We appreciate your time. Watch and share this recording of the panel with others.

1out of 3

youth in foster care ages 6 to 20 identify as LGBTQ+ 

 1,700

children in foster care across the state who identify as LGBTQ+

According to the 2022 Cuyahoga Youth Count research study.

Thinking about fostering?

Come to a Samaritas Orientation!

Samaritas is one of the best agencies to work with if you want to be a foster parent. We'll help you at every step of the process. Visit samaritas.co/Orientations to sign up or call (833) 605-HOPE for information.

Not everyone is meant to be a parent, and that's okay. Donate to Samaritas to help us recruit more resources to nurture the well-being of the kids and support the families they’re placed with.

State of Michigan Resources

Promote safe spaces for foster children by building social and emotional skills, as well as coping methods. Here are some resources to help those identifying as LGBTQ+.

LGBTQ+ Services

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/cw-staff/lgbtq-services

Learn About Michigan’s SOGIE Training

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/contractor/training/sogie/sogie-trainings

Virtual Group for LGBTQ+ Youth

A free 6-week group for young people ages 13-21 who have an open prevention, CPS, foster care, adoption, or juvenile justice case, or who were in foster care on or after their 13th birthday, who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning+. Participants earn $25 each week.

Download this flyer for more information.

Community Services in Michigan Counties

Most are virtual!

Check out this guide for more information.  

lgbthotline.org/youth-talkline/

(800) 246-7743

A new family model to increase family support, decrease risk, and promote the well-being of LGBT children and youth, based on our research. You can download this guide to learn more.

Visit our webpage at http://familyproject.sfsu.edu or write to us at fap@sfsu.edu for more information.

The experts below can answer questions and follow up with you by email.

Kevin Van Den Bosch

Samaritas Chief Program Officer info@samaritas.org

Gerald Peterson

Michigan’s Leading SOGIE Consultant

PetersonG3@michigan.gov | (989) 254-9725

Director Demetrius Starling

Senior Deputy Director of the MDHHS’ Children’s Services Administration

MDHHS-ChildrensServices@michigan.gov  or (810) 493-0770