LGBTQ Youth in Child Welfare
This map shows which states have explicit state-based statutory, regulatory, and/or agency policy protections against discrimination for youth in the child welfare system. These protections prohibit discrimination against youth in the child welfare system based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
In addition to these explicit policies, several states have policies that prohibit discrimination based on “sex.” Although such policies do not explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and are therefore not included on this map, advocates may be able to utilize these protections to protect transgender youth as case law evolves.
This map also includes the states in which there are laws or regulations that require current and prospective foster parents and child welfare staff to receive training about LGBTQ youth in areas like cultural competency and legal requirements, as well as the states with laws requiring that transgender youth be placed in accordance with their gender identity. Only states with explicit legal guidance for transgender youth placement are included. These laws and regulations are designed to improve the safety and outcomes for LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system.
For more information, please contact Lambda Legal.
Movement Advancement Project. 2026. “Equality Maps: Foster and Adoption Laws.” https://mapresearch.org/equality-map/child-welfare-nondiscrimination-laws/. Data as of June 12, 2026.
Percent of LGBTQ Youth Covered by Laws
*Note: These percentages reflect estimates of the LGBTQ youth (ages 13-17) population living in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Estimates of LGBTQ youth in the U.S. territories or under age 13 are not available, and so cannot be reflected here. Population estimates are from The Williams Institute.
