During June, LGBTQ Pride Month, CASA of Yavapai County is casting a spotlight on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth in the foster care system and the need for volunteers to advocate for all children in foster care. 

CASA of Yavapai County recruits and trains Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA volunteers, to speak up for children in foster care. They are committed to serving all children in care in Yavapai County, including youth who identify as LGBTQ. 

“LGBTQ kids in care are especially vulnerable and they’re at an increased risk for negative outcomes, so we want to use this month to spotlight and address the issue,” program manager Quinci Castleberry said. “We support all children in foster care, no matter how they identify.” 

Nationwide, LGBTQ youth are over-represented in foster care, meaning that the percentage they make up of youth in care is greater than the percentage they represent of the general youth population. In fact, according to a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 30% of youth in care identify as LGBTQ, compared to 11% of the general youth population. This is due in large part to the fact that coming out to family members can lead to harassment, abuse and even full-on rejection, making it more likely for these chil¬dren than their non-LGBTQ peers to experience homelessness or end up in foster care. 

LGBTQ youth face even more challenges once they are in care. Not only are they less likely to find permanency, but they have a higher average number of placements, higher rates of mental health challenges and higher rates of reported harassment, discrimination and violence. 

“Our goal is to serve every child in foster care in Yavapai County and we need more volunteers to help us reach that goal,” Castleberry said. “It should be noted that the number of Yavapai County children in foster care who identify as LGBTQ is very low, but we still have a huge need for more volunteers, especially volunteers from the Verde Valley. We are looking for people who have a heart for all children and who want to join us in our efforts to create more positive outcomes for all children in foster care.” 

Visit the website or call 554-8900 for more information on becoming a CASA volunteer for children in foster care.