LGBT youth in foster care and the critical advocacy role of Public Health Nurses.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the role of public health nurses working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) children in foster care in the San Francisco Bay Area. LGBT youth are disproportionately represented in foster care and experience poor health and education outcomes. Foster care public health nurses (FCPHN) are in a unique position to address disparities with timely and appropriate referrals and advocate for policy changes. An online survey was developed to describe FCPHN responsibilities in case managing LGBT children. In all, 39 FCPHNs completed the survey. Most FCPHN did not know the number of LGBT youth in their caseload and reported that there was no systematic method of collecting this data. Few FCPHN had received training in LGBT health issues. This study confirms reports from other studies regarding lack of systematic data collection to deliver appropriate services to LGBT youth. It reports FCPHN lack of training as well as their assessment of the most important needs of this population. FCPHNs are in a unique position to advocate by promoting gender inclusive forms in child welfare agencies and addressing disparities in access to care.