A newly published article in Trauma, Violence, & Abuse offers a powerful and timely review of the human rights issues faced by Queer youth in out-of-home care (OOHC). Authored by Oscar Johnston, Lynne McPherson, Kathomi Gatwiri, and Antonia Canosa, the study is the first to systematically examine these experiences through a human rights lens. Despite growing awareness of LGBTQIA+ rights, the experiences of Queer youth in foster and residential care remain under-researched, under-documented, and deeply misunderstood.

 

What the review found

Drawing on 50 international studies, the authors identified five key themes:

• Rejection before care: Many Queer youth enter OOHC due to family rejection based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Discrimination while in care: Harm continues in care settings, where youth often face bullying, exclusion, and lack of affirmation.
• Systemic bias and exclusion: Care systems often reflect dominant norms around gender and sexuality, which can marginalise and erase Queer identities.
• Mental health disparities: Queer youth report significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation and mental health challenges.
• Relational instability: Disrupted placements and strained relationships with carers are common.

Global gaps in research and the need for inclusive care

• The review highlights a stark imbalance in the geographic distribution of research, with most studies originating from the Global North, particularly the United States. This skewed representation limits the development of culturally responsive care models and silences the voices of Queer youth in the Global South.

A call to action

The authors urge policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to:

• Reform child protection policies to affirm Queer identities.
• Train carers and social workers in inclusive practices.
• Improve data collection to reflect diverse identities.
• Expand research to include underrepresented regions.

Why it matters

This review highlights the urgent need to centre Queer youth in child protection reform. Their rights, identities, and wellbeing must be prioritised, not just acknowledged.

Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380251355892