SB 731: A step in the right direction for LGBTQ youth in foster care
Dear Editor
The California legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown took vital action by passing into law Senate Bill 731 (“Protections for transgender foster youth signed into law,” Oct. 12, 2015), a step that could vastly improve the lives of California’s transgender foster youth. Starting in 2016, the new law will require the state to consider a young person’s gender identity when choosing a foster care placement. It also adds protections for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) foster youth in the state by requiring training on how to best care for this broader population.
Across the country, there are approximately twice as many LGBTQ youth in foster care as in the non-foster care population, in part because many are abused at home based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The impact of family rejection is profound: One study found that LGBTQ youth who experience family rejection are eight times more likely to attempt suicide, six times more likely to have serious struggles with depression and three times more likely to engage in drug use or unprotected sex.
When LGBTQ youth enter foster care, all too often they are further discriminated against and harmed, exacerbating the trauma they have already experienced. Children’s Rights has been told countless stories of young people being placed in hostile foster homes or institutions where they suffer verbal, physical and sexual abuse. Such incidents are particularly pervasive and horrific for transgender youth, whose very identities are rejected in these placements – and who, when bullied and abused, are criminalized for acting in their own self-defense.
It is crucial that foster care placements be safe and affirming. Considering how vulnerable LGBTQ youth in foster care are, this groundbreaking legislation is certainly a step in the right direction. Other states should enact comprehensive LGBTQ-affirming policies and regulations as well as processes for ensuring their implementation. Our young people deserve nothing less.
Sincerely,
CHRISTINA WILSON REMLIN
Senior Staff Attorney
Children’s Rights
