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In 2000, a master’s of social work (MSW) student conducted a survey of a state child welfare department in the Northeast that gauged workers’ beliefs, attitudes, and training needs surrounding issues of sexual orientation and identity. Findings supporting the existence of homophobia among workers as a whole were statistically significant. Of workers, 33% reported beliefs based on myths and stereotypes about gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) people. Almost half of respondents indicated that they were either not aware of services for GLBTQ youth or did not respond to the question. Of respondents, 10% to 37% left the attitude questions blank, increasing the chance of underreported biases.

Based on this research, one can conclude that GLBTQ youth in state care do not receive adequate services, including worker interaction, case management, and service referrals. Child welfare department workers make service referrals for individual and group counseling, support, activities, and other forms of involvement within the GLBTQ community.

Beyond this department, GLBTQ teens face issues specific to their sexual orientation. They are at higher risk of physical and verbal abuse as well as isolation from their families. In other instances, their families ask them to leave home. In their peer groups, GLBTQ teens may lose friends during their coming out process. Peers can also be abusive and degrade and reject GLBTQ youth. At school, GLBTQ youth may feel isolated and unaccepted. Lack of education and discussion about issues of sexual orientation often elicit feelings of not belonging, and belonging is extremely important for teens. Cultural and social norms view GLBTQ lifestyles as deviant. GLBTQ teens live in a culture that produces homophobic attitudes and marginalizes them.

Systemic issues within child welfare departments also contribute to the disservice of GLBTQ clients. In this study, the state’s lack of space for out-of-home placement extends to the problem of youth living on the streets. Funds are insufficient to increase out-of-home placements.

Another systemic problem is the lack of training for the state’s child welfare workers about sexual orientation. The department does not mandate training on this issue and does not offer it as part of the initial training for new workers.

As a consequence, GLBTQ teens face mental health, self-concept, and identity issues; increased risk of suicide; and homelessness after being thrown out or running away. The lack of services for these teens is not only detrimental but can be fatal.

A nonprofit organization providing support, advocacy, and educational services in this state to youth with sexual orientation and gender identity issues reports that 40% of its clients are involved with the state child welfare department. These youth report significant homophobic attitudes and behaviors by their social workers, which Nocera (2000) substantiated.

To ignore this problem would mean selecting the “deserving,” or those with socially acceptable lifestyles, to be clients, rather than embracing all people. Ethically, this would undermine the values of social work practice, particularly that of self-determination. The social work profession has the responsibility to advocate for and work with marginalized and stigmatized populations to promote social welfare, change, and justice. The root of social work is based on social change, which is necessary to alleviate individual suffering and promote and encourage healthy human relationships and interactions.