Working with children and families
Our relationship with families should acknowledge and understand their individual and family circumstances. This includes experiences of discrimination, grief, loss and violence.
Supporting a positive gender and sexual identity
Children who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning/queer, and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTIQ+) may be more at risk due to negative attitudes and discrimination.
Studies show that familial rejection can lead LGBTIQ+ youth to engage in behaviours that put their health at risk; trigger depression and other mental health problems; and in the worst of cases, result in homelessness or suicide. LGBTIQ+ Aboriginal children may experience additional risk factors, so it is critical that practitioners have a strong understanding of cultural factors when working with Aboriginal children and families, and family and kin networks are built through initiatives such as FGC and Family Finding to support Aboriginal children.
It is important to support children who identify as LGBTIQ+ by respecting and accepting them as they are and providing age appropriate information about available services, support, events and celebrations.
The following links lead to helpful resources to support these children:
- Twenty10 - a community-based, non-profit organisation working with a supporting people of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities
- ReachOut.com - LGBTIQ support services
- CREATE Foundation - resource for LGBTQ young people in care
- Serving LGBT2SQ children and youth in the child welfare system: A resource guide