the needs of LGBTQ youth in kinship care.  The workshop will also address discrimination and challenges faced by LGBT kinship caregivers and affirm their capability and value as a resource for youth in care.  Participants will explore their personal views and values regarding these populations, and develop strategies to balance personal views and professional responsibilities when the two are in conflict.  Participants will also explore in greater depth many of the issues LGBTQ youth and LGBT caregivers encounter as they interface with child welfare systems and focus on best practices to serve these populations through small group discussions, role-plays, learning labs, and a discussion of CWLA’s LGBTQ practice guidelines.

Presenter(s): Currey Cook, Lambda Legal, New York, NY