Child welfare professionals are uniquely positioned to protect the best interests of LGBTQ+ youth through LGBTQ+-related policy advocacy. This advocacy may take a variety of forms, but it is particularly impactful for lawmakers to hear the stories you have to share around placing children in the best homes possible.

Many child welfare organizations have already taken action, and offer opportunities for members and outside parties to get involved. Consider by which methods your organization or agency is best positioned to act, based on the examples of public policy advocacy below:

Examples of Public Policy Advocacy

• National Statement Sign-Ons (NASW’s Previous Comments, Statements & Sign-On Letters)
• State Sign-Ons (2018 Letter to Kansas House of Representatives)
• Participation in press conferences with advocates
• Participation in public policy briefings with social welfare organizations
• Participation in lobby days
• Publishing op-eds
• Suggested actions from CWLA’s Action Center

More Resources

• “Disregarding the Best Interest of the Child: Licenses to Discriminate in Child Welfare Services” (Human Rights Campaign, 2017)
• “Religious Refusal Laws in Child Welfare - Harming Children and Stunting Progress” (Center for the Study of Social Policy, October 2017)
• “Policy and Position Statements on Conversion Therapy” (HRC Blog, 2018)
• CWLA’s Advocacy Center
• Field Forward: All Children - All Families’ Monthly Newsletter