ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the challenges to finding safe and affirming foster family placements for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. While the process of finding a foster family that is a good fit for any youth in foster care can be challenging, the process for finding families that can offer an affirming and inclusive living environment for LGBTQ youth can present some added obstacles. The process of preparing child welfare professionals to assess and identify a family's capacity to provide accepting and affirming care could go a long way in improving the experiences of LGBTQ youth. Many private agencies that recruit, license, and supervise foster placements are supported through faith-based church organizations. Faith-based organizations with strong affiliations with conservative church denominations may be more likely to recruit foster families that may have religious or theological convictions that might prevent them from accepting and affirming LGBTQ youth.
