Have you ever spent time in Foster care? A group home? A residential treatment facility?

We want to hear from you.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois works to protect the civil rights and civil liberties of Illinoisans, including LGBTQ youth. We are interested in speaking with LGBTQ young people who have spent time in foster homes, group homes, and/or residential treatment facilities in Illinois so that we can fight for better treatment for them.

Children in the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are among the most vulnerable children in Illinois. LGBTQ youth are overrepresented in the child welfare system. And once in the system, LGBT youths are more likely to face discrimination by foster parents and staff in group homes or residential treatment centers.

Tell us what it was like for you or other LGBTQ youth in DCFS care. What would you change? How could your experience have been better? Fill out this form.

Your voice matters and can help make a difference! 

All information will be kept strictly confidential and will help our work to improve conditions for LGBTQ youth in State care. You can choose to meet us in person, talk on the phone or Facetime/Skype.

Questions? Contact us!
Text: 872-216-7830
ACLU.LGBTQ@aclu-il.org