Effectively Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth eLearning

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker, Supervisor

Credits: 1

Intended Audience: CWS Workers and Supervisors working with LGBTQ youth in their caseloads

Intended Objectives:

• Differentiate between sexual orientation and gender identity
• Identify risk factors and vulnerabilities for LGBTQ youth
• Identify various barriers that LGBTQ youth face
• Identify social work practice interventions that can assist LGBTQ youth in positive identity formation
• Identify possible counter transference issues for participants

Topics Include:

• Definition of terms
• Gender expression/ sex role assignments
• Risk factors for LGBTQ youth
• Stages of identity development in LGBTQ youth
• Child Welfare practice implications
• Protective factors for LGBTQ youth
• Personal beliefs and experiences

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.1 Student demonstrates respect, fairness, and cultural competencies in assessing, working with, and making service decisions regarding clients of diverse backgrounds.

3.4 Student recognizes and accurately identifies the physical and behavioral indicators of abuse, family violence, neglect, and can assess the dynamics underlying these behaviors.

3.13 Student demonstrates the ability and self-awareness to assess his or her own value conflicts or emotional responses to clients, co-workers, and situations and seeks consultation when needed.

5.3 Student demonstrates understanding of the potential effects of poverty, bias inequity, and other forms of oppression on human behavior and social systems.

6.4 Student demonstrates understanding of the dynamics and effects of trauma resulting from family conflict, divorce and family or community violence.

8.1 Student understands how professional values, ethics, and standard influence decision-making and planning in public child welfare practice.