This report outlines the extraordinary need for enactment and implementation of laws and policies to protect the rights and safety of LGBTQ youth in juvenile detention. Among the reasons for this need, the report cites the overrepresentation of LGBTQ youth in the juvenile justice system—due in part to challenges such as family rejection and subsequent homelessness, bullying and harassment, biased school discipline policies, and failed safety net programs—and high rates of discrimination and abuse once LGBTQ youth enter the system.
The report highlights the fact that model policies exist and are highly effective, but that there are present in too few jurisdictions. Some of the policies and services promoted include:
• Nondiscrimination provisions;
• Screening and intake policies that safeguard confidentiality and privacy;
• Classification and housing placement policies that limit isolation and segregation of LGBT youth and that honor self-designated gender identity;
• Access to LGBT supports;
• Individualized, competent, and appropriate medical and mental health services treatment;
• Respectful communication from staff, including preferred name and pronoun use;
• Staff training and policy dissemination;
• Youth education regarding their rights; and
• Adequate enforcement procedures.