February 2015Vol. 16, No. 1Improving Services for LGBT Youth
The American Institute for Research (AIR) created an interactive video for professionals in child-, youth-, and family-serving systems aimed at improving the quality of care for youth with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. "10 Standards of Care: Improving Services for LGBT Young People" is based on information from Improving Emotional and Behavioral Outcomes for LGBT Youth: A Guide for Professionals and focuses on helping professionals develop an action plan that will work toward alleviating challenges that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth and families may face in their interactions with organizations and communities.
Jeffrey Poirier, principal researcher at AIR and coeditor of the professional's guide, talks through each standard and identifies ways in which professionals can implement change in their roles. The standards range from assessing competence at individual and organizational levels and supporting healthy peer relationships to fostering positive connections and engaging the community. The interactive nature of the video allows for a tailored experience, giving users the option to navigate through the standards and select what is most relevant to their interests.
To access the tool, visit https://play.adventr.tv/the-american-institutes-for-research-36380494.