getREAL; University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work

Micki Washburn; Shauna Lucadamo; Kristen Weber; Bill Bettencourt; Alan J. Dettlaff

This report describes the processes and outcomes associated with the implementation of the Guidelines for Managing Information Related to Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression and Identity in Child Welfare Systems in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The Guidelines outline ways in which child welfare jurisdictions can implement system wide innovations to better serve LGBTQ+ youth and their families. This project was part of the greater getREAL (Recognize, Engage, Affirm, Love) Initiative which promotes the healthy sexual and identity development of all youth and seeks to improve services and outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth with child welfare involvement. Through the implementation of these Guidelines, system wide improvements in data collection, service provision and overall agency culture and climate were observed at the end of the six-year implementation period. A discussion of key implementation drivers and supports necessary for successful implementation will be presented along with a review of lessons learned to help guide other jurisdictions wishing to install similar initiatives. [Summary from resource.]

File : pdf with 1.41 MB in size

Implementing System Wide Policy and Practice Improvements to Support LGBTQ+ Youth and Families with Child Welfare System Involvement