Trump and Pence are at it again. This federal administration continues to do everything it can to rip the wires out of the machine that are meant to protect LGBTQ+ people. This time their sights are set on queer and trans foster kids and families.
However, it’s important for New Mexicans to know that because of our strong Human Rights Act, any services provided to foster youth and families are protected by the state’s non-discrimination law. But out of an abundance of caution, we’ve recently formed a working group of child and youth advocacy organizations with the goal of correcting deficiencies in CYFD regulation. We are working on making non-discrimination protections in child welfare, juvenile justice, and youth homelessness systems more explicit, comprehensive, and unmistakeable.
Help us make sure that we cross the finish line on these polices by becoming a sustaining member today.
Learn more about the administration’s proposal and the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus’s condemnation of it from this press release:
DATE: April 25, 2019
CONTACT: aliya.bean@mail.house.gov; 202-225-2305
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
House LGBT Caucus Condemns Administration’s Proposal to Eliminate Data Collection on LGBTQ Foster Youth and Parents
Washington D.C. — The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus released the following statement in response to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposal to eliminate data collection on LGBTQ foster youth and parents. On April 16, 2019, HHS proposed scrubbing data on the sexual orientation of foster youth and foster and adoptive parents and guardians in its Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) data system.
Research shows that nearly 1 in 5 foster youth are LGBTQ. LGBTQ foster youth report twice the rate of poor treatment in foster care and suffer worse outcomes in foster care than their non-LGBTQ counterparts. Further, although same-sex couples are 7 times more likely to foster or adopt than their different-sex counterparts, many child placing agencies refuse to serve same-sex couples and LGBTQ individuals.
“Every child deserves a safe and loving home, but unfortunately LGBTQ children and parents face significant discrimination in the foster care and adoption system,” said LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02) who has four sons with her wife Cheryl. “As a mother, and as someone who faced adoption discrimination for being a part of the LGBTQ community two decades ago, I strongly denounce Secretary Azar’s proposed rule change, and ask him to stand with children across the country who are seeking safe, supportive homes free from discrimination.”
Please contact Aliya Bean at 202-225-2305 or aliya.bean@mail.house.gov with press inquiries.
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus is to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality. The Caucus is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBT people in the U.S. and around the world.
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