Family Equality Launches State by state Foster Care Guide for LGBTQ+ Parents

New York, NY - In response to the immediate need for safe, loving homes for children in foster care, Family Equality created a new state-by-state foster care resource guide for LGBTQ+ parents and parents-to-be. The guide aims to support LGBTQ+ parents and parents-to-be interested in expanding their families through fostering or adoption. With over 368,000 children currently in the U.S. foster care system and nearly 20,000 youth who age out of the system each year, the demand for qualified families is urgent. However, many states still allow discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, creating significant barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals who are seven times more likely to foster or adopt compared to non-LGBTQ+ individuals.

The guide includes information by state. See the full resource for more details.
- States highlighted in orange have some level of protections for prospective parents but do not have protections for youth.
- States highlighted in magenta have some level of protection for youth but do not have protections for prospective parents.
- States highlighted in teal have some level of protection for youth and prospective parents.
- States highlighted in grey have no protections for youth nor prospective parents

"It is more important than ever to ensure that both children and caregivers involved with the child welfare system are fully supported and protected," said Luce Remy, Vice President, Public Policy for Family Equality. "Our goal with this guide is to empower families and advocates with the information they need to navigate the system, foster inclusivity, and make a lasting difference in the lives of these children across the country."

This comprehensive resource offers critical information for navigating the complex child welfare system, especially in states lacking legal protections for LGBTQ+ parents. LGBTQ+ parents face a patchwork of policies that vary from state to state, making it difficult to understand their rights and navigate their opportunities to grow their families.

Moreover, with one in three youth in foster care identifying as LGBTQ+, this resource also addresses the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, who often experience disproportionate rates of mistreatment, discrimination, and harassment. The overrepresentation of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care underscores the importance of creating safe, affirming, and supportive homes.

Whether you're a prospective foster parent, an advocate for LGBTQ+ families, or simply seeking to learn more about the foster care system, this state-by-state guide provides essential tools and insights to help navigate the process.

Learn more and see what's happening in each state here.

About Family Equality

Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.

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Tonya Agnew,
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(765) 490-4709 / [email protected]