A large number of studies^[i] provide compelling evidence that the stigma associated with development of a sexual minority identity puts Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) youth at significantly higher risk for truancy, homelessness, substance abuse, depression, sexual acting out and suicide – issues that often lead them into contact with child welfare and juvenile justice systems that are ill-equipped to respond to their needs in culturally competent ways. 
 

The Safe Harbor Project  is designed to address the unique needs of LGBT youth and families across the spectrum of Child Welfare.  Components of the program include foster parent recruitment, an LGBT youth mentoring program, comprehensive training (available upon request to every DCF office and facility) and implementation of the recommendations of the Safe Harbor Project Intra-Agency Steering Committee. 
 

The Safe Harbor Steering Committee has received approval to forward a Safe Harbor Project poster to every DCF office and facility, along with the request that it be prominently displayed.  The vast majority of LGBT youth in care do not ‘come out’ (acknowledge their orientation to others) for fear of reprisal or unwanted repercussions.  The poster is to designed to reach those youth, letting them know that they have a right to expect culturally competent and affirming care and offering them an 800 number that they can use to find support and additional resources.  In addition, the poster provides an opportunity for each office and facility to better meet the needs LGBT youth in their care by visibly reducing the silence, the invisibility and the stigma that sexual minority youth too often face in out-of-home care.