The Talbot County Department of Social Services (DSS) offers an annual appreciation event, “Thanks for Giving,” for its resource parents and their families. This year, the agency offered the dinner, along with a training on “Thanks for Being You,” that was presented by Tina Jones, a Talbot County DSS board member and co-founder of the Delmarva Pride Center.
Jones, who had also been a resource parent, presented information on the important role resource parents can play in providing love and acceptance for LGBTQ youth in their care. The Department provided childcare, and families received to-go Thanksgiving meals and took home a family craft.
“One third of children in foster care are LGBTQ, and many of them feel as if they don’t fit in. I personally know what that feels like,” Jones said. “Someone who has faced rejection after coming out to their family as LGBTQ is eight times more likely to attempt suicide. This is why the role of a resource parent is so important,” Jones said.
Jones shared that suicide is the second-highest cause of death for LGBTQ youth, aged 10 to 24, according to a recent study by the University of Alabama.
She added that LGBTQ youth are more likely to be homeless, to experiment with drugs and alcohol, and to be verbally and physically assaulted.
“Having someone accepting of you drops the suicide rate by 30 percent,” Jones said.
Resource parents learned several tips on how they can best serve children in their care who may identify as LGBTQ:
- Treat them with respect and recognize their inherent dignity;
- Only inquire about a child’s gender preference or sexual orientation when it is relevant;
- Listen and repeat what they are telling you;
- Don’t make assumptions based on someone’s voice or features;
- Be that safe place for them.
Tatianna Adrian of Easton, a resource parent with the Talbot County DSS since December 2024, said the training helps her connect with other resource parents and stay current on child welfare practices.
Adrian has cared for two children in out-of-home care and has provided respite care for 10 children. “I came into being a resource parent with no experience at all. These trainings are so helpful. It is reaffirming to be with other parents and know that you are not by yourself dealing with some of the issues,” Adrian said.
For more information about becoming a licensed kinship provider or resource parent, please call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at (410) -820-7371 or visit https://midshoreresourceparents.com.
