Providing Unbiased Services for LGBTQ Youth Project

The Providing Unbiased Services for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Youth Project is a collaborative effort that originated in Multnomah County, Oregon and focuses on training staff and encouraging policy changes to provide unbiased services for LGBTQ youth in in-home and out-of-home care settings.

The collaboration structure includes

• an established, representative, advisory committee that meets on an ongoing basis;
• an effort to share its message by presenting at conferences; and
• strategic partnerships with organizations that are experienced in the subject matter.

Best practices include

• involving allies and advocates from a variety of organizations and perspectives on the advisory committee;
• securing support from key advocates within the systems;
• recognizing how to navigate the political nuances and organizational objectives; and
• ensuring training materials are easily available.

The collaboration has faced a number of challenges and learned the following lessons:

• There is a lack of data in this area.
• Instability within partner organizations can slow down the process.
• It can be a challenge to find funders to support the work.
• It is important to develop a plan to establish local buy-in and reach out to local organizations and champions when trying to expand.