Supporting LGBTQIA+ Families
As an open and affirming foster care organization, we are proud to work with all families inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status. We are honored to have been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign’s All Children – All Families program every year since 2013. Since 2020, we have received their highest tier of recognition: Innovative Inclusion. All Children – All Families promotes LGBTQ-inclusive policies and affirming practices among child welfare agencies.
We are also a proud Founding Member of Gays With Kids, sharing our expertise through webinars, videos, articles, stories and more for gay, bi, and trans men regarding becoming and being a parent through foster care.
Looking for community resources, supports, and groups? We have a curated list here.
Amara offers programming specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth and families, including:
- Individualized Support for LGBTQIA+ Caregivers and Caregivers Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth – We provide tailored, one-on-one support for LGBTQIA+ caregivers across the state when facing unique challenges or barriers related to their SOGIE (Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity and Expression) or for any caregivers having challenges related to caring for a LGBTQIA+ youth in their home. Contact LGBTQCaRES@amarafamily.org for assistance.
- Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth in Foster Care workshop – This workshop is designed for caregivers to learn more about creating a safe and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ youth in their homes. Since being the first organization in our region to provide this workshop, we have shifted our role to provide trainings for other professionals across the state on how to facilitate this workshop for their communities, increasing the availability of this workshop for caregivers across Washington.
- LGBTQIA+ Parent Support Group – This parent support group is for LGBTQIA+ foster 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.
- LGBTQIA+ Community Foster Care Information Meetings – We work with LGBTQIA+ partner organizations including Gay City in Seattle and Rainbow Center in Tacoma to encourage the LGBTQIA+ community to learn about and consider becoming foster parents in a safe and comfortable environment.