Today, on International Transgender Day of Visibility, OACAS applauds the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services for investing $800,000 to develop new services and supports that respond to the distinct needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two Spirit and queer (LGBT2SQ) children, youth and families in the child welfare system. The funding will flow through OACAS to roll out initiatives such as trips to inclusive and gender affirming camps for youths and expanded training for society staff that will help LGBT2SQ children and youth feel accepted and remain connected to their communities.
“We recognize we need to better understand, from an intersectional lens, the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth involved in the child welfare system to improve outcomes. We also know there is a real need for appropriate supports for the safety and well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth being served by child welfare,” said Nicole Bonnie, CEO of OACAS. “This funding will help provide those critical supports for young 2SLGBTQ+ Ontarians, their families, and the child welfare organizations that work with them.”
The Ontario government press release can be read here.
