New Collaborative to Provide Family and Permanency Support for LGBTQ Youth

July 17, 2012 - Three Alameda County agencies have formed a collaboration designed to provide a continuum of services to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their families. From the Press Release: "Bay Area Youth Center (BAYC), Family Builders and Alameda County Social Services Agency, Assessment Center have partnered to form the Youth Acceptance Collaborative (YAC), to support LGBTQ youth, who are grossly overrepresented in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, and disproportionately represented among homeless youth populations."

More from the press release: "Often, when an LGBTQ youth 'comes out,' it can be a time of crisis for a family. YAC will provide LGBTQ youth, caregivers and families the education, information and support needed to move from attitudes and behaviors of rejection to acceptance. YAC staff will be co-located at Alameda County Assessment Center and will be part of the multi-disciplinary team acting as the first point of contact for youth that might need out of home placement. Additionally, youth, their families and caregivers will have access to crisis intervention services; mental health support, including family therapy and peer support groups; drop-in services, and outreach.

At YAC, families and caregivers will find the structure and support that will help program youth remain with them in the home, or move to another permanent family when that is not possible.

YAC will also offer consultation services to child-welfare workers and providers to support their ability to respond to and address the needs of LGBTQ youth in out-of-home care."

For more information on the YAC or any of its partners, please contact Jill Jacobs at 510-272-0204.