Wanda Ascherl: Case management and LGBTQ+ affirming providers

DYCD-funded RHY providers help young people navigate a wide range of challenges through individualized counseling, case management, and service referrals.

From intake assessments through ongoing case management, providers work to identify each young person's strengths, needs, and goals while connecting them to services that support their overall well-being and including

in specialized mental health care when appropriate.

All our RHY providers are trained for and welcoming to LGBTQ plus youth, including mission oriented organizations like Ali Forney Center, all of which have particular particular expertise.

and focus on serving LGBTQ plus young people experiencing homelessness.

This includes professional development regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, gender affirming interactions that foster respect and appreciation, physical, safe,

physically safe and culturally positive environments, and swift response to issues of bias and discrimination.

In RHI programs, counselors work collaboratively with youth to develop individualized service plans that establish both short and long-term goals.

Through direct services and community partnerships, youth can access a broad range of supports, including physical and mental health services, educational and career

development opportunities, substance use prevention services, violence intervention and prevention counseling, and housing assistance.

When appropriate, providers also support family reunification efforts or help youth transition to longer-term housing and supportive programs.

Thank you again for the opportunity to discuss the EYCD's efforts to address housing instability among LGBTQ plus youth.

We remain committed to working alongside the council, providers, advocates, and young people with lived experience to strengthen services and expand opportunities for the youth we serve.

We are pleased to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you.

Great.

Thank you so much for all of you for such thoughtful testimony.