Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

100 West Harrison St.,
North Tower, Suite 500,
Seattle, WA 98119
Tel: 800/628-3222
www.nationalcasa.org

The National CASA Association, with its state and local members, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children in the court system so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.

Publication:

• Annotated Bibliography: Resources for Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender and Questioning Youth and Families in the Foster Care System

Equity Project

http://www.equityproject.org/

This national collaboration between Legal Services for Children (San Francisco), the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the National Juvenile Defender Center ensures LGBT youth in juvenile delinquency courts are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. The Equity Project examines issues that impact LGBT youth during the delinquency process.

Lambda Legal Defense

120 Wall Street, Suite 1500,
New York, NY 10005
Tel: 212/809-8585
www.lambdalegal.org/

This national organization pursues high-impact litigation, public education, and advocacy on behalf of equality and civil rights for LGBT people. It supports people who need legal help through its phone help desks and educational publications. It has four locations throughout the country, in addition to its New York City headquarters.

Publications:

• Youth in the Margins: A Report on the Unmet Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adolescents in Foster Care

Current state foster care programs neglect LGBT youth and, in many cases, promote a homophobic atmosphere that undermines their welfare. This report from Lambda Legal examines foster care programs in 14 states, highlighting the shortfalls of each in addressing LGBT youth and providing recommendations to address them.

Legal Services for Children/National Center for Lesbian Rights Model Standards Project

254 Market St., 3rd Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel: 415/863-3762, ext. 310
www.lsc-sf.org

National Center for Lesbian Rights National Office

870 Market St., Suite 370,
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel: 415/392-6257
www.nclrights.org

This partnership has produced the Model Standards Project LGBTQ Practice Guide, published by the Child Welfare League of America in 2006 and available through www.lsc-sf.org, info@nclrights.org, and www.cwla.org

National Center for Lesbian Rights

870 Market St., Suite 370,
San Francisco CA 94102
Tel: 415/392-6257
www.nclrights.org

NCLR is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of LGBT people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. In addition to its San Francisco headquarters, it has offices in Florida and Washington, DC.

Publications:

Breaking the Silence: LGBTQ Foster Youth Tell Their Stories This 45-minute DVD/CD includes10 digital short stories by LGBTQ foster youth, training tools, and resources. The stories describe what it's like to be an LGBTQ foster youth and what advocates and providers can do to improve how child welfare and juvenile justice systems serve these youth. Available for $25.

To order, call or email Jody Marksamer, NCLR Staff Attorney, 415/392-6257, ext. 308; jmarksamer@nclrights.org

• LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care System Fact Sheet
• LGBTQ Youth in the Juvenile Justice System Fact Sheet

Sylvia Rivera Law Project

322 8th Ave.,
3rd Fl. New York, NY 10001
Tel: 212/337-8550
www.srlp.org

SRLP works to guarantee all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence.

Nonlegal Advocacy Organizations

Advocates for Youth

2000 M Street NW,Suite 750,
Washington, DC, 20036, USA
Tel: 202/419-3420
www.advocatesforyouth.org

Advocates for Youth helps young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.

Publications:

• "Respecting the Rights of GLBTQ Youth, A Responsibility of Youth-Serving Professionals," Transitions 14, June 2002.

A special issue of Advocate for Youth's journal, Transitions, dedicated to GLBTQ issues.

• Creating Safe Space for GLBTQ Youth: A Toolkit

This manual includes sections on supporting youth of color and transgender youth.

• GLBTQ Youth

Fact sheet providing information on challenges, risk factors, and trends among GLBTQ youth.

• Pamphlets for Youth: I Think I Might Be Bisexual, Now What Do I Do?
• I Think I Might Be Gay, Now What Do I Do?
• I Think I Might Be Lesbian, Now What Do I Do?
• I Think I Might Be Transgender, Now What Do I Do?

Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)

440 First St. NW, 3rd Floor,
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: 202/638-2952
www.cwla.org/programs/culture/glbtq.htm

CWLA and partner Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund are working together to build the child welfare system's capacity to deal fairly and constructively with young people, family members, and employees who are LGBTQ, with particular emphasis on those making the transition to adulthood.

Publications

• Out of the Margins: A Report on Regional Listening Forums Highlighting the Experiences of LGBTQ Youth in Care. Available free online.
• "Addressing the Needs of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (GLBTQ) Children, Youth, and Families Within Child Welfare Systems," Special Edition, Child Welfare Journal, CWLA, 2006. Available for purchase online.

www.cwla.org or www.cwla.org/programs/culture/glbtq.htm

Families United Against Hate

P.O. Box 6396,
Olympia, WA 98507
Tel: 360/888-5291
Contact: Lisa Weiner-Mahfuz of PFLAG, 202/467-8180, ext. 217
www.fuah.org

A national network by and for families and survivors of hate-motivated violence which operates in conjunction with Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and other organizations and individuals. It focuses on providing long-term emotional support and technical assistance to families.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Health Access Project

Justice Resource Institute

130 Boylston St.,
Boston, MA 02116
Tel: 617/457-8150
www.jri.org/jrihealth.htm#glbt

This project is a collaborative, community-based program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, offering provider trainings, technical assistance, and support aimed at eliminating barriers to health care access for LGBT individuals and their families.

Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

1640 Rhode Island Avenue,
NW Washington, DC
20036-3278
Tel: 202/628-4160
www.hrc.org

As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBT Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a grassroots force of more than 700,000 members and supporters nationwide. HRC envisions an America LGBT people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of the American family at home, work and in every community.

National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC)

638 R St., N.W., Suite 300,
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: 202/319-7596, ext. 12
www.nyacyouth.org

A social justice organization that advocates for LGBTQ youth to end discrimination and ensure their physical and emotional well-being. NYAC publishes a news magazine about sexual minority youth concerns.

Direct Services For LGBTQ Youth

California AIDS Clearinghouse (CAC)

443 N. Martel Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Tel: 323/845-4180
www.hivinfo.org/

The Clearinghouse partners with state-funded education and prevention programs and HIV testing programs to create support services and educational materials that are culturally sensitive, language appropriate, and meet educational needs of these programs.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth Support Project

942 W. Chestnut St. Brockton,
MA 02301
Tel: 800/530-2770
www.hcsm.org/glys/glys.htm

Provides training and technical assistance for providers and educators who support LGBT youth.

Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services, Inc. (GLASS)

650 N. Robertson Blvd.,
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Tel: 310/358-8727
www.glassla.org

Private, nonprofit social services agency aimed at gay and lesbian youth who are in foster care, on probation, or are homeless.

Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI)

www.hmi.org/

The Hetrick-Martin Institute, Home of The Harvey Milk High School, believes all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential. HMI creates this environment for LGBTQ youth between the ages of 12 and 21 and their families. Through a comprehensive package of direct services and referrals, HMI seeks to foster healthy youth development. HMI's staff promotes excellence in the delivery of youth services and uses its expertise to create innovative programs.

Locations:

Manhattan: Ali Forney Center
Wednesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
527 West 22nd St., 1st floor
Take the E train to West 23rd St.

Youth must be a member of the Ali Forney Center to attend. Call Tel: 212/206-0574 to join.

Manhattan: Streetwork Project

Thursdays, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
165 W. 131st street, 3rd floor New York, NY 10027
Take the # 2, 3 trains to 135th St.

Youth must be a member of Streetwork to attend. Call Tel: 212/695-2220 to join.

Manhattan: Hetrick Martin Institute

1st and 3rd
Wednesday of the month, 5-6 p.m.
2 Astor Pl.
Take R or W to 8th St. or 6 to Astor Pl.

Youth must be a member of Hetrick Martin Institute to attend. Call Tel: 212/674-2400 to join.

Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network (JASMYN)

P.O. Box 380103,
Jacksonville, FL 32205
Tel: 904/389-3857
Gay Youth Information Line: 904/389-0089

JASMYN is a safe place where sexual minority youth are accepted, no questions asked. It offers a place for these youth to talk about LGBTQ issues and thoughts

L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center

The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center provides services for the LGBT community, welcoming nearly a quarter-million client visits from ethnically diverse youth and adults each year. Through its Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic and onsite pharmacy, the Center offers free and low-cost health, mental health, HIV/AIDS medical care and HIV/STD testing and prevention. The Center also offers legal, social, cultural, and educational services, with unique programs for families and youth, including a 24-bed transitional living program for homeless youth.

www.laglc.org

Locations:

McDonald/Wright Building 1625 N. Schrader Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028-6213 323/993-7400
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza 1125 N. McCadden Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90038 323/860-7302
Jeff Griffith Youth Center 7051 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038 323/993-7501
The Spot 745 N. San Vicente Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 323/993-7440

One-in-Teen Youth Services Nashville

109 29th Avenue North Nashville,
TN 37203
Tel: 615/321.7288 877/ONE-IN-TN (877/663-4686)
www.one-in-teen.org

Since 1989, One-In-Teen Youth Services (OIT) has provided a safe space for LGBTQ youth, between the ages of 14 and 21, to be themselves. Basic services are free and events are alcohol and drug-free.

Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL)

410 7th St. SE,
Washington DC 20003-2707
Tel: 202/546-5940
www.smyal.org

SMYAL assists LGBTQ youth in Washington, DC. It promotes self-confident, healthy, productive lives for LGBTQ youth as they journey from adolescence into adulthood. It concentrates five areas: (1) life skills & leadership development, (2) counseling & support, (3) health & wellness education, (4) safe social activities, and (5) community outreach and education.

Urban Justice Center: Peter Cicchino Youth Project

123 William St, 16th Fl.,
New York, NY 10038
Tel: 646/602-5600
http://www.urbanjustice.org/ujc/projects/peter.html

This project helps LGBTQ youth stabilize their lives by helping them obtain government benefits, access permanent housing, and continue their educations. Legal clinics are conducted weekly at drop-in centers for runaways and LGBT youth. In addition, the project engages in systemic advocacy and impact litigation around issues such as mistreatment of LGBT youth in New York City's foster care and juvenile detention systems. The project also helps LGBT youth who are "aging" out of foster care.

Caregiver Support Programs

Family Builders

3953 24th St., Suite C-2,
San Francisco, CA 94114
www.familybuilders.org

Family Builders provides a full range of services to families who wish to adopt a waiting child. In addition to an orientation and preadoption training, it offers ongoing support services, postadoption training, groups, community building events, and an extensive library for families.

Family Equality Council

P.O. Box 206
Boston,MA 02133

3953 24th Street,
Suite C-2 San Francisco, CA 94114
Tel: 510/272-0204
www.familyequality.org

A national advocacy organization that works to secure family equality for LGBTQ parents, guardians, and allies. Promotes legislation, policies, and initiatives that support LGBTQ-headed families.

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

1726 M St., NW,
Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202/467-8180
www.pflag.org

Provides support, education, and advocacy for parents, siblings, and friends of LGBTQ youth. Local chapters meet monthly. If no chapter is listed under "Local Organization" for your town, contact National PFLAG.

Publications:

• Be Yourself: Questions and Answers for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth

School-Based Support Programs

Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

1012 14th St. N.W.,
Suite 1105 Washington, DC 20007
Tel: 202/347-7780
www.glsen.org

This national education organization focuses on ensuring safe schools for all students.

Gay Straight Alliance Network

1550 Bryant St., Suite 800,
San Francisco, CA 94103
Tel: 415/552-4229
www.gsanetwork.org

This youth-led organization empowers youth activists fighting homophobia in schools. It advises on starting GSAs in schools and how to keep them going.

Note: The National Center for Lesbian Rights offers a fact sheet that explains the legal rights of students to form GSAs and to have the same privileges as other clubs.

Safe Schools Coalition

Public Health-Seattle & King County,
MS: NTH-PH-0100 10501
Meridian Ave., N. Seattle, WA 98133
206/632-0662, ext. 49

Intervention Help: (WA State only):
Tel: 888/307-9275
www.safeschoolscoalition.org

A public-private partnership that works to reduce bias-based bullying and violence in schools and to help schools better meet the needs of sexual minority youth and children with sexual minority parents.

Note: Three useful resources addressing bullying in school are: Bullying, It's Not Okay

This brochure for parents contains sections on "When Your Child Is the Victim," "When Your Child Is the Bully," and "When Your Child Is a Bystander." It was jointly produced by the Washington State Medical Association, the Washington State Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Washington State Attorney General's Office.

• Responding to Hate at School

A guide for teachers, counselors, and administrators from Teaching Tolerance.

• Safe Passage: Voices from the Middle School

A web page for parents and educators on bullying from the Family Education Network.

Websites For LGBTQ Youth

Youth Guardian Services

www.youth-guard.org

A youth-run organization that provides support services on the Internet to LGBTQ and straight youth.

YouthResource Web Site

www.youthresource.com

This web site was created by and for LGBTQ youth to safely explore sexuality and issues of concern to the LGBTQ community. Created by Advocates for Youth, it offers "web rings," which are collections of home pages for all LGBTQ youth, and dedicated pages for LGBTQ youth from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

National Coalition for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth (OutProud)

www.outproud.org

A web site community for LGBTQ youth and those who care about them. The site offers publications, personal stories, youth forums, Q&As, recommendations, and other resources.