Research Strategies to Promote Engagement of Youth In Care In the Design of Supports for Their Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression

Background and Purpose: The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion unit partnered with Northern Illinois University’s Office of Translational Research to lead applied research focused on improving support for sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) among youth in care. Few child welfare jurisdictions (if any) in the US have conducted statewide research to understand the SOGIE identities of youth in care, and their needed supports. The 2025 Illinois Youth SOGIE Supports Survey invited all Illinois youth in care aged 12 and older to provide feedback about SOGIE supports they have accessed and those they want to receive.

Survey participants reported on their SOGIE identities, supportive adults in their lives, and the degree to which their gender identity and expression and sexual orientation were affirmed in their current placements. Analysis of survey findings by subgroups provided valuable information regarding the varying identities, needs, and experiences of youth in care in the state of Illinois. A unique feature of this project is the co-development of the survey with youth and child welfare partners, and ongoing partnership to translate the findings into practice.

Methods: The survey instrument was collaboratively designed with subject-matter experts including youth lived experts. The survey captured responses from approximately 11.3% of all youth in care in Illinois aged 12 and older from January to June 2025 (n=659). After closing the survey, the research team: 1) conducted extensive data cleaning and validation, 2) completed quantitative analysis of multiple-choice questions, using SPSS software to calculate descriptive statistics, 2) conducted thematic analysis of open-ended responses in the survey, and 3) analyzed sub-group findings by sexual orientation and gender identity.

Results: About one-third of survey participants identified as LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual +). Results showed that about half of LGBTQIA+ youth participants shared they felt safe sharing their SOGIE in their placement, however, about 10% did not generally feel affirmed either by youth or adults in their placements. One-third of LGBTQIA+ youth participants indicated they are aware of supportive resources and know how to access them, however, 38% did not know about available resources. Youth recommendations included providing guidance to staff and caregivers in being respectful and open-minded regarding SOGIE identities and expanding SOGIE resources especially on social media, videos, websites, and in-person classes.

Conclusions and Implications: The perspectives of youth in care emphasize the need for identity‑affirming practices across all placements, including mandatory SOGIE training, clear accountability standards, and rapid responses to harm such as outing or non‑affirmation. Youth participants underscored the need to proactively create safe spaces for private, youth‑centered conversations about identity; expand awareness and access to SOGIE resources; and strengthen networks of trusted, trained adults – particularly given the risks youth face when support from family or caregivers is inconsistent. The research team proposes to share lessons learned in collaborative survey design, strategies for equitable survey engagement, and facilitation of sense-making and application of findings in a statewide child welfare system.