Murray, Wyden, Colleagues Urge HHS to Finalize and Swiftly Implement Rule to Better Support and Protect LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Ron Wyden (D-OR) and 17 of their Democratic colleagues in expressing support for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed rule that would help ensure LGBTQ+ children and youth in foster care feel safe and valued and receive appropriate services without discrimination or prejudice.

“This proposed rule is needed to protect children in the foster care system more than ever, and if finalized, will further support the primary goal of federal child welfare programs—to serve the best interests of all children,” the senators wrote in a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “We commend HHS for taking steps to ensure LGBTQIA+ children in foster care feel safe and valued and receive needed services with dignity and support. We look forward to the finalization of this rule, and urge its swift implementation.”

LGBTQ+ children and youth, especially those in the foster care system, experience higher rates of discrimination, family violence and challenges associated with mental health. The proposed rule by HHS will help LGBTQ+ children and youth in foster care, including LGBTQ+ children and youth of color who are disproportionately overrepresented in the child welfare system and stay longer in child welfare systems, get better access to affirming spaces and the social support they need to thrive by outlining requirements for their safe and appropriate placement. This includes notifying children and youth about the availability of safe and appropriate foster care placements, prohibiting retaliation based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and requiring LGBTQ+ training for caseworkers and supervisors.

In addition to Murray and Wyden, the letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Cardin, (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Kirstin Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jon Fetterman (D-PA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Chris Murphy (D-CT).

The text of the letter is HERE.

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