Why do we need to know a youth’s SOGIE?
• Similar to other parts of
our identity, like race
and ethnicity, SOGIE
matters.
• SOGIE is an important
piece of our identity
that can determine and
shape our needs and
experiences.
Why are we collecting SOGIE information?
• Alameda County’s Department of Children &
Family Services is committed to providing high-
quality and equitable care to all youth.
• Understanding the whole child is necessary to
ensure positive outcomes.
• Research tells us that certain youth experience
differential treatment as a result of their SOGIE.
• Current best practices in the child welfare field
state that collecting SOGIE is an important first
step to better understanding the lives,
experiences, and possible unique challenges of
LGBTQ and gender non-conforming youth in the
child welfare system.
• The intersection of race with one’s SOGIE is
multifaceted and must be considered.
What will we do with the information?
• NCCD will review and analyze the information
gathered to determine if there is disproportionality
within our practice or disparate outcomes for
children and youth based on SOGIE and the
intersection with race.
• The findings from that analysis will be shared with
the department executive team and the
department’s LGBTQ Workgroup to guide their
efforts for the upcoming year.
How will we collect the information?
• Primary Child Welfare Workers will collect the
information using a one-page questionnaire
during their visits with children and youth, ages
10-21, in
the months
of
November
and
December
2014.
What is SOGIE?
SOGIE is an acronym that stands for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression. EVERYBODY has one!
INTERVIEWING TIPS for gathering SOGIE information from children and youth:
1. Be mindful of your own beliefs, values, cultural norms, and gaps in knowledge surrounding sexual orientation, gender
identity, and gender expression.
2. Your goal is to create a safe space for youth to disclose their SOGIE; be aware of your non-verbal reactions, especially if a
youth discloses something different than what you anticipated.
3. A hesitancy to disclose SOGIE in the beginning is common given the harassment and discrimination many LGBTQ and
gender non-conforming children and youth have encountered. Therefore, a ch ild or youth may opt out the first time you
meet. If so, please inquire again during the following visit.
4. If a youth tells you that they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning:
• Be affirming (e.g., thank them for sharing);
• Discuss it (ask questions like: Who have you told? Do you feel supported?);
• Do not include in dependency files or the court documents WITHOUT youth’s consent;
• Explore what it means to them and how it connects to their identity and behaviors; and
• Discuss concerns, challenges, and any next steps for best practice with your supervisor.
