Toolkit for Practitioners/Researchers Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY)

The National Network for Youth estimates that 20-40 percent of all homeless youth are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBTQ). Given that LGBTQ youth comprise less than 10 percent of the general youth population, they are overrepresented in the runaway and homeless youth (RHY) population. This toolkit was developed to prepare service providers for working with them. It includes (1) specific evidence-based and evidence-informed programs, practice models, and assessment/evaluation tools that agency staff are using with LGBTQ RHY; (2) cultural sensitivity and standards of care training curricula for staff and youth from LGBTQ RHY-serving agencies; (3) sample agency non-discrimination policies that can be adapted and customized to other agencies; and (4) findings from individual interviews, literature reviews, and from empirical research. Recognizing the diversity across the LBGTQ RHY population, the authors include cultural considerations throughout the toolkit.