Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of social workers towards transgender youth in child welfare

With increasing visibility of transgender individuals in the public consciousness, and the disproportionate rate of transgender youth in foster care, this researcher explored the training and knowledge of child welfare social workers and the ethical responsibility to practice social work competently. Queer Theory and Intersectionality were used to critique the heteronormative framework of gender and the pathologizing of transgender identities. Qualitative interviews with six Northern California child welfare social workers examined beliefs about gender, experiences with transgender foster youth, academic and workplace training, and what tools are needed to practice competent social work. Analysis of the interviews indicated a need for greater exposure to transgender voices, academic training and continuing education with a focus on language, needs, and policies, and training for the resource families who provide daily care for transgender foster youth.