In partnership with Amara, CaRES now offers two new LGBTQIA+ support groups launching in September.
- Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth in Foster Care is a supportive facilitated discussion about the common LGBTQIA+ terms, challenges youth face, and strategies caregivers can use to understand and support an LGBTQIA+ youth in their care. As a foster parent, you create a safe, healthy, and loving environment for the children placed in your home. LGBTQIA+ youth often face additional challenges and need your support to navigate extra social and cultural factors related to their sexual identity.
During two weekly sessions, you will discuss the LGBTQIA+ terminology, some of the potential needs of LGBTQIA+ youth, and identify strategies you can use to support them. Throughout the discussion, you can ask questions about support resources, share ways you have supported a child in your care, and hear how other caregivers have navigated situations related to their child’s LGBTQIA+ identity.
Sessions will be held 6:00 p.m.- 8 p.m. September 15th & September 22nd
- Navigating Fostering as a LGBTQIA+ Caregiver Navigating the foster care system can present additional challenges for LGBTQIA+ caregivers. This parent support group is for current foster parents/families as well as parents/families who have adopted from foster care. It’s open to both Amara and non-Amara families and is a time to create community and connect with other LGBTQIA+ families. Each session is facilitated by two local community members who are part of the community.