Kinder Future supports school district efforts to improve school climates, culture and positive outcomes for all students by working with students, parents, and school and district staff to increase equity and engagement among LGBTQ+ youth and their families and to make schools safer and more supportive for all students.
School districts in the state of California are focused on increasing academic and attendance outcomes through mental health and wellness, suicide prevention, and improved school climates for all students. Recognizing that LGBTQ+ students represent one of our most vulnerable youth populations, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, along with officials from many school districts, has said that schools need a specific person dedicated to the support of LGBTQ+ student populations.
According to the latest surveys, as many as 1 in 6 young people in the United States identifies as LGBTQ+[i]—that is approximately five LGBTQ+ students in an average classroom. There is much data available on the typical school experiences of LGBTQ+ students, and to summarize, the majority of these students report difficulties with peers and school staff alike.[ii] The research is clear that as a result of these adverse experiences, school outcomes for LGBTQ+ students are generally poorer, risky behaviors tend to be more common, and suicidal ideation and attempts far exceed their non-LGBTQ+ peers.[iii] According to WestEd’s “Evidence Based Support for Middle and High School Students” (Oct. 2020), if LGBTQ+ students experienced the same level of school support and safety at school as their non-LGBTQ+ peers, disparities in outcomes would be greatly reduced and, in some cases, eliminated altogether.[iv]
Kinder Future has been providing school districts in southern California LGBTQ+ Liaison services since 2014. Target populations within school districts include K-12 students, staff and families, and services are most effective and efficient when districts make them available to all school sites and district offices. Services provided are always free of charge to participating students and families. Kinder Future works to build bridges between LGBTQ+ students and the broader school community by highlighting educators’ skills for student support, kindness and respect.
The goals of our work include:
Supporting school districts’ efforts to provide school environments that are safe and welcoming for all students, as set forth in Local Control and Accountability Plans [LCAP].
Addressing the unique needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students [LGBTQ] and their families and thereby improve school climates and culture by reducing inequity for and increasing engagement among LGBTQ youth and their families.
Services provided by Kinder Future may include:
Mental health support including consultation, on call intervention support, targeted case management and counseling for LGBTQ students and families in K-12.
Technical assistance to develop policies supportive of LGBTQ youth and families, intervention planning, and bullying victim support
Provide on-call support for principals, teachers and district personnel with LGBTQ related questions to enhance inclusionary practices and equity for students
Identity Support Planning – Coordinate with school staff for Gender Identity Support Planning including student intervention, student and family social/emotional support, and assist school administrators with implementation, as needed
Facilitate trainings and presentations that highlight best practices for educators working with LGBTQ students and/or families and promote PBIS integration, increased school climate, bullying prevention and intervention, as per Ed Code and District procedures and protocols. Trainings are tailored to specific groups (e.g. Identity Support planning for support services staff, school psychologists, counselors and nurses, etc.)
Outcomes of our work include:
Improved school culture/climate
Increased student engagement
Decreased behavioral issues
Increased school safety for all students, LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ alike, K-12
Advanced understanding of suicide prevention and intervention practices and warning signs
Increased awareness of mental health support and school and community resources
We would love the opportunity to listen to the specific challenges your district is facing and discuss ways in which we might be of service. To schedule a conversation with us, please contact Founder and Director, Lindsey Etheridge at Lindsey@KinderFuture.org.
[i] https://news.gallup.com/poll/329708/lgbt-identification-rises-latest-estimate.aspx
[ii] https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2021-01/California-Snapshot-2019.pdf
[iii] https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2021-01/California-Snapshot-2019.pdf
[iv] https://www.wested.org/resources/supporting-lgbtq-middle-and-high-school-students/
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