LGBTHomelessYouth

versus 44 percent. 54 This may suggest that although LGBT youth are not forcibly
removed from their homes, lack of acceptance or hostility in the home leave
them feeling that they have no choice but to leave.
Juvenile justice and social safety net systems are failing LGBT youth
LGBT youth may enter juvenile justice or social safety net programs for many of
the same reasons as their non-LGBT peers, such as abuse or neglect at the hands
of their parents or incarceration due to criminal activities. LGBT youth, however,
are often unfairly and disproportionately driven into these systems precisely
because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. According to one study on
familial reactions to LGBT children, 42 percent of LGBT youth who were in child
welfare or institutional systems were there because of family rejection or because
they were removed from their homes due to conflict with their families over their
sexual orientation or gender identity. 55 Family rejection and involvement in
juvenile justice systems are undeniably intertwined. The relationship between
the two is so close that the Equity Project, a coalition of organizations working to
ensure that LGBT youth in the juvenile justice system are treated with dignity and
fairness, has stated that leaving home because of family rejection is “the greatest
predictor of future involvement with the juvenile justice system for LGBT
youth.” 56 This is in part because running away from home is often a status offense
that triggers judicial intervention. 57
The close relationship between juvenile justice systems, child welfare programs,
and homelessness is confirmed by the experience of service providers addressing
the needs of LGBT homeless youth. According to these providers, approximately
one-third of LGBT homeless youth clients have been in foster care, and the same
number have had contact with the juvenile justice system. 58 Unfortunately, these
systems, which are intended to protect youth and improve their prospects for
healthier futures, may ultimately drive LGBT youth into homelessness. Too often,
programs meant to house youth lack sensitivity toward the needs of LGBT young
people, whether due to institutional prejudice, lack of cultural competency among
providers or foster parents, or blatant discrimination against LGBT youth by their
peers or adult caretakers. 59 As a result, many of these youth run away from their
housing placements to avoid unfair treatment or to escape abuse or harassment
based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. 60
12 Center for American Progress | Seeking Shelter