ABSTRACT

This chapter addresses how social workers might encounter LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and ally) youth and adults in providing social work services through public social services agencies. Social services are services provided by public, private or non-profit agencies to individuals, families and communities. LGBTQIA youth are at risk of homelessness and placement in foster care; they are more likely to need social services for housing and other related needs. Runaway and Homeless Youth Act is a federal law that funds essential services for homeless youth. California is the first state to pass legislation for the welfare of transgender children and youth in foster care. A population within the foster care system that are often forgotten are youth who age out. The Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 provided states with a dedicated funding stream for foster youth and increased federal spending on independent living programs.