Past Week Recap!

Hi Everyone!

Last week was such an eventful week y'all... Here is a quick recap of the series of events that took place (both politically as well as personally, in no particular order):

• Supreme Court Judge Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement
• I finally finished my policy report!
• The Supreme Court upheld the travel ban, ruling it constitutional
• I edited my policy report with at least 4 drafts within the past week
• Starbucks begins offering transgender community employees comprehensive life-saving health care
• My hometown Boise, ID suffered a traumatic experience where 9 kids and adults were stabbed by a felon.  This particularly affected the Refugee community.  The 3 year old celebrating his birthday died from the stab wounds.
• 575 were charged with "unlawfully demonstrating" a protest in the Hart Senate building--and I got to witness the rally first hand
• An estimated 10,000 attended a rally regarding immigration at our Nation's Capitol this past Saturday
• I attended Rock Creek Park for the second weekend in a row (It's beautiful!)

I'm sure there is more, but these were the highlights of the last week.  It was a busy and sad week in history this past week.  

Other than what I mentioned last week I don't really have a whole lot else to say right now other than these two remarks:

1. After tirelessly working, editing and turning it into "Hill speak," my policy report is on its way to be published!  Below is my final Executive summary, visual and references!  Once it has been published, I will post the link to the online publication.  Then, and only then can I say I've had a piece of work published!  For Congress!  I'm ecstatic.  So much hard work, sweat and tears put into this by so many people, I cannot begin to express my gratitude.
2. If you have ever doubted whether or not you have a voice, be confident.  The louder you are, the more likely you will be heard.  When I say loud, I don't necessarily audible volume.  You can be loud and strong, even in silence.  Be confident; the louder you are, the more likely to be heard.  Power isn't always quantitative of numbers.  Be passionate.  Be honest.  Be real.  Be Yourself.  Be true to your morals and beliefs.  Do not waiver.  If your heart is in the right place, you will shine.  Timing is everything.

- - - - - - - - - - 

Credit given to Gaby Rodriguez and CCAI as well as CSSP's "Out of the Shadow" publication (see references list below)

Executive Summary

Youth in care who identify as LGBTQ+ are over-represented in the child welfare system and face unique challenges. LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk of experiencing violence, and they are at higher risk of experiencing negative health and life outcomes such as poor educational outcomes and mental health issues. With such knowledge and information, it is imperative that the foster care placement process be revised. To improve the experience of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care, Congress must improve the foster care placement processes by screening youth entering care for sexual orientation and gender identity, ensuring that individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ are not discriminated against and can become foster parents, and requiring states to provide training for all professionals and foster parents working within the child welfare system on the special needs of LGBTQ+ youth.  

Credit of anything not common knowledge to perspective authors.  See reference list below:

References:

Administration on Children, Youth and Families (2016). Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and 

Reporting System (DHHS Publication No. 81-240). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. 

Child Welfare Information Gateway (2013). Supporting your LGBTQ youth: A guide for foster 

parents. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau.

Herd, G., & McClintock, M. (2000). The magical age of 10. Articles of Sexual Behavior, 29(6), 587-606.

Human Rights Campaign (2015). LGBTQ youth in the foster care system. Retrieved from 

https://assets2.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/HRC-YouthFosterCare-IssueBrief-FINAL.pdf?_ga=2.214356119.1012176253.1530299339-265163922.1530299339

Martin, M., Down, L., & Erney, R. (2016). Out of the shadows: Supporting LGBTQ youth in child welfare through cross-system collaboration. Washington, DC: Center for the Study of Social Policy. (https://www.cssp.org/pages/body/Out-of-the-Shadows-Supporting-LGBTQ-youth-in-child-welfare-through-cross-system-collaboration-web.pdf)

Movement Advancement Project (2018). Foster and adoption laws. Retrieved from 

http://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/foster_and_adoption_laws 

Wilber, S., Ryan, C., & Marksamer, J. (2006). CWLA best practice guidelines: Serving LBGT youth in out-of-home care. Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America.

Wilson, C., Cook, M. C., Erney, R., Cherepon, H., & Gentile, K. (2017). Safe havens: Closing the gap between recommended practice and reality for transgender and gender-expansive youth in out-of-home care. Retrieved from http://www.lambdalegal.org/sites/default/files/publications/downloads/tgnc-policy-report_2017_final-web_05-02-17.pdf