Gender Conference NYC Professional Symposium 2019

This presentation has two parts. First, we will present data collected from former foster youth of color who are transgender or nonbinary. Data comes from a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) study focusing on the experiences of LGBTQ former foster youth in Los Angeles using photovoice and qualitative interviewing. Thematic content analysis of interview data was used to explore the specific experiences of seven participants, who identified as transgender or nonbinary, from among a larger sample of 25 LGBTQ former foster youth. These seven participants also self-identified as youth of color. Participants ranged in age from 18-26. Findings revealed that transgender and nonbinary youth within the study experienced 1) increased placement disruption as compared to LGB youth (approximately twice as many placements compared to larger sample of LGB youth) 2) lack of worker and caregiver competency 3) barriers to accessing gender-affirming medical care and 4) barriers to housing, education, and employment that contributed to engagement in the underground economy and 5) strength and resilience in the face of adversity The second part of this presentation presents a practice model responsive to the unique concerns and strengths of trans and nonbinary youth of color. Specifically, the authors present an Inclusive Safety Plan of Care (I.S.P.O.C.) for transgender youth of color. An exemplar of application of this model to work with a child welfare involved young trans person of color is provided. The Inclusive Safety Plan of Care (I.S.P.O.C.) encourages client and therapist to co-create a plan to bring together concerns, ideas, strengths, and members of support to support transgender youth of color in meet their basic needs and achieving their goals and aspirations. Special consideration is given to permanency needs of child welfare involved young trans people of color. The ISPOC is designed to leverage the support of practitioners, family members, and other individuals, groups or communities a young person has identified as supportive, for the safety and well-being of the young person, without pathologizing their identities.