ABSTRACT
The experiences of many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in out-of-home care suggest that out-of-home care placement can be a very risky and dangerous place. In many cases, their experiences are much more risky and dangerous than what they might have faced prior to entering care. When one looks at the factors that are often considered to be associated with positive experiences in out-of-home care for youth, it is quickly realized that LGBTQ youth often encounter a number of disparities in their experiences. A number of protective factors have been identified that are associated with more positive experiences for youth in out-of-home care. The child welfare system has historically been unwilling to acknowledge the presence of LGBTQ youth. There is no question that this lack of acknowledgement is largely responsible for many of the challenges, disparities, and struggles that LGBTQ youth in care face today.
