Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Loveland, PhD, Emily

Abstract

ABSTRACT

On the average time frame, former foster youth were reported homeless between 2012 and 2017. Equally important, is that nearly 39% of homeless youth identify as LGTBQ+.  This research will discuss disproportionality and disparities among youth who struggle with homelessness in the LGTBQ+ population. Research suggests that youth aging out of foster care are more likely to become homeless. Studies found that LGBTQ+ youth being discharged from care did not receive adequate support and guidance from the child welfare system to help them transition into adulthood, which may have led to homelessness.  This study will examine what services and strategies can child welfare provide to prevent the risk of homelessness among the LGTBQ+ population transitioning into adulthood.  This qualitative study will use focus groups and utilize thematic analysis to assess the data collected. This study will explore the insight and experience of child welfare workers regarding available resources for LGBTQ+ foster youth to evaluate their effectiveness using a qualitative research approach.

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