ldren and Youth: Describes integration of the long-recognized TF-CBT model with the family support model that has been refined since 2002 by the Family Acceptance Project, and the strong evidence that supports the new integrated framework for trauma recovery for LGBTQ youth. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened vulnerability for sexual and gender minority (SGM) children and youth by confining them with rejecting and abusive family members, separating them from supportive peers and adults outside the home, and resulting in the sudden death of family members and cultural leaders. This combined treatment approach can play a crucial role in recovery.
National Survey on LGBTQ Mental Health 2021: Examines challenges for many LGBTQ youth (ages 13-24) based on nearly 35,000 responses to the Trevor Project’s third annual national survey. Survey findings provide new data on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health care disparities, discrimination, food insecurity, conversion therapy and suicide; in addition to the benefits of LGBTQ-affirming spaces.
The Power of Listening: Shares an interview (June 2021) with the Trevor Project’s Sam Brinton about LGBTQ student mental health, by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Lived Experience Advisory Committee. Mr. Brinton discusses salient findings from the Trevor Project’s third annual national survey on LGBTQ youth mental health.
Implications of COVID-19 for LGBTQ Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: Outlines ways that physical distancing, economic strain, and increased anxiety related to COVID-19 may impact LGBTQ youth, and suggests way to minimize deleterious impacts by increasing access for students to a wide range of supports and resources. This product of the Trevor Project is predicated on, and cites, well-documented research. The website also presents findings of Trevor’s 2020 National Survey on LGBTQ Mental Health.
When School Goes Remote, Many LGBTQ Students Lose a Safe Space: Explains a dimension of loss that many LGBTQ students have expressed because of pandemic-driven social distancing policies, specifically extended school closures. According to Amy Green of the Trevor Project, “Schools are the most affirming environment that most LGBTQ youth have in their lives.” Education Week’s nationally representative survey of 2,000 high school students (January/February 2021) found that 83% of LGBTQ teenagers said they are experiencing more problems in school than they did before the pandemic, compared to 69 percent of heterosexual high schoolers. This article identifies some basic actions and strategies to address the needs of LGBTQ students.
Going Back to School During COVID-19: Military Kids Connect: Provides resources and tips that may be helpful as students get back into the new school year. This blog offers tips for learning engagement, physical activity, and tutoring resources.
Blue Star Families COVID-19 Resources: Blue Star Families is a vibrant national organization supporting our nation’s military and veteran families. In conjunction with the American Red Cross, Blue Star Families maintains this comprehensive online resource collection featuring numerous guides, videos, first-hand stories, resource locators (e.g. vaccination sites) and other items intended to protect the health, safety and well-being of our Blue Star Families in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Military-Connected Youth and Families During COVID-19: In partnership with the U.S. Armed Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of America [BGCA] help military youth access specialized opportunities, cultivate lifelong friendships and develop the resilience they need to build great futures. This column describes that commitment, and links to the BGCA webpage that supports the organization’s national strategy to support young people during COVID-19.
Navigating Change: Military Child Education Coalition [MCEC]: MCEC supports military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with military lifestyle. This site aims to apply MCEC’s 