National Center for Lesbian Rights

Keywords: Healthcare; Juvenile Justice; Policy 

Few practices threaten the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth more than attempts to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. This so-called “conversion therapy” has been condemned by every major medical and mental health organization in the country, and shown to cause depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. Juvenile justice agencies can protect justice involved LGBTQ youth from these harmful practices through policies that explicitly state that agency representatives cannot engage in any efforts to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of youth in their care, and that the agency cannot contract with providers who engage in such efforts. This resource includes a Model Policy Prohibiting Conversion Therapy.

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Ending Conversion Therapy in Juvenile Justice