For this webinar, we will discuss the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth in the foster care and residential treatment center communities and general strategies for supporting and creating a sense of inclusion and belonging for these youth. Specifically, we will discuss how we implemented these strategies in JCCA’s residential treatment center located in Pleasantville, NY by creating an annual Pride parade and expanding activities and information based on feedback received from clients and staff. This discussion will include the successes and challenges of our strategies as well as plans for moving forward with developing and implementing strategies that increase understanding and celebration of and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ youth in general and for those youth in residential treatment centers specifically. There will also be time for dialogue about what is working or not working at other treatment centers or facilities and opportunities for brainstorming and developing strategies for continuing to build positive LGBTQIA+ communities in residential settings. The workshop will include a PowerPoint presentation as well as tangible examples of our work.
Presenters: Leah Hallow, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist, JCCA and Jessica Schutte, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist, JCCA
