Patching holes and integrating community: A strengths-based continuum of care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth
Craig, S. L., Dentato, M., & Iacovino, G. (2015). Patching holes and integrating community: A strengths-based continuum of care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, 27(1), 100–115. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538720.2015.988317
Highlights
Background
Few programs have been created specifically for LGBTQ youth; such gaps may result in an inequitable service delivery system that exacerbates the negative health outcomes of LGBTQ youth.
A CoC can serve as a community response to social problems and broad population needs, actively building a network of supports for marginalized groups.
Study Description
This article describes an integrated model of service provision called a continuum of care (CoC), and applies this approach to working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth
This CoC is based on a comprehensive community-based research project (Craig, 2013)
This CoC includes individual and group counseling, case management, housing/family supports, socialization events, and prevention workshops, along with relevant outcomes (see Figure 1)
CoC models are relevant for LGBTQ youth because they include community context and can empower service users
Key Findings
Key recommendations for CoC models with LGBTQ youth: 1) a focus on collaboration, provider education, and affirmative practice, and 2) incorporating service user feedback.
