🏳️🌈 State / Government & Policy Resources
NY State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) — LGBTQ+ Resources
Youth-oriented resources page: includes housing, supportive services, local referrals. OCFS
Resources for professionals (child welfare, foster care) regarding LGBTQ affirming practice in NYS. OCFS
LGBTQ Adult Foster & Adoption Resources (guidance for foster/adoptive homes) OCFS
New York State Education Department — LGBTQ+ resources & guidance
For students, including guidelines for transgender / gender expansive students in schools. New York State Education Department
Here is a list of organizations, programs, and resources in New York State (especially NYC and surrounding areas) that support LGBTQ+ youth in foster care.
🏠 Housing, Shelter & Transitional Support
Ali Forney Center
Based in NYC, provides drop-in services, emergency housing, transitional housing, job readiness, health, mental health services, etc., specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. Ali Forney Center
SCO Family of Services — LGBTQ Residential Program
Operates small home-like settings in Brooklyn & Queens for youth (ages 15–21) in foster care who identify as LGBTQ. SCO Family of Services
New Alternatives for LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth
Provides support for basic needs, case management, life skills, transition out of homelessness, especially for ages 16–24. Located in NYC. New Alternatives
Green Chimneys Children’s Services
Green Chimneys operates residences for LGBTQ teens in foster care and independent living / transitional programs. Located in Brewster, NY. Green Chimneys
The Q Center at ACR Health - Syracuse, Utica, Watertown
Provides housing assistance for LGBTQ+ youth ages 18-24. The Q Center
🩺 Mental Health, Therapy & Support Services
Identity & Acceptance Program (The New York Foundling)
Offers clinical services, therapy, support groups, and affirming care for LGBTQIA+ youth (0–21) and their families (in NYC). The New York Foundling
Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI)
Works with NYC LGBTQ+ youth ages 13–24 (and their families), offering counseling, drop-in support, mentoring, etc. Hetrick-Martin Institute
JQY (Jewish Queer Youth)
Supports LGBTQ+ youth (especially those from Orthodox, Chassidic, and Sephardic/Mizrahi backgrounds) with drop-in, therapy, peer groups, etc. Jewish Queer Youth (JQI)
⚖️ Legal, Advocacy & Rights Support
Urban Justice Center – Peter Cicchino Youth Project
Provides legal services to LGBTQ youth in NYC who are homeless, in foster care, or involved with juvenile justice systems. Urban Justice
Lawyers for Children (LFC)
Offers legal services, advocacy, and publishes handbooks for LGBTQ youth in foster care. Lawyers for Children
Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP)
Provides free legal services and advocacy for transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming people, many of whom may intersect with foster / care systems. SRLP
🌈LGBTQ+ RESOURCES OUTSIDE OF NYC
Here is a list of organizations, programs, and resources outside of NYC that support LGBTQ+ youth in foster care.
Long Island
Hamptons LGBT Center / Bridgehampton, Hauppauge & Sag Harbor
Since 1993, the LGBT Network has been pioneering advocacy and social change to create safe spaces where LGBT people live, learn, work, play, and pray. LGBT Network
THE HUDSON VALLEY
Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center (Kingston)
Based in Kingston, New York, the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center provides services, programs, events, and professional resources to unite the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning community across lines of age, race, gender and economics. Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center
Pride Center of the Capital Region (Albany)
This Youth Center offers LGBTQ+ and allied youth ages 13-18 a peer support group, healthy social opportunities and various opportunities to participate in activism. Capital Pride Center
In Our Own Voices (Albany)
Serving the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender People of Color, Our Friends and Families. In Our Own Voices
Queer Family Network (Beacon)
A network of organizers, families, parents, and caregivers in the Mid-Hudson Valley, NY working together to build a more affirming and accepting community for ALL youth. Queer Family Network
Dutchess County Pride Center (Poughkeepsie)
Founded in 2018, Dutchess County Pride Center proudly serves the LGBTQ+ community of greater Dutchess County, NY through advocacy, education, and support. Dutchess County Pride
The Loft LGBTQ Community Center (White Plains)
From peer support groups and social gatherings to educational workshops and community-wide events, this is your go-to hub for connection and celebration. The Loft Center
Rockland County Pride Center (Nyack)
Building an abundant world for LGBTQ+ people of all ages. Rockland Pride Center
CENTRAL/UPSTATE NEW YORK
The Q Center at ACR Health - Syracuse, Utica, Watertown
The Q Center at ACR Health is a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth, their families, and allies to gather, share, and receive support. The Q Center
The Cortland LGBTQ Center
Education, advocacy, resource enhancement, and linkages to essential services for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified people, as well as their families and other supportive community members. The Cortland LGBTQ Center
Focus on Awareness and Information Resources of NY (FairNY- Dewitt)
Hosts the educational booth at the New York State Fair to provide information and resources on issues ranging from bullying of LGBTQ youth, discrimination facing members of the LGBTQ community in employment, housing and health issues, GENDA, marriage equality and protection of LGBTQ families. Fair NY
Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley (Rochester)
This Youth Center is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive place for youth ages 13-23 to discuss issues, make friends and get support. Gay / Out Alliance
WESTERN NEW YORK
GLYS Gay & Lesbian Youth Services of Western NY, Inc. (Buffalo)
Since 1983, GLYS has created safe & affirming environments where LGBTQ youth can find connection, education, and peer support. GLYSWNY
📚 Guides, Toolkits & Additional Resources
Resources for LGBTQ Youth by State (Lambda Legal / national resource list)
Includes a New York–specific section with legal & service referrals. Lambda Legal
All Children-All Families: LGBTQ+ Resources for Child Welfare Professionals
A guide for agencies and professionals working in foster care / adoption systems to better serve LGBTQ+ youth and caregivers. HRC Foundation
Community-based LGBTQ Organizations in NYC (NYC DOE list)
A directory of organizations (for youth, family support, health, etc.) across NYC. web
NYC “Community-based LGBTQ Organizations” via NYC Schools
For youth in NYC, a starting point to find local supportive organizations. web
LGBT National Help Center
888.843.4564
Trans Lifeline
877.330.6366
The Trevor Project (for queer youth under 25)
866.488.7386
Blackline (BIPOC queer lens)
800.604.5841
Wildflower Alliance Peer Support Line
888.407.4515
Thrive Lifeline
313.662.8209