Get R.E.A.L: Authentic Engagement of Systems Involved with LGBTQ Youth

Goal: To improve the healthy sexual and identity development for all children and youth in the child welfare system.

The GetR.E.A.L (Recognize. Engage. Affirm. Love) initiative is designed to help transform child welfare policy and practice to promote the healthy development of all children and youth. Sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (along with race, ethnicity and disability) are part of the identity formation that occurs in adolescence.

The GetR.E.A.L Initiative has…

• A Commitment to use guidelines to gather information to measure outcomes and improve practice

• A Commitment to create an environment that is safe, affirming, loving and supportive of all children and youth in the child welfare system

• A Commitment to ensuring that all youth are healthy with strong social connections and relationships

Introductions

Jonathan Lykes- Program Analyst, Center for the Study of Social Policy

Ian Stanley, Program Director, LGBTQ Connections

Stephanie Perron, Director, LGBTQ Community Center

Experiential Activity

“Impact of Silence”

Stages of LGBTQ Integration- 5 Corners

5 Corners

Intolerance

Indifference

Tolerance

Acceptance

Affirmation

Stages of LGBTQ Integration- 5 Corners

Debriefing QuestionsWhat makes you think (evidence) your agency is at this level of engagement?What contributes to why your organization is at this level?What level of AYE would you like your organization to be at?

“Must Haves” & “Obstacles” for Authentic Youth Engagement

Must Haves: -Fierce Love Developing authentic relationships, taking the time to know and be known by our young people, connecting them to each other and the community.-Intersectional LensKnowing youth as whole persons, not asking them to check pieces of themselves at the door, applying an anti-oppression framework.-Power with ResponsibilityEnsuring youth do not just have responsibility for outcomes but also have the decision-making power to execute them. Youth are “partnered with not powered over”.-Resources (wants + needs)Youth have access to, or are linked up to, resources to make their dreams come true-Time Bound, Emotionally MattersEmploying project-based, emotionally relevant work to engage youth authentically.-Everything is done with glitter :)Honoring the importance of the work by making every step of the way special.

“Must Haves” & “Obstacles” for Authentic Youth Engagement

Obstacles to Watch for: -Tokenizing/spokespersonIt takes a culture shift, not checked boxes, to make youth engagement authentic. Avoid asking a youth for participation (or to represent their community) solely because of their identity.- Asking for Voice, Not Leading to ActionBe genuinely interested in youth’s participation, ideas, opinions. Be up front about how the information will be used and who has decision making power.-Educator at the same time one is seeking supportTake the time to educate yourself on the needs and experiences of LGBTQ youth before and while working with LGBTQ youth. Learn from their expertise but don’t expect them to be your sole source of knowledge on the issues and population.-Sharing their story vs. Work

Program Presentation

Our SpaceStephanie PerronCaptain Young

Program Presentation

LGBTQ ConnectionIan StanleyJimmy Toro Ruane

Questions and Answers