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Get plugged into the latest Be Strong Families news, initiatives, and blog articles — all central to creating transformative conversations that nurture the spirit of family, promote well-being and prevent violence.
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Illinois Youth In Care: Youth Advisory Affinity Groups
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has created Youth Advisory Affinity Groups (YAAG) for members and allies of the African American, Asian American, Latino, Native American, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
LGBTQIA+ Initiative Progress Update
We made promises as part of our annual Show Your Love for Families fundraising campaign last December and we are working hard to fulfill them. Consistent with our commitment to racial equity and EDI and in response to requests from partners for resources to assist in meeting the needs of LGBTQIA+ BIPOC families, we said we would partner with people with lived experiences and experts in LGBTQIA+ organizations to expand our products and services. There are three main areas we’ve been working on…
Progress Report on Be Strong Families’ LGBTQIA+ Initiative
Thanks to the tremendous generosity of our donors, Be Strong Families raised over $50,000 through our end-of-year annual campaign to create partnerships and resources that are specifically focused on better serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Here’s an update of our progress:
Do You Serve LGBTQIA+ Children and Youth? Here Is the Latest Guidance
On March 2, 2022, the Children’s Bureau released an Information Memorandum (IM) with guidance for serving LGBTQI+ children and youth who are involved with the child welfare system. This publication is intended for Title IV-B and IV-E agencies; however, this is an important document for any organization working with LGBTQI+ children and youth.
Parent Cafés empower communities by shifting the traditional service model, allowing parents to lead and support each other while developing valuable leadership skills. Designed by the people, for the people, Cafés not only build stronger communities but also offer parents hands-on experience in event planning, public speaking, and outreach—skills that often lead to further opportunities and employment. By compensating parent leaders and fostering political, social, and economic equity, Parent Cafés create sustainable engagement and leadership that continues to uplift families long after the Café ends.