Are you a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and interested in fostering a child or youth in care? Are you an ally of this community who could provide a caring and supportive home to a 2SLGBTQ+ youth? We have an urgent need for foster caregivers for 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth, and we would love to hear from you.
Currently, 18 per cent of the children in our care are members of this community. While it is estimated that 10% of the general population is 2SLGBTQ+, studies suggest there is a much higher percentage in the child welfare system because many of these children and youth face rejection, neglect, or abuse when their families learn of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. It is very important that we are able to offer these young people foster homes that are sensitive to the unique challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and can connect youth to supportive community members, mentors and cultural spaces that affirm their sexual and gender identities.
We always strive to keep children and youth connected to their families and communities. We try to match children in care with foster families that reflect their racial, cultural, religious and ethnic community. We are reaching out in Peel to recruit new foster caregivers that can fulfill this role for our 2SLGBTQ+ youth in care.
For these youth, having a 2SLGBTQ+ caregiver can be tremendously beneficial. The caregiver’s lived experience and community connections can help foster connection and understanding, and create the sense of safety that is so important for a young person’s development and growth.
By providing a caring, affirming environment to local 2SLGBTQ+ youth in care, you are ensuring they remain in their home community, while also helping them to connect to important resources and create chosen families of their own. You can also play a critical role in helping them to reconnect with their primary families to ensure their long-term success when leaving your temporary care.
If you think you could provide a place of safety for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in care, visit our visit our Homes for Kids section to learn more about fostering. If you would like to proceed, please fill out our Fostering Inquiry Form. We would love to hear from you. If you have questions, please call 905-363-6131 extension 1819 to speak to a recruiter.
Visit our DEI section to find out more about Peel CAS’s 2SLGBTQ+ partner organizations and initiatives.