Gender Health in Foster Care (AB 2119)

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth are significantly overrepresented in California’s foster care system. Unfortunately, some personnel, caregivers, and providers harbor biases and misinformation that jeopardize the health of these young people. TGNC youth are frequently subjected to unstable placements and often lack access to medically necessary care. Child welfare agencies are already required to assess the health and behavioral health needs of all young people in foster care, and to ensure they receive appropriate and timely care to address the needs identified by qualified professionals. AB 2119 will make clear that, to meet this obligation for TGNC youth, child welfare agencies must ensure access to clinicians who provide gender-affirming treatment, consistent with established standards of care. 

Sponsors: ACLU of CA, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Lambda Legal, Equality California