They need our help...

Currently, there is no way to identify or track data locally the number of LGBTQ youth residing in foster care throughout Sacramento County.  As such, these youth do not qualify for a culturally competent special skills social worker under the Division 21, CS106 form which designates a special skills worker based on a recognized culture. The lack of data on the number of LGBTQ youth in foster care, as well as the continued societal stigma and discrimination around sexual orientation and/or gender identity, has led to difficulty in determining the needs of LGBTQ foster youth in Sacramento County.  Based on national data, it is likely that out of 2600 youth in out-of-home placement, 104 to 260 youth may identify as LGBTQ.  With no way to  track or provide services directly to these youth, it is estimated that they are an underserved population in Sacramento County.