Child welfare leaders from across the country are meeting in Washington, D.C., through this weekend at the Child Welfare League of America’s (CWLA) 2018 National Conference to share strategies for advancing excellence in child and family services during changing times.

Alison Delpercio, deputy director of HRC Foundation’s Children, Youth & Families Program, and leader of the foundation’s All Children - All Families program, presented a session on improving services for LGBTQ children, youth and families, while also examining the unique challenges that LGBTQ youth and families experience when interacting with child welfare systems. During the presentation, Delpercio shared HRC’s tools for agency leaders working to provide the best, most-inclusive services possible to LGBTQ children, youth and families.

Attendees represented agencies from across the U.S., delving into questions including:

• What is the most welcoming language to use when talking to LGBTQ youth?
• How do we find affirming foster homes for LGBTQ youth in care?
• How do we ensure our staff members can welcome and support LGBTQ foster parents?

From key written policies to comprehensive staff training, HRC Foundation’s All Children - All Families provides a framework for organizational change supporting LGBTQ youth and families. To learn more, visit hrc.org/acaf.

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