About the LGBTQ Office of Policy & Practice

History of the ACS LGBTQIA+ Office

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Office was established in September of 2012 and is composed of a team of leading experts who support the system-wide implementation of the agency's LGBTQIA+ policies and best practices. This Office has developed a national LGBTQIA+ policy and practice model, which has resulted in critical service delivery improvements for LGBTQIA+ stakeholders.

Specifically, this model included developing one of the nation's most progressive LGBTQIA+ policies, designing model training curricula for thousands of ACS and provider staff, implementing a reporting and monitoring system to identify policy gaps, engaging community stakeholders for ongoing feedback, and offering a wealth of resources to equip staff with the necessary skills to address the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ children and youth.

Since 2001, ACS has welcomed feedback from external community leaders and organizations on strategies to improve the overall health and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ young people in ACS' care. Since that time, the LGBTQIA+ Office continues to chair an advisory council with community advocates to help envision and build a world where LGBTQIA+ children and youth in ACS care are respected, affirmed, and empowered to transition into healthy, happy, and independent adults.

If you are a community leader or organization interested in getting involved in this effort, contact the LGBTQIA+ Office.

Back to LGBTQIA+ Support Page