Supportive Resources for LGBTQIA Families Fostering Children

Illinois leads the nation in protecting LGBTQIA+ youth and families within foster care. Since 2003, when the state became the first in the country to establish formal LGBTQIA+ youth service policies, Illinois has built one of the most comprehensive support systems anywhere for LGBTQIA+ families who want to foster or adopt.

Yet finding your way to these resources is not always straightforward. At Let It Be Us, we work with LGBTQIA+ families every day who come to us with the same concern: they want to foster or adopt, but they have heard stories about discrimination, rejection, or agencies that fail to understand their needs. According to a 2023 survey by the Human Rights Campaign, 55% of LGBTQ+ families feared being turned away when seeking to foster or adopt, while only 14% knew of an organization in their area that would welcome them. [1]

Those fears are valid. But in Illinois, the landscape is different. Let us walk you through the challenges you might encounter, the resources that exist to support you, and how to find an agency that truly welcomes your family.

Challenges Facing LGBTQIA+ Families in Fostering

Despite legal protections, LGBTQIA+ families still encounter obstacles within the foster care system. Understanding these challenges helps you navigate them effectively.

Common barriers include:

• Agency variability. Not every agency has invested in LGBTQIA+ competency training. Some caseworkers may lack experience working with same-sex couples or transgender parents.
• Heteronormative assumptions. Intake forms, home study questions, and training materials sometimes assume a heterosexual, cisgender family structure.
• Geographic disparities. Rural areas may have fewer agency options with explicit LGBTQIA+ inclusion policies.
• Outdated attitudes. Individual staff members within otherwise inclusive agencies may hold personal biases that affect their interactions with LGBTQIA+ families.

One same-sex couple from suburban Chicago described their experience: "The first agency we approached kept asking which one of us would be the 'mother.' When we tried to explain our family dynamic, the caseworker seemed confused rather than curious. We left feeling like we did not belong."

They eventually found a different agency with staff trained in LGBTQIA+ cultural competency. Their licensing process went smoothly from there.

Your family structure is not a complication. It is simply your family. The right agency will treat it that way.

Available Support Resources for LGBTQIA+ Foster Parents

Illinois offers robust resources specifically designed to support LGBTQIA+ families throughout the fostering journey.

State-Level Resources

Illinois DCFS LGBTQIA+ Specialty Services provides direct support for foster families and the children in their care. You can reach their team at 312-814-8741 for questions about policy, training, or navigating challenges. They also offer the "Caring for LGBTQ Children & Youth" guide and downloadable resources including a Rainbow Youth Rights poster available in English and Spanish. [2]

Community Organizations

Youth Outlook deserves particular mention. They operate no-cost drop-in centers across DeKalb, Sterling, Palatine, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville, Ottawa, Peoria, and Joliet, plus virtual options. [3] If you foster an LGBTQIA+ youth, these centers provide community connection and peer support that complement what you offer at home.

Training and Professional Development

LGBTQIA+ affirming care training is required for all foster parents in Illinois. This is not specialized or optional training. It is part of the standard preparation every foster parent receives, ensuring you have the skills to support any child placed in your home.

Additional resources from Illinois CASA include guides on transgender and gender identity issues, equity resources from the Child Welfare Information Gateway, and the HRC "Caring for LGBTQ+ Children & Youth" guide. [4]

How to Find an LGBTQIA+-Inclusive Agency

Not all agencies are created equal when it comes to LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Here is how to identify one that genuinely welcomes your family. Let It Be Us recruits foster and adoptive families for multiple agencies throughout the State of Illinois. Please complete this form: https://letitbeus.org/become-a-foster-parent-form/

Look for ACAF Recognition

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation runs the All Children-All Families (ACAF) program, which evaluates and recognizes child welfare agencies for LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Two Illinois agencies have earned recognition:

• Lutheran Child and Family Services (LCFS) earned the top-tier Innovator Seal of Recognition, the highest level for agencies demonstrating innovative approaches to LGBTQIA+ inclusion and leadership in the field. Their W.I.D.E. Initiative (Welcoming, Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable) reflects this commitment throughout their programs. [5]
• Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) received the Solid Foundation Tier of Recognition in December 2023, acknowledging their ongoing work to improve services for LGBTQ+ youth and families. [1]

Let It Be Us can facilitate introducing you to these agencies. Please complete this form: https://letitbeus.org/become-a-foster-parent-form/

Questions to Ask Prospective Agencies

Before committing to an agency, consider asking:

• "How does your agency train staff on LGBTQIA+ cultural competency?"
• "Do your intake forms and home study processes accommodate diverse family structures?"
• "Can you connect me with other LGBTQIA+ foster families in your network?"
• "How do you support LGBTQIA+ youth placed with families?"
• "What is your agency's nondiscrimination policy, and how is it enforced?"

An inclusive agency will answer these questions openly and specifically, not with vague reassurances.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if an agency:

• Avoids direct answers about LGBTQIA+ policies
• Uses language suggesting they "tolerate" rather than welcome diverse families
• Cannot provide examples of successfully licensed LGBTQIA+ families
• Expresses discomfort when you discuss your family structure
• Lacks visible nondiscrimination statements in their materials

If you encounter these signals, keep looking. Better options exist.

Let It Be Us provides pre-licensing support to help you determine which agency aligns with your family's needs. We can help you navigate these conversations and find the right fit.

Legal Rights and Protections for LGBTQIA+ Foster Families

Understanding your legal protections helps you advocate for your family when necessary.

Federal Laws Protecting LGBTQIA+ Foster Parents

The U.S. Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision guarantees marriage equality nationwide, which means same-sex married couples must be treated equally to different-sex married couples in foster care licensing and adoption.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued guidance clarifying that federally funded child welfare agencies cannot discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

State-Specific Protections for Foster Families

Illinois provides some of the strongest state-level protections in the country.

Key Illinois protections include:

• The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations, including child welfare services
• Illinois DCFS became the first child welfare agency in the nation to develop an LGBTQIA+ youth service policy in 2003, and in 2017, enhanced its procedures to mandate annual LGBTQIA+ training for anyone involved with LGBTQIA+ children and youth in care [2]
• Licensed foster parents receive equal treatment regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or family composition

These protections mean you have recourse if you experience discrimination. Document any incidents carefully and report them to DCFS or the agency's oversight body.

Creating a Safe and Affirming Environment for Foster Children

As a foster parent, you create the environment where a child heals. For LGBTQIA+ foster parents, this includes modeling what a healthy, affirming family looks like.

Building an Inclusive Home

Practical steps include:

• Display visible signs of LGBTQIA+ affirmation (rainbow flags, inclusive books) so children know your home is safe
• Use gender-neutral language until you understand a child's preferences
• Stock your home with books and media featuring diverse families and identities
• Normalize conversations about identity, relationships, and self-expression

Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth in Your Care

Approximately one in three youth in foster care nationally identifies as LGBTQ+. These young people face disproportionate challenges: LGBTQ+ youth have a 120% higher chance of experiencing homelessness, and they make up 40% of the total homeless youth population despite composing only 7% of the general youth population. [6]

Your affirmation can change their trajectory.

Supporting LGBTQIA+ youth means:

• Using their correct name and pronouns consistently
• Advocating for their needs with schools, medical providers, and caseworkers
• Connecting them with peer support through organizations like Youth Outlook [3]
• Allowing them to express their identity through clothing, hair, and personal style
• Never attempting to change or suppress their identity

Research consistently shows that family acceptance dramatically improves outcomes for LGBTQIA+ youth, including reduced depression, higher self-esteem, and greater life satisfaction. You do not need specialized training beyond what Illinois already requires. You need willingness to listen and to affirm who they are.

Unwavering Guidance and Support from Let It Be Us

Let It Be Us exists to help Illinois families navigate foster care and adoption. For LGBTQIA+ families specifically, we offer dedicated resources and support to obtain a foster care license and to learn about adoption. In a partnership with Illinois DCFS, Let It Be Us manages foster care adoptions statewide. Click here to learn more: https://letitbeus.org/heart-gallery-of-illinois/

We are committed to LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Through our continued participation in the Human Rights Campaign's All Children-All Families program, we work to ensure that every family who wants to foster or adopt can find a welcoming path forward.

How we support LGBTQIA+ families:

• Pre-licensing guidance. We help you determine whether fostering is right for your family and connect you with agencies that welcome LGBTQIA+ applicants.
• Information sessions. Our free educational events, including LGBTQ+ foster care and adoption webinars, provide judgment-free spaces to ask questions and learn about the process.
• Ongoing connection. Throughout your fostering journey, we remain a resource whenever you need guidance or run into challenges.

We do not handle the licensing process itself. That happens through your chosen agency. But we walk alongside you from initial curiosity through finding the right agency match, and we remain available whenever you need guidance.

Ready to take the first step? Connect with us to start the conversation.

FAQs About Support for LGBTQIA+ Families Fostering Children

Can same-sex couples legally foster and adopt in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in foster care and adoption. Same-sex couples have the same rights as any other prospective foster or adoptive parents.

Do I need to find an LGBTQIA+-specific agency?

No. Many mainstream agencies are LGBTQIA+-inclusive. Look for agencies with ACAF recognition or explicit nondiscrimination policies. Ask directly about their experience with LGBTQIA+ families during your initial conversations.

Will my LGBTQIA+ identity affect which children can be placed with me?

Your identity should not limit placements. Illinois law requires equal treatment regardless of family composition. If you experience discrimination, document it and report it to DCFS.

What if the child placed with me has different beliefs about LGBTQIA+ identity?

Children come from diverse backgrounds and may need time to adjust. Your role is to model respect and acceptance while maintaining your family's values. Support from your agency and resources like Illinois DCFS LGBTQIA+ Specialty Services can help navigate these situations.

Are there specific support groups for LGBTQIA+ foster parents?

Yes. Organizations like Hoyleton Youth & Family Services offer LGBTQ+ support groups, and agencies with ACAF recognition often connect LGBTQIA+ families with each other. Let It Be Us can also help you find community through our events and network.

What training do I receive about supporting LGBTQIA+ youth?

LGBTQIA+ affirming care training is required for all Illinois foster parents as part of standard licensing preparation. You do not need to seek specialized training. It is built into the process.

References

[1] Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. "LSSI Recognized for LGBTQ+ Inclusive Adoption and Foster Care." LSSI, March 27, 2024. https://www.lssi.org/newsletter-archive/lssi-recognized-for-lgbtq-inclusive-adoption-and-foster-care/

[2] Illinois DCFS. "Services to LGBTQI+ Youth in Care." Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. https://dcfs.illinois.gov/brighter-futures/healthy/serviceslgbtqi-yic.html

[3] Youth Outlook. "LGBTQ+ youth services and support in Illinois." Youth Outlook. https://youth-outlook.org

[4] Illinois CASA. "LBGTQIA+ Resources: Advocacy Resource Documents." Illinois CASA. https://illinoiscasa.org/library/advocacy-resource-documents/lbgtqia-resources.html

[5] Lutheran Child & Family Services. "WIDE – Lutheran Child & Family Services." LCFS. https://lcfs.org/about/wide/

[6] Chris Long. "Ways to Advocate for LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care and In our Communities." Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, June 7, 2019. https://hoyleton.org/ways-to-advocate-for-lgbtq-youth-in-foster-care-and-in-our-communities/