a study of the experiences and identity development of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people in care, and the support they receive
Young people in care face a wide range of challenges which are intensified for those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) as they manage their minority identities and cope with stigma. Literature suggests that LGBT young people in care face bullying and violence and inadequate responses to their needs by professionals and carers. The SpeakOut study, run by the University of East Anglia: https://www.uea.ac.uk/speakout) is the first study of LGBTQ young people in the care system in England. It focused not only on vulnerability and risk, but also on the strengths and resilience of LGBTQ young people. The study aimed to explore identity development, experiences of support, experiences of foster carers and practitioners and the type of services and care planning available nationally to meet the needs of this group.
Forty-six young people from across England took part in interviews and made a number of important recommendations. Findings are being disseminated through articles, presentations and conferences.
CRC was approached by Jeanette Cossar, research lead, and the six young people who worked as co-researchers on the study. The aim is to co-produce a short animation based on the study’s main findings. The film will be a core element of a set of training resources in preparation, to assist social care professionals to better support LGBTQ young people in their care.