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Policies, institutions and professional practices Overview of LGBTQ+ youth in child welfare systemsStudies estimate that approximately 19-30% of youth involved in the child welfare system (CWS) identify as LGBTQ+ (Martin et al. 2016;Sandfort 2019;Wilson and Kastanis 2018). A disproportionately large percentage of this population also identify as youth of colour (Dettlaff and Washburn 2018; Wilson and Kastanis 2018). LGBTQ+ youth in child welfare have many comparable experiences to non-LGBTQ+ youth within this system, but face added challenges associated with their sexuality and/ or gender identity and expression. In addition to experiencing discrimination and bullying at home, school and within their communities, LGBTQ+ youth report experiences of homophobic and transphobic discrimination and victimisation from peers and professionals within the CWS (Kaasbøll et al. 2021;Mallon et al. 2002;Stotzer et al. 2013). Evidence also suggests that mistreatment experienced within child welfare settings is worse for individuals who are transgender and for LGBTQ+ persons with intersecting minority statuses (e.g., race/ ethnicity, disability) (Capous-Desyllas and Mountz 2019;Stotzer et al. 2013;Wilson and Kastanis 2018).As a result of these compounded challenges, LGBTQ+ youth may face a host of health and well-being-related inequities when compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth in the CWS. In a review of studies conducted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the outcomes of LGBTQ+ youth involved in child welfare commonly included challenges such as substance misuse and use disorders, suicidal ideation, becoming unhoused and involvement in the juvenile justice system (

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This chapter draws on a recent study the authors conducted in the Netherlands on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) youth and young adults and their participation during their time in the public child protection system (CPS). It draws on qualitative interviews with thirteen young people and provides insight into strengthening child welfare services and practices for LGBTQIA youth in a way that allows for their voices to have weight. It shows that there are four prerequisites for participatory practices with LGBTQIA+ children and youth involved with the public CPS: first, the importance of a supportive and affirmative environment for LGBTQIA+ young people; second, the need to develop a connection with a caregiver or staff member to be able to participate; third, children’s need to be informed and prepared to be able to participate in decision-making processes; and fourth, the request of young people to have their own “space” and be surrounded by staff trained to address the needs of LGBTQIA+ youth.