Practice and legal context for providing 2SLGBTQ+ affirming services
The child welfare sector in Ontario has committed to greater equity in child welfare, which includes addressing the disproportionality and disparities in child welfare service experienced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
The Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) specifically states that services to children and youth should be provided in a way that take into account their gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. This is referenced in section 1(2) describing the purposes of the Act. The importance of a young person’s gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation is also outlined in section 74(3), which concerns the best interests of the child, and section 109(2), which discusses the selection of placements for young people in Interim and Extended Society Care. Additionally, the Ontario child welfare sector has a responsibility to ensure that the rights of children and youth are always respected and upheld, and that Katelynn’s Principle applies to all services, policies, and decision-making that affect young people.
Practice guides and resources for providing affirming services to 2SLGBTQ+ young people
- Serving LGBT2SQ children and youth in the child welfare system: A resource guide [2018]Resource guide developed to help Ontario child welfare professionals, residential service providers, and caregivers (e.g., foster, kin, and customary caregivers) better meet the needs of the LGBT2SQ children and youth they serve
- Safe & respected: Policy, best practices & guidance for serving transgender & gender non-conforming children and youth involved in the child welfare, detention, and juvenile justice systems [2014]Resource from the NYC Administration for Children's Services with a focus on providing affirming services to transgender and gender non-conforming young people
- A place of respect: A guide for group care facilities serving transgender and gender non-confirming youth [2011]This resource from the U.S. National Center for Lesbian Rights outlines some approaches to improve the delivery of services to transgender and gender non-conforming youth and ensure safety for all youth
- Sharing our lived experiences: 22 tips for caring for Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system [2014]This tip sheet was developed by the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections (NRCPFC) and the National Resource Center for Tribes (NRC4Tribes). The tips are based on conversations with Two-Spirit people who were formerly in care or adopted
- All Children—All Families: LGBTQ resources for child welfare professionalsCollection of resources from All Children—All Families, a project of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that promotes inclusive and affirming policies and practices in child welfare
- Out and Proud affirmation guidelines: Practice guidelines for equity in gender and sexual diversity [2011]Practice guidelines developed by the Children's Aid Society of Toronto for all staff, resource families (including foster, kin, and adoptive families), and volunteers who provide service or care for children, youth, and families
- Child Rights Toolkit: Sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expressionSection from the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Child Rights Toolkit
- Welcoming and celebrating sexual orientation and gender diversity in families [2012]This publication from Best Start is designed to inspire reflection on gender and sexuality among service providers in Ontario. It includes definitions for some commonly-used terms in LGBTQ communities
- Getting down to basics: Tools to support LGBTQ youth in care [2012]Toolkit developed by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) in partnership with Lambda Legal
- We're here: 2SLGBTQ+ youth under 18 across Ontario assert needs and experiences [2020]Snapshot report from LGBT YouthLine’s Provincial Youth Ambassador Project (PYAP) looking at the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario. For all reports and materials associated with PYAP, see here
- Practical tips to make your electronic health records more inclusive of 2SLGBTQ people [2022]A resource created by Rainbow Health Ontario, a program of Sherbourne Health, created this guide to assist with incorporating sexual orientation and gender identity into intake forms and Electronic Health Records (EHRs).
- Supporting your child’s gender identity and expression [2022]A two-page guide created by Rainbow Health Ontario that offers advice to parents and caregivers on how to support their child's gender identity as well as ways to decrease risk in their child's daily life.
- The Care I Want: An Illustrated Guide to Navigating Healthcare [2023]An illustrated guide by the Community-Based Research Centre that recognizes the difficulty that 2SLGBTQ+ people may encounter when accessing health services. This guide offers tips and advice to get the most out of health services.
- Adults Supporting 2SLGBTQI Youth [2021]A one page document created by Egale that discusses ways of taking on the active role of an affirming adult.
- Affirming and Inclusive Language [n.d.]A one-page guide with tips on using inclusive language in everyday conversation.
- Advocating for your gender independent child [2022]Created by Rainbow Health Ontario, a brochure that offers tips on building self-advocacy in children and youth, as well as tips on advocating on behalf of a child, as well.
Faith communities and affirming care
- Transitioning to Inclusion: Embracing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth in Faith Communities [2021]The purpose of this resource is to help religious educators, youth ministers, and other faith-based mentors resource themselves to fully include LGBTQ youth in their programs. It includes recommendations for how to use theology, sacred texts, community values, and existing program guidelines to support LGBTQ youth in their journey.
- Coming Home to Islam and to Self [2015]A resource created by the Human Rights Commission Religion and Faith Program about identifying that includes key resources and supports for LGBTQ Muslims.
- Human Rights Campaign: Religion & Faith [2015]A resource library created by the Human Rights Campaign with resources for faith communities in offering more welcoming and inclusive services to affirm LGBTQ+ identities.
- Why Are Conversations About Gender and Faith Important? [n.d.]An article by Gender Spectrum about the importance of having conversations about gender and faith. As per the article, in some instances, a child's gender identity may bring about uncertainties and their faith community may be an important support and source of affirmation.
- Stories of Faith and Gender [n.d.]Videos created by Gender Spectrum wherein individuals talk about how affirming faith communities helped promote inclusion for all, including gender-expansive youth.
- Faith and 2SLGBTQI Youth Facilitating Courageous Conversations [2021]A resource targeted toward educators that offers tips on how to have courageous conversation with students, members of the school community, and parents about faith and 2SLGBTQ+ identities.
- 2SLGBTQI-Affirming Faith Communities, Organizations, and Resources [2021]A list of 2SLGBTQ+ affirming faith communities, organizations, links, and resources.