Children who identify as LGBTQ+ have a harder time finding foster or adoptive parents. How can adoptive or foster parents provide an environment that will foster emotional health in their LGBTQ+ youth? In this course, we talk with Mark Lacava, the Clinical Director of the Modern Family Center at Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children, about what parents need to know to create a welcoming, safe home for LGBTQ+ youth.

This course covers the following topics:

  • Cultural sensitivity begins with language. What is the correct language to use when referring to people within this community?
  • Can sexual orientation be changed?
  • At what age do most kids report knowing they are attracted to someone of the same sex or to question their gender identity?
  • At what age, on average, do kids/youth begin to identify as LGBTQ+?
  • Can prior abuse cause a child to be gay or lesbian or identify as LGBTQ+?
  • Are LGBTQ youth more likely than other youth to be mentally ill?
  • Are LGBTQ+ youth more likely to molest children or youth?
  • How should parents behave when they accept a youth that has already identified as LGBTQ versus when a child who comes out later as LGBTQ+?
  • What are some of the issues for the LGBTQ+ community, in general, that parents raising a child who will become an adult in this community, need to be aware of?
  • How can parents protect their child from prejudices within their extended family?
  • How can parents help kids who are questioning and have not settled on their sexual orientation or gender identity?


*This course includes a 1-hour conversational audio lesson, a 10-question quiz, and a certificate of completion with the successful completion of the quiz at 80%. 

Your course will remain active for 180 days from purchase date.

This course aligns with the following regulatory requirements.

Hague Treaty on Intercountry Adoption

 96.48 (c)

*Important Information for agencies on Hague Training Requirements

Other Courses You Might Be Interested In