AACAP Policy Statements — Lesbian and Gay Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Association

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Civil Rights

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry rejects all public and private discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity of persons of any age particularly in the areas of employment, military service, housing, public accommodations, membership, licensing, promotion or assignment, education, training, marriage, adoption, parenting, foster care, or qualification as an expert in a court of law. The AACAP affirms the right of all people to their orientation and identity without interference or coercive interventions attempting to change sexual orientation or gender identity.

Further, the AACAP condemns any restriction on employment or service based on sexual orientation or gender identity in positions involving the delivery of services or treatments to children and adolescents.

Revised and approved by Council, 2009.
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Transgender Youth in Juvenile Justice and other
Correctional Systems

Developed and submitted by the Committee on Children and the Law in collaboration with the SOGIIC committee. Research demonstrates that transgender youth are at increased risk for being bullied, harassed and physically assaulted. They also have a higher incidence of suicide attempts. For these reasons, transgender youth face particular challenges in juvenile justice and other correctional systems.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry opposes all discrimination based on gender identity. Consistent with this position, the Academy recommends that detention and corrections staff classify and house all youth consistent with their gender identity, as the youth defines it. Based on individualized risk assessments, facilities should take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of every youth in their custody, including transgender youth.

The Academy further recommends that transgender youth should be referred to by their preferred pronoun and name. The Academy also believes that transgender youth must have access to all educational and recreational programs and services available to the general youth population. Absent serious short term safety concerns, it is inappropriate, discriminatory and dangerous for transgender youth to be segregated, isolated or placed in solitary confinement due to resource limitations or the absence of an appropriate setting. Finally, the Academy believes that transgender youth in correctional systems are entitled to access to comprehensive psychiatric and other medical care consistent with prevailing national standards and guidelines.

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Civil Rights

Transgender Youth in Juvenile Justice and other Correctional Systems

Transgender Youth in Juvenile Justice and other
Correctional Systems