Young people who are same sex attracted, trans or gender diverse – a population who will be referred to in this document as LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer/ questioning) except in particular instances where researchers have used other terms – are overrepresented in residential care and out of home care in general. There is little research examining the experiences of LGBTIQ youth in care, however the existing literature indicates that they experience higher levels of abuse and trauma before coming into care and whilst in care than their gendered and heterosexual counterparts. Frequently, they have worse outcomes subsequent to exiting care. The research findings on what young LGBTIQ in care need are even more circumscribed. Nonetheless, there are some findings on the perspectives of young people and professionals on the elements of support that are important in both therapeutic care and broader service contexts. This research brief provides an overview of what is known about the experience of young LGBTIQ young people in therapeutic care need and how those working with young people currently residing in and who have experience of care can be best supported.

In particular, the briefing addresses the following questions:

• What is the representation of LGBTIQ young people in out of home care?
• What are the experiences of LGBTIQ young people pre-care and post-care?
• What are the views experiences of LGBTIQ young people in out of home care?
• What is known about the kinds of support LGBTIQ young people in care need?