2SLGBTQ+ identities and child welfare

2SLGBTQ+ young people face a number of challenges including family and community rejection; bullying, harassment, and interpersonal violence; mental health and addiction issues; and issues related to accessing affirming and appropriate health care. For example:

• 2SLGBTQ+ young people experience increased risk of homelessness as a consequence of being forced out of their homes
• 2SLGBTQ+ young people are overrepresented in detention and correctional facilities as a result of their higher rates of homelessness and involvement with survival street-based economies, and due to discrimination within the criminal justice system
• 2SLGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and self-harm and use substances as a way to cope with bullying, harassment, and other forms of interpersonal violence

There is nothing inherent about being 2SLGBTQ+ that causes these concerns or behaviours. Rather, they are related to the rejection, marginalization, discrimination, and stigma associated with being 2SLGBTQ+ – that is to say, these challenges are the direct result of the impacts of anti-2SLGBTQ+ oppression.

In addition to challenges such as family rejection that can increase the likelihood of 2SLGBTQ+ young people becoming involved in child welfare, 2SLGBTQ+ young people also face a number of challenges once within the system.

2SLGBTQ+ young people may struggle to receive support and understanding from child welfare professionals and other service providers; experience disconnection from their cultural identities, traditions, and communities; and face discrimination, hostility, and harassment from caregivers, staff, or peers in out-of-home placements. Some studies have also indicated that 2SLGBTQ+ young people involved in child welfare experience disparities in service and outcomes compared to their non 2SLGBTQ+ counterparts, such as a higher average number of placements and a higher likelihood of being placed in a group care setting.