Event Reflection: Diversity in Practice – Working with LGBTQIA+ children and young people

Diversity in Practice: Working with LGBTQIA+ children and young people.

Date: 29th of May 2023

Mode: Online

Presenters:

• Allen Jeffress – Clinical Team Leader (Berry Street)
• Larissa Fogden – Clinician, Restoring Childhood NHARP (Berry Street)
• Supported by DFFH and Family Safety Australia under the MARAM Capacity Building Project

Facilitator: Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre)

Summary 

This webinar is part of the Diversity in Practice Series facilitated by the Centre which explores what good practice looks like when engaging with children and young people from diverse backgrounds and communities. It offers guidance on enhancing the safety and inclusivity of services, and practical principles for professionals when interacting with LGBTQIA+ children, young people, and their families.

Who is this relevant for  

It is recommended for practitioners and service providers who work with LGBTQIA+ children, young people, and their families, especially those in the field of family violence. This community may be more vulnerable to family violence and other well-being issues due to societal discrimination and attitudes. Intersecting factors such as identity, systematic oppression, structural inequality and discrimination can impact the way a child or young person interacts with and create barriers preventing LGBTQIA+ children and young people from accessing safe and inclusive services. Consequently, all family and children services should adopt inclusive practices that meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ children and young people.

Key Messages and Learnings

• When interacting with LGBTQIA+ children and young people, it is crucial to go beyond surface-level engagement and create a safe and inclusive environment. This entails more than simply understanding the basic terminology.
• Stigma, prejudice, and oppression can all impact an LGBTQIA+ child or young person’s identity and experience. Additionally, children and young people who identify as LBGTBQIA+ may face multiple challenges that contribute to their risk of experiencing violence and may have difficulty accessing services due to systemic barriers.
• Practitioners may fear mistakes. Addressing unconscious biases, avoiding assumptions about identity, and holding oneself accountable can facilitate discussions with LGBTQIA+ youth.
• For effective relational repair, practitioners must manage defensiveness, prioritise the client’s expertise, and involve them in decision-making.
• To foster a safe and inclusive environment, it’s important to recognise and appreciate survival strategies, identify strengths and resources, and grasp the language and culture to promote open dialogue.
• Creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ children and young people involve being receptive, curious, respectful, and valuing the needs, viewpoints, and encounters of each specific child or young person you are working with. 

Please see downloadable fact sheet for additional resources