States Must Ensure Foster Care Placements For LGBTQI+ Youth Support Gender Identity

On April 30, 2024, the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF) finalized a new policy to require that state and tribal foster care agencies ensure that placements for youth in foster care support the youth’s gender identity. The rule requires state and tribal title IV-E and IV-B agencies to ensure that each child in foster care receives “safe and proper” care and has a case plan that addresses the specific needs of the child while in foster care to support their health and well-being. This will include placing children who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual . . .