Findings from an Assessment of Juvenile Justice Services for LGBT Youth

• In Event: Innovation and Reform in Justice Programs and Policy

Abstract

Although there is growing understanding of the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth, there is not a commensurate understanding of the capacities of youth-serving systems to meet these needs. Community service providers, evaluators, and national experts continue to emphasize the need for increased LGBT youth cultural and linguistic competence in youth-serving systems, including juvenile justice systems. Through an assessment of the District of Columbia’s juvenile justice system, we examined the experiences and supports for LGBT youth coming in contact with it. We conducted interviews of key stakeholders and youth, conducted brief observations, and reviewed relevant policies and documents. This presentation will review the assessment’s key findings, including strengths and challenges, and discuss implications for practice and policy.

Authors

• Jeffrey Poirier, Amer Institutes for Research

• Christian Rummel, Amer Institutes for Research