• How do you think a youth’s sexual orientation affects his or her identity? I tend to share Carma's comments above. Orientation to the world, in general, can be both congruent with society and sometimes incongruent. Every departure, including sexual orientation, can challenge, and be challenged by society. Ostrasization is a major contributor to self-image and can affect perceptions of self-worth. It is important to show every child regardless of disposition or difference from standard respect and worth. This is a general principle that is ALWAYS applicable. • What obstacles might LGBTQ youth encounter in foster care that would hinder their ability to maintain their identity? Social and cultural norms can affect integration. It is important that foster parents be willing to address non-conformity as not inherently negative. Every child benefits from the unique treatment afforded by acceptance. • Do you think these obstacles are unique to LGBTQ youth? If so, why? If not, how are these issues transferable to youth in other situations? The sexualization of youth is a problem with me and I do not see any benefits of ascribing primary worth or identification to sexuality. These may be complicating factors that arise from a lack of acceptance in general or non-conforming behaviors, but LGBTQ youth, much like a lot of minority groups, and social groups look to identify in their culture. To primarily bond based on sexuality can be harmful if not reinforced through a total analysis of character and identity away from sexuality. • How could a CASA/GAL volunteer have advocated for Randy? See above. I think any one of these techniques in self-awareness is helpful.

I was picked on in school when I was younger. These experiences can be harmful to self-image and development. My response was a survival response which is similar to many kids who grew up in the urban setting I did. I did not become a bully, although I realized similar traits in myself from time to time and it was a part of my development into maturity.

I appreciate the activity and I think this is a good exercise but The Implicit Association Test (IAT) or any tests that utilize its format are not reliable or pass standard psychometric validity standards to be considered an accurate measurement of behavior. I have completed extensive study in this field because many corporations are adopting training standards using this metric to "start conversations." Although it certainly does that, the IAT creates faulty assumptions which imply a level of subconscious guilt or victimization which is psychotheraputically unhealthy and socially irresponsible. I do think the psychological phenomenon of associations, and understanding how the brain processes can be mistranslated into the social sphere. In general, I find that this becomes more helpful than "implicit" like/dislike tests. We all have generalizations and preferences but we need to be cognizant when those preferences move into the social sphere and are willing to interrogate them then. Not all generalizations are negative. The generalization "all dark allies have criminals in them." maybe an overgeneralization, but may also keep you safe. Analysis of this phenomenon cannot be measured by a psychometric test so far as we know, but qualitative analysis in small groups can prove beneficial for awareness and training.

• How do you think the caseworker or others might perceive you, and what would be the implications? That's hard. I'm not sure I can assume the caseworker's cultural perspective here so I am not sure how she may perceive me. Caseworkers certainly have to work hard to view people in the system as having value. It is much harder to empathize across culture, let alone profession, socioeconomic status, and education level. • When you describe yourself to them, how might you anticipate their opinions, and how might your concerns impact your interactions with them. Vice versa, having been in the system, it is difficult to not view the system as tyrannical and overreaching. No matter the disposition, adjusting to people who are executors of authority over personal choices, children and behaviors can be a nearly impossible task without developing animosity.

Trauma, neglect, and instability can affect the development of coping, problem-solving, and management of emotion the older the child gets. Self-actualization and self-discovery are important developmental stages that can be halted or tainted by instability. As a child grows it is important that responsibility and stability are managed at age-appropriate levels.

Bailey had the opportunity to be negatively and positively influenced by the institutions she was engaged in. Her home was not reinforcing positive actions and she received little in the way of support for positive behavior. As she was able to change internal and external institutions, it had a positive effect on her self-belief and confidence. She first needed internal validation and some form of acceptance.

Although Bailey was less likely to be adopted as an older teen, she could have had a smoother transition through the system. She could have benefited from better advocacy to ensure she was placed in a position she felt safe in.