Identifying and Serving LGBTQ Youth: Case Studies of Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Grantees. Avenues for Homeless Youth

Avenues has implemented the following organizational strategies:

• Nondiscrimination/nonharassment policy. Avenues has written policies that are inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity and communicates these policies to both clients and staff.
• Protection of confidentiality. Agency policies prioritize maintenance of confidentiality of personal information. Staff reported that personal information about youth is not shared outside the agency unless there is a legal requirement to do so.
• Cultural competency training. The agency offers regular trainings to develop culturally competent practices (including LGBTQ cultural competency) among employees. Issues related to cultural competency are addressed informally during discussions among staff and youth.
• Connections to LGBTQ organizations. Avenues maintains partnerships with other organizations serving LGBTQ youth in its area, including the Trans Youth Support Network (an advocacy organization), YouthLink (a provider serving homeless youth), and the YMCA (a provider of mentoring and sexual health education programs).

Avenues tailors several services to address the needs of LGBTQ youth:

• Physical health. Avenues refers youth to a local health provider when the youth have need of gender transition-related health care. The agency also offers on-site testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
• Mental health. Mental health professionals on staff are able to assist LGBTQ youth who present with concerns about sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Emergency shelter. Youth who are not comfortable in male or female dorms can access private accommodation (a single-bed room) on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Transitional living. Youth are served according to their self-reported gender identity. If there are concerns for a youth’s safety or well-being, the youth can be offered private space in the housing program. The agency also makes accommodations related to access to bathroom facilities, particularly for transgender youth. In addition, Avenues offers a host home program specifically for LGBT-identified homeless youth.
• Employment. Staff seek to connect clients with community volunteer and employment opportunities that are welcoming of LGBTQ youth.