This workshop is intended for professionals who work with youth directly, such as child welfare staff, teachers, clergy, group home staff, juvenile justice services staff, foster parents, therapists, and recreation workers.

The objectives of this workshop are as follows:
1.    To establish a shared language to discuss the adverse experiences of the LGBTQ youth within the framework of system oppression.
2.    To compare data from GLSEN's 2015 National School Climate Survey with findings from the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey to examine the in-school experiences of LGBTQ youth with those of non-LGBTQ peers.
3.    To understand the physical and developmental impact of toxic stress to adolescents with emphasis on sexual minority stress.
4.    To examine the developmental and social outcomes of toxic stress on LGBTQ youth including disparities in educational attainment, housing and food security, STI and HIV risk, substance abuse, and mental health conditions including depression and suicidality.
5.    To define the systemic changes necessary to prevent adverse childhood experiences for LGTBQ youth.
6.    To identify evidence-based strategies that educators and youth serving professionals can implement to improve experiences & outcomes of LGBTQ youth.
 
This event has been approved by the Tennessee chapter of the National Association of Social Workers for 3.0 CEU credits. Lunch will be prepared by the house chef at Bridgewater Place, featuring a gourmet deli sandwich station.

Online pre-registration for this event is required at http://bit.ly/2bfku6e. Available space is filling up quickly, to be sure to sign up as soon as possible.