Xavier Becerra Secretary at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | LinkedIn
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has finalized a rule aimed at enhancing protections for youth in foster care, particularly LGBTQI+ children. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of providing tailored support for all children in government care, stating, “Every child deserves a safe and loving home.”
LGBTQI+ children in foster care often face higher levels of bullying and harassment, leading to adverse outcomes such as increased mental health-related hospitalizations and homelessness. This new rule underscores the necessity of ensuring that LGBTQI+ children have access to placements that cater to their specific needs, moving towards the goal of supporting all foster children effectively.
The finalized policy mandates that all children in the child welfare system, including LGBTQI+ youth, are entitled to protection against harassment, abuse, and mistreatment, regardless of their placement. It also outlines the criteria for designated foster care placements for LGBTQI+ children, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that support their identity and providing access to appropriate resources and services.
ACF Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Hild highlighted the significance of the rule in providing LGBTQI+ youth with environments where they can thrive, stating, “This rule will give LGBTQI+ young people in foster care access to an environment where they can thrive.”
The rule aims to promote placement stability, maintain family and community ties, and safeguard the best interests of the child. It does not mandate providers to become designated placement providers but requires state and tribal child welfare agencies to ensure a sufficient number of placements that meet the standards for LGBTQI+ children.
This rule signifies a step forward in the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable youth in the child welfare system and ensuring that all children, including LGBTQI+ individuals, receive the necessary care and protection they deserve.
