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Transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth are often stigmatized for their sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Research shows that the impact of bias and rejection from family, peers and community institutions based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression can increase the risk of poorer outcomes for transgender youth. These biases and active rejection from family and community can lead to physical and emotional abuse, homelessness and involvement in the child welfare system.

In addition to working with biological, adoptive, and foster families to promote the healthy development and well-being of all youth in care, it is essential to support and promote healthy development and well-being through engagement in developmentally and socially appropriate activities, as well as extracurricular opportunities. For youth in care who identify as transgender and gender non-conforming, it is critical that these activities and extracurricular opportunities allow for - and promote - safe and affirming environments.

Integrating protective and promotive factors into work with youth and families, communities, and programs can create environments that protect against risk factors and poor outcomes and promote strong and optimal development for children. Created by CSSP, the protective and promotive factors can help to better improve outcomes for transgender children, youth and their families.

Parental and youth resilience – managing stress and functioning well when faced with challenges, adversity, and trauma.

Social connections – positive relationships that provide emotional, informational, instrumental, and spiritual support.

Knowledge of parenting and child/adolescent development – understanding child or adolescent development and parenting strategies that support physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development.

Concrete support in times of need – access to concrete support and services that address a youth or family’s needs and help to minimize stress caused by challenges.

Social and emotional competence – family interactions that help children or youth develop the ability to communicate clearly, recognize and regulate their emotions and establish and maintain relationships.

The protective and promotive factors are integrated into both CSSP’s Strengthening Families (focused on families) and Youth Thrive (focused on youth) initiatives. Please visit our Strengthening Families and Youth Thrive sections on our website for more information on the protective and promotive factors.  

For more information on LGBTQ youth in care, please visit our get R.E.A.L. section on our website.