Benchmarks of GLBT Cultural Competency
When GLBT individuals or couples begin their journey to adoption, the first and most critical step is finding an agency that is welcoming. This often occurs through word-of-mouth references shared by experienced adoptive parents, as well as through websites dedicated to advocacy and education within the GLBT community.
The HRC Foundation will provide the All Children – All Families Seal to agencies that achieve these 10 benchmarks.* Once you earn the All Children– All Families Seal, you can choose to proudly display it on your website, on your office door or in printed materials.
1. The agency’s non-discrimination statement for clients clearly bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
2. The agency’s non-discrimination statement for clients clearly bans discrimination on the basis of gender identity.
3. The agency’s non-discrimination statement for staff clearly bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
4. The agency’s non-discrimination statement for staff clearly bans discrimination on the basis of gender identity.
5. Comprehensive GLBT-specific content is included in the agency’s new staff orientation.
6. Comprehensive GLBT-specific content is included in the agency’s training on home studies/family assessments.
7. All agency-controlled forms use inclusive language (e.g., "partner" instead of "spouse" or "parent 1" and "parent 2" rather than "mother" and "father").
8. The agency’s website, printed materials and recruitment activities explicitly reflect the agency’s commitment to working with GLBT individuals and families.
9. All client/prospective family trainings integrate GLBT-inclusive language, examples and exercises.
10. The agency has had placements/finalized adoptions with several GLBT foster or adoptive parents.
* The 2007 Promising Practices Guide contained 12 benchmarks; agencies needed to achieve at least nine to receive the seal. These revised benchmarks are based on feedback from public and private agency leaders.
