This map shows where explicit state-based statutory, regulatory, and policy-based non-discrimination protections in the nation’s child welfare system. These protections prohibit discrimination against youth in the child welfare system based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
In addition to these explicit policies, several states have policies that prohibit discrimination based on “sex.” Although such policies do not explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and are therefore not included on this map, advocates may be able to utilize these protections to protect transgender youth as case law evolves.
This map also includes the states in which there are laws or regulations that require current and prospective foster parents and child welfare staff to receive training about LGBT youth in areas like cultural competency and legal requirements, as well as the states with laws requiring that transgender youth be placed in accordance with their gender identity. Only states with explicit legal requirements for transgender youth placement are included to the exclusion of those with recommendations and those that consider housing placements on a case-by-case basis. These laws and regulations are designed to improve the safety and outcomes for LGBT youth in the child welfare system.
For more information, please contact Lambda Legal.
State | Foster Care Laws & Regulations | Joint Adoption | Second/Stepparent | LGBT Youth in Child Welfare |
Citations | Citations | Citations | ||
Alabama | State has this law | |||
Alaska | State has this law | |||
Arizona | State has this law | |||
Arkansas | State has this law | |||
California | State has this law | State has this law | State has this law | State has this law |
Colorado | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Connecticut | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Delaware | State has this law | |||
District of Columbia | State has this law | State has this law | State has this law | |
Florida | State has this law | |||
Georgia | State has this law | |||
Hawaii | State has this law | |||
Idaho | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Illinois | State has this law | State has this law | State has this law | |
Indiana | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Iowa | State has this law | |||
Kansas | State has this law | |||
Kentucky | State has this law | |||
Louisiana | State has this law | |||
Maine | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Maryland | State has this law | |||
Massachusetts | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Michigan | State has this law | |||
Minnesota | State has this law | |||
Mississippi | State has this law | |||
Missouri | State has this law | |||
Montana | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Nebraska | State has this law | |||
Nevada | State has this law | State has this law | ||
New Hampshire | State has this law | |||
New Jersey | State has this law | State has this law | State has this law | |
New Mexico | State has this law | |||
New York | State has this law | State has this law | ||
North Carolina | State has this law | |||
North Dakota | State has this law | |||
Ohio | State has this law | |||
Oklahoma | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Oregon | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Pennsylvania | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Rhode Island | State has this law | State has this law | ||
South Carolina | State has this law | |||
South Dakota | State has this law | |||
Tennessee | State has this law | |||
Texas | State has this law | |||
Utah | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Vermont | State has this law | State has this law | ||
Virginia | State has this law | |||
Washington | State has this law | |||
West Virginia | State has this law | |||
Wisconsin | State has this law | |||
Wyoming | State has this law |
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