NCLR is proud to collaborate with Family Builders and the Center for the Study of Social Policy on getR.E.A.L. California–an initiative aimed at promoting the healthy sexual and identity development of all children involved with the California child welfare system.
The initiative partners have produced a new issue brief aimed at helping child welfare professionals support and affirm transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) children in foster care. As numerous other state legislatures propose discriminatory bills that target TGNC children in schools and other settings, California has led the nation in demonstrating its commitment to providing gender affirming care to all children in foster care–including TGNC children.
Through its adoption of Senate Bill 731, the California Legislature has extended to all children who require out-of-home placement the right to live in a setting that respects and reflects their gender identity. This new resource addresses common questions that have arisen as counties begin to implement SB 731, and provides specific guidance on how to support and respect the gender of every child involved in the child welfare system.
Using a question and answer format, the brief:
- Provides an overview of terms and concepts related to gender identity and expression, and accurate information about gender identity development,
- Provides accurate information on the impact of bias on the health and safety of TGNC children, and
- Describes legal and professional standards governing services to, and treatment of, TGNC children in the child welfare system.
Download: Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Children in California Foster Care