{"id":20663,"date":"2023-07-01T14:00:02","date_gmt":"2023-07-01T19:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20663"},"modified":"2023-09-06T07:11:10","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T12:11:10","slug":"transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Kids in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents, Counselors, and Social Workers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foster care is an essential service that provides children in need with a safe and stable home environment. Within the service, social workers pair up children with foster parents willing and able to provide financial and emotional support.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, social workers and parents alike sometimes lack the proper knowledge and resources to support the unique needs of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) kids in foster care, in particular. This isn\u2019t a unique circumstance, either \u2014 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/youth.gov\/youth-topics\/lgbtq-youth\/child-welfare\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, meaning that it\u2019s important for foster parents to be sensitive to LGBTQ+ issues and identities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foster parents must provide a safe space for any child to grow, regardless of their race, culture, sexuality or gender identity. Sensitivity and support in formative years shown by caregivers, including foster parents, school staff and others, is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5217458\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">important in decreasing psychological distress for LGBTQ+ youth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many transgender and nonbinary individuals have stated <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/social-trends\/2022\/06\/07\/the-experiences-challenges-and-hopes-of-transgender-and-nonbinary-u-s-adults\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">they knew from an early age what their gender was<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 even if they didn\u2019t have the precise language for it. This is why representation is so important, as well as open-minded conversation between parents and children in foster care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What challenges do transgender youth face?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TGNC identities can meaningfully impact a child&#8217;s life in many areas. Discrimination, bullying, and social ostracization \u2014 all of which can occur to youth who identify as TGNC \u2014 can all cause mental health conditions later in life. These are not issues that all children have to deal with.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Trevor Project, researchers found that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jahonline.org\/article\/S1054-139X(19)30922-X\/fulltext\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">transgender and nonbinary youth were two to two and a half times more likely to experience depressive symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can lead to suicidal ideation or attempts, as compared to their peers. There are several reasons why this has become the case for TGNC youths. Some common struggles transgender and gender non-conforming youth may face include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coming out to family members and explaining, or defending, being transgender;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of education or knowledge about gender identity available;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Little guidance or support from usual figures such as parents, teachers, friends, and role-models;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/centerfordiscovery.com\/blog\/gender-dysphoria-body-dysmorphia-trans-non-binary-folks\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body dysmorphia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrc.org\/resources\/myths-and-facts-battling-disinformation-about-transgender-rights\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Misinformation surrounding trans identities and care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding safe spaces to explore gender identity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/best-practices-lgbtq-urgent-care\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> safe medical care for daily medical needs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and gender affirming care;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harassment, bullying, and humiliation by peers;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which restrooms or locker rooms to use out and about, at school, or sports practice;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/press\/ncvs-trans-press-release\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher risk of sexual assault<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Participation on field trips where gendered room-sharing is required;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2023\/04\/20\/politics\/house-transgender-sports-bill\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Barred from participation in sports<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unaccommodating gendered dress codes;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Misnaming and misgendering, both intentionally and unintentionally;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being outed by others;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation due to stress and discrimination.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>According to The National Center for Trans Equality, <a href=\"https:\/\/transequality.org\/issues\/youth-students\">75% of transgender youth feel unsafe at school<\/a>. This is an overwhelming majority that simply can\u2019t be ignored. Many of the struggles listed above are directly linked to school and peer-to-peer interaction. Fear of these struggles and these interactions can bar kids from coming out, and worsen feelings of isolation, depression, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/how-to-recognize-your-mental-health-needs\/\">overall mental health<\/a>. This is why external support from guardians is so important in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/preventing-self-harm-in-teens-a-guide-for-appropriate-intervention\/\">preventing self-harm<\/a> and suicide in TGNC teens.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources for trans youth in foster care<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a guardian of TGNC youth, it\u2019s important not only to educate yourself, but to also provide resources for the children in your care. With these resources, they can educate themselves on their own terms. Everyone\u2019s journey with their identity is different, and some kids may prefer a more hands-off approach. Some resources you can pass on to any trans and gender non-confirming in your care:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.transyouthequality.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trans Youth Equality Foundation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Provides education, advocacy, and support for transgender children. They also do the same for their families, so they can foster healthy, caring, and safe environments for all TGNC children.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/transgenderlawcenter.org\/resources\/youth\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transgender Law Center: Youth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Works with trans youth and families to advocate for their opportunity to live safe and affirming lives. They provide information for schools and healthcare settings to respect a student\u2019s gender identity. They also have resources to file for a legal name and\/or gender change and access to medical care like puberty blockers or hormones, amongst other resources.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fostercarealumni.org\/policy-and-advocacy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foster Care Alumni of America<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Strives to ensure a high quality of life for those in and from foster care through the collective voice of alumni. Their priorities include ensuring LGBTQ youth in foster care and alumni have access to affirmative and supportive housing placement and services.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetrevorproject.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Trevor Project<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/itgetsbetter.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It Gets Better Project<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Connects LGBTQ youth around the globe and provides media programming and education resources aimed at uplifting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aclu.org\/issues\/lgbtq-rights\/lgbtq-youth\/trans-and-gender-nonconforming-youth\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Trans and Gender Nonconforming Youth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Offers resources for LGBTQ+ youth about their rights at school and how to effectively advocate for themselves.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are helpful resources to have as a counselor, social worker, or foster parent \u2014 even if your current children don\u2019t identify as TGNC. While these resources are aimed at people who identify as trans, gender non-conforming, and other identities within the LGBTQ+ community, anyone may find them educational.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to support trans youth in foster care<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many ways that you can support trans youth in foster care \u2014 directly and indirectly. Whether you are a trans or gender non-conforming person looking to provide a better chance for other youths or you are an ally, there are several options when it comes to making foster care more TGNC friendly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Become a foster parent<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on your state and personal history will depend on how easy you find becoming a foster parent. All foster parents will need to meet their state\u2019s qualifications in the following areas:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home space and condition;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free time;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Income requirements;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Residency;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Criminal history;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pets.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Finding the right foster care agency is just as important to meet these requirements, especially if you are interested in fostering TGNC youth. There are several questions you can investigate to assess whether or not the agency is LGBTQ+ friendly. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does the Agency use LGBTQ+ inclusive advertising?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do they use LGBTQ+ inclusive paperwork on applications?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do they have a non-discrimination statement that includes \u201cgender identity\u201d or \u201csexual orientation\u201d?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do they have reviews indicating working with LGBTQ+ families or children?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do they have recommendations from other LGBTQ+ foster and adoptive parents in your community?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are they certified in the All Children &#8211; All Families project?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lgbtmap.org\/equality-maps\/foster_and_adoption_laws\">foster care nondiscrimination laws<\/a> in place to protect LGBTQ+ foster parents and families from being discriminated against by foster care agencies on the basis of their sexuality or gender identity disqualifying them from foster parenting. However, these laws don\u2019t protect LGBTQ+ youths in the foster system from being placed in what could result in an unsafe home. This is why becoming a foster parent as an LGBTQ+ person or ally is the best, most direct way to improve conditions for LGBTQ+ and TGNC kids in foster care.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advocate for and support LGBTQ+ youth in foster care<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you, for any reason, cannot or choose not to become a foster parent, there are still ways that you can assist TGNC youths in foster care. Some steps that you can take include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask people which pronouns they prefer;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support kids if they choose to go by a different name;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be supportive of their clothing, makeup or style preferences;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage personal expressive, regardless of gender roles;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Show genuine interest in conversations about identity;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Address bullying or homophobia directly;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Celebrate days of significance such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glaad.org\/transweek\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trans Awareness Week<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wearitpurple.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear It Purple<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Day;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reflect on your awareness and behavior;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek out further education on trans issues and rights;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affirm their identity and feelings;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respect their coming out process, and don\u2019t assume labels until they are presented;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/dos-and-donts-of-supporting-someone-with-mental-illness\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to support them through any mental health hurdles they experience<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you\u2019re in a position to provide information on access to trans-friendly healthcare, this can be another important advocacy step. This could include having pamphlets in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/zocdoc-reports-back-to-school-office\/\">office or classroom<\/a> or having an \u201copen door\u201d policy to discuss sensitive issues one-on-one at the child\u2019s leisure.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources for foster parents<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parents and legal guardians play a critical role in the development and support system of transgender and gender non-conforming youths. Despite being foster parents, you can still fill this role while fostering children in your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/familyproject.sfsu.edu\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family Acceptance Project<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Provides research-based, culturally grounded support for religiously and ethnically diverse families with LGBTQ+ children.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthychildren.org\/English\/family-life\/family-dynamics\/adoption-and-foster-care\/Pages\/Supporting-LGBTQ-Youth-in-Foster-Care.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HealthyChildren<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Provides information on how to make a foster home welcome to LGBTQ youth.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/pubpdfs\/lgbtqyouth.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ Youth Child Welfare Guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Learn about common misconceptions about the community, how to create a welcoming and affirming home, how to support LGBT youth in the community and the relationship between LGBTQ+ youth and the child welfare system.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/legacy.lambdalegal.org\/publications\/getting-down-to-basics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lambda Legal: Getting Down to Basics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A comprehensive toolkit for those supporting LGBTQ+ youth in foster care.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nfpaonline.org\/LGBTQ\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Foster Parent Association<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Collection of resources created by foster parents for foster parents needing support fostering an LGBTQ youth.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrc.org\/resources\/parenting\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human Rights Campaign: Parenting<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Includes various resources on issues facing families with parents or children who identify as LGBTQ+.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pflag.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PFLAG<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: National, nonprofit that supports families and allies through chapters in all 50 states, and provides additional support and resources online for LGBTQ people, loved ones, and allies.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ocfs.ny.gov\/programs\/youth\/lgbtq\/resources-parents.php\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources for Adult Caregivers of LGBTQ Youth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: General resources for families when raising an LGBTQ youth, compiled by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s important to note when you as a foster parent can make a difference, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/should-your-child-see-a-therapist\/\">when your child needs professional help<\/a>. Professional intervention may be necessary earlier, or more frequently, in the case of TGNC children and teens, as they are more likely to experience heightened distress.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources for school counselors<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ+ youth already experience higher rates of bullying and discrimination, which can be magnified if they are in foster care. Kids in foster care are another group that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.schoolcounselor.org\/Standards-Positions\/Position-Statements\/ASCA-Position-Statements\/The-School-Counselor-and-Student-Mental-Health\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">experiences high rates of bullying<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">School counselors, as well as teachers and administration staff, are integral adults for children and can support them around their peers as well as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.schoolcounselor.org\/Standards-Positions\/Position-Statements\/ASCA-Position-Statements\/The-School-Counselor-and-Student-Mental-Health\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">start the discussion on mental health issues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> relating to their situation or identity. If your school doesn\u2019t have a counselor \u2014 or if you are a counselor that requires more training on LGBTQ+ concerns \u2014 you can<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/therapist-counselors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> find a counselor or therapist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> near you that can help a student through these specialized issues. Other resources for counselors include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fosterfocusmag.com\/articles\/bullying-hidden-harrassment-foster-children\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bullying; The Hidden Harassment of Foster Children<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A resource on how school counselors and educators can combat bullying and prevent additional, accidental harm, like letting classmates know a child is in foster care or commenting on family units.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seattleymca.org\/blog\/ways-identify-and-address-bullying-foster-children\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seattle YMCA: Identifying and Addressing Bullying of Foster Children<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Learn about ways to prevent bullying, signs to look out for and what to do if you suspect bullying.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sprc.org\/online-library\/suicide-prevention-among-lgbt-youth-a-workshop-for-professionals-who-serve-youth\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicide Prevention Resource Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A program and resources created for professionals who serve youth, particularly LGBT youth, created by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.schoolcounselor.org\/Standards-Positions\/Position-Statements\/ASCA-Position-Statements\/The-School-Counselor-and-LGBTQ-Youth\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American School Counselor Association: The School Counselor and LGBTQ+ Youth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: ASCA\u2019s guide on how school counselors can promote equal opportunity, development, and achievement for LGBTQ+ youth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Although not an exhaustive list, these resources are a starting point, particularly for counselors in rural areas who may have less experience in LGBTQ+ issues.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources for social workers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social workers often oversee foster care placements to ensure that kids are safe and secure. They are a vital part of TGNC youth\u2019s experiences in foster care, as they might be the only advocates that they have. This is why social workers need to pursue education on these issues as part of their professional development, so that if and when the instance arises, they can support trans kids on their caseload. Resources for social workers looking for sensitivity and edification training on trans and gender non-conforming issues include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ccld.dss.ca.gov\/res\/pdf\/TGNCChildrenCAFosterCare.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Children in California Foster Care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A brief put together for getREAL California by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, this provides information that any social worker will find valuable, including an overview of terms and concepts about gender identity, the impact of bias on the health and safety of TGNC children, and legal, professional, and government services to TGNC children in the child welfare system.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.socialworkers.org\/practice\/lgbt\/lgbt-professional-development\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQIA2S+ Professional Development<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A list of resources provided by the National Association of Social Workers geared at helping social workers expand their professional standards, including services for LGBT individuals.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/publications\/sgm-youth-la-foster-care\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in Foster Care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This study, by the UCLA School of Law Williams Institute, outlines data about youth in foster care in LA and the implications of caregivers and social workers on the lives of youth in foster care who identify as LGBTQ+.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fosterclub.com\/foster-parent-training\/course\/supporting-lgbtq2s-youth-foster-care\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supporting LGBTQ2S+ Youth in Foster Care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A course for adults who have roles in the lives of youth in the child welfare system where you can learn about their perspective in foster care, effective practices for improving school climates for these children, and how to promote a child\u2019s health and well-being as it relates to their identity.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cascw.umn.edu\/lgbtq-youth-in-foster-care-2\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: General list of resources for social workers and other adults supporting LGBTQ youth in foster care that was compiled by the University of Minnesota Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, we can decrease feelings of unsafety among TGNC youth in foster care. Inclusivity for trans and gender non-conforming kids and teens can, and should, extend past foster care into your everyday life, as the more you practice, the better you\u2019ll get.\u00a0 It\u2019s important not to assume, or be intrusive, in your efforts to be inclusive. Following the lead of LGBTQ+ individuals in your life, or of individuals online, can help you navigate this.<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Need a doctor? Find one on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\">Zocdoc<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Foster care is an essential service that provides children in need with a safe and stable home environment. Within the service, social workers pair up children with foster parents willing and able to provide financial and emotional support. However, social workers and parents alike sometimes lack the proper knowledge and resources to support the unique [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20664,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20663","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","reviewer-dr-nassim-assefi"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Kids in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents, Counselors, and Social Workers - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Being a foster parent presents several challenges \u2014 being a foster parent to a trans or gender nonconforming child can be even more delicate, and require more sensitivity training.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Kids in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents, Counselors, and Social Workers - Guides\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Being a foster parent presents several challenges \u2014 being a foster parent to a trans or gender nonconforming child can be even more delicate, and require more sensitivity training.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Paper Gown\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-07-01T19:00:02+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-09-06T12:11:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Papergown_Hero-6.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"960\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"448\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Zocdoc\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Zocdoc\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Zocdoc\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/8bb9e4709af3a32602a692b67647631f\"},\"headline\":\"Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Kids in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents, Counselors, and Social Workers\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-07-01T19:00:02+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-09-06T12:11:10+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/\"},\"wordCount\":2329,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Papergown_Hero-6.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/\",\"name\":\"Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Kids in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents, Counselors, and Social Workers - Guides\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Papergown_Hero-6.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-07-01T19:00:02+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-09-06T12:11:10+00:00\",\"description\":\"Being a foster parent presents several challenges \u2014 being a foster parent to a trans or gender nonconforming child can be even more delicate, and require more sensitivity training.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Papergown_Hero-6.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Papergown_Hero-6.png\",\"width\":960,\"height\":448},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Guides\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/category\/guides\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Kids in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents, Counselors, and Social Workers\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"The Paper Gown\",\"description\":\"Stories for and about patients\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Zocdoc\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ZD-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ZD-logo.png\",\"width\":2059,\"height\":1049,\"caption\":\"Zocdoc\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/8bb9e4709af3a32602a692b67647631f\",\"name\":\"Zocdoc\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/author\/jonathan-katzzocdoc-com\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Kids in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents, Counselors, and Social Workers - Guides","description":"Being a foster parent presents several challenges \u2014 being a foster parent to a trans or gender nonconforming child can be even more delicate, and require more sensitivity training.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Kids in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents, Counselors, and Social Workers - Guides","og_description":"Being a foster parent presents several challenges \u2014 being a foster parent to a trans or gender nonconforming child can be even more delicate, and require more sensitivity training.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/","og_site_name":"The Paper Gown","article_published_time":"2023-07-01T19:00:02+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-09-06T12:11:10+00:00","og_image":[{"width":960,"height":448,"url":"https:\/\/zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Papergown_Hero-6.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Zocdoc","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Zocdoc","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/"},"author":{"name":"Zocdoc","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/8bb9e4709af3a32602a692b67647631f"},"headline":"Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Kids in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents, Counselors, and Social Workers","datePublished":"2023-07-01T19:00:02+00:00","dateModified":"2023-09-06T12:11:10+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/"},"wordCount":2329,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Papergown_Hero-6.png","articleSection":["Guides"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/","url":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/","name":"Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Kids in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents, Counselors, and Social Workers - Guides","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Papergown_Hero-6.png","datePublished":"2023-07-01T19:00:02+00:00","dateModified":"2023-09-06T12:11:10+00:00","description":"Being a foster parent presents several challenges \u2014 being a foster parent to a trans or gender nonconforming child can be even more delicate, and require more sensitivity training.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Papergown_Hero-6.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Papergown_Hero-6.png","width":960,"height":448},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/transgender-and-gender-nonconforming-kids-in-foster-care-a-guide-for-foster-parents-counselors-and-social-workers\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Guides","item":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/category\/guides\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Kids in Foster Care: A Guide for Foster Parents, Counselors, and Social Workers"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/","name":"The Paper Gown","description":"Stories for and about patients","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Zocdoc","url":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ZD-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ZD-logo.png","width":2059,"height":1049,"caption":"Zocdoc"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/8bb9e4709af3a32602a692b67647631f","name":"Zocdoc","url":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/author\/jonathan-katzzocdoc-com\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20663","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20663"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20663\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}