Know Your Rights
If you are transgender, gender non-conforming, or questioning, you have the right to be safe in the foster care system.
In New York City, the agency that runs foster care programs is called the Administration of Children’s Services (ACS). If you are no longer living at home, ACS is the agency that should place you in either a foster home or a group care facility. It is ACS’s job to make sure that you are safe and that your basic needs are met while you are not living with a parent. Group homes and residential treatment facilities are usually run by private organizations hired by ACS. They still must follow all the rules that apply to ACS. They have to make sure that you are safe, free from harassment, and able to develop and express your gender identity.
