Assessing the Implementation of an LGBTQ+ Mental Health Services Training Program to Determine Feasibility and Acceptability During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Despite significant social and legal progress, LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other sexual and gender minority) populations continue to experience higher rates of mental health and substance use disorders than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Effective LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health care is essential for addressing these disparities but is often limited and difficult to access. The shortage of LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health care providers results from the absence of required and accessible LGBTQ+-focused training and technical assistance opportunities for mental health care professionals. This study evaluates the implementation of our COVID-19 adapted, completely virtual, organization- and therapist-focused training program to improve the mental health workforce's cultural competence in working with the LGBTQ+ community: the Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community (SGDLC). Guided by an expanded RE-AIM model, we used administrator and therapist feedback to assess SGDLC implementation factors to understand how it may be best translated for scaled-up promotion and widespread adoption. Assessment of the initial reach, adoption, and implementation of the SGDLC indicated that it had strong feasibility;reports on satisfaction and relevance support the SGDLC's acceptability. Maintenance could not be fully assessed from the short study follow-up period. Still, administrators and therapists expressed an intent to continue their newfound practices, a desire for continued training and technical assistance in this area, but also concerns about finding additional opportunities for this education.

Assessing the Implementation of an LGBTQ+ Mental Health Services Training Program to Determine Feasibility and Acceptability During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Despite significant social and legal progress, LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other sexual and gender minority) populations continue to experience higher rates of mental health and substance use disorders than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Effective LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health care is essential for addressing these disparities but is often limited and difficult to access. The shortage of LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health care providers results from the absence of required and accessible LGBTQ+-focused training and technical assistance opportunities for mental health care professionals. This study evaluates the implementation of our COVID-19 adapted, completely virtual, organization- and therapist-focused training program to improve the mental health workforce's cultural competence in working with the LGBTQ+ community: the Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community (SGDLC). Guided by an expanded RE-AIM model, we used administrator and therapist feedback to assess SGDLC implementation factors to understand how it may be best translated for scaled-up promotion and widespread adoption. Assessment of the initial reach, adoption, and implementation of the SGDLC indicated that it had strong feasibility; reports on satisfaction and relevance support the SGDLC's acceptability. Maintenance could not be fully assessed from the short study follow-up period. Still, administrators and therapists expressed an intent to continue their newfound practices, a desire for continued training and technical assistance in this area, but also concerns about finding additional opportunities for this education.

Experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic among young parents with foster care backgrounds: A participatory action PhotoVoice study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on many vulnerable populations, including youth in foster care and parents of young children. In this study, we worked with nine parenting current and former foster youth to share their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic through photography. Data were collected between January and March 2021 during a series of three virtual PhotoVoice sessions, then transcripts of PhotoVoice sessions and participant-selected captioned photographs were analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes in participants' photographs included 1) Pandemic Parenting and 2) Making the Best of It. Findings indicate the need to expand mental health services, protect essential workers, and ensure young parents receive support navigating medical and social welfare systems and the process of receiving pandemic relief-related benefits.

COVID-19 Vaccination Perspectives Among Young Parents with Foster Care Backgrounds.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unique stressors for youth in foster care and recent foster care alumni, particularly those who are also parenting young children. One way the pandemic can be mitigated is through vaccination of the general population. Yet, some young adults have been slow to choose to be vaccinated. As has been demonstrated, simple availability of the COVID-19 vaccine will not guarantee its uptake, especially among marginalized populations. In order to better understand the nuances of vaccination among youth in foster care and recent foster care alumni, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured focus groups and interviews with 23 parenting youth with foster care histories aged 18-26 years. Data regarding vaccine attitudes were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participating youth, who were majority Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and often lived in multigenerational households, had significant concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine. They expressed varying degrees of intention to get vaccinated. Young people, especially those who belong to marginalized populations, need opportunities to openly discuss their vaccination-related questions without judgment. Science communicators should consider these questions and address youths' concerns through diverse voices and channels to ensure youth have the information they need to make an informed decision regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

Experiences of young parents with foster care backgrounds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unique challenges to parents of young children, due to the closure of schools and childcare centers, and increased caregiver burden. These challenges may be especially pronounced for youth with foster care backgrounds, as they lack critical support and resources to rely on during emergency situations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the experiences of these vulnerable young parents since the beginning of the pandemic. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Our study included 17 young parents ages 18-26, who had recently aged out of foster care or were currently in extended care. Participants were predominantly female, and Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). METHODS: Youth participated in virtual focus groups or individual interviews and described their experiences and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. A structured thematic analysis approach was employed to examine key themes in youths` accounts. RESULTS: Analysis resulted in five major themes: (a) employment disruptions and economic hardships, (b) educational challenges for parents and children, (c) parental and child mental health concerns, (d) insufficient resources and barriers to service receipt, and (e) "silver linings". CONCLUSIONS: Young parents with foster care backgrounds faced numerous challenges due to COVID-19 and struggled to access critical resources and supports. Implications for policy, practice, and research are discussed.