GS2014

Frequently, families of gender-expansive youth struggle with their child's gender expression or identity. In some cases, this may be the reason the child has entered the system to begin with. Child welfare providers are often challenged by the need to support a child's authentic experiences of gender while at the same honoring a family’s own struggle with the issue. This session will examine ways in which child welfare professionals can balance these two aspects, developing language, resources and tools for helping both the young person and their caregivers move towards a closer understanding of one another's needs and perspectives. The session will also examine the degree to which differing levels of family acceptance, or lack thereof, can impact the ultimate health and well-being of a gender-expansive child.