Hawaii Health Dept. warns therapists to be cautious when documenting talks with LGBT youth.
Training Reveals Hawaii Department of Health’s Controversial Approach to LGBT Youth
According to a recent report by Fox News, employees of the Hawaii Department of Health have been training future therapists to conceal conversations with LGBT youth from their parents. The training, titled “Affirming practice with LGBTQ+ youth,” was delivered by Kimberly Allen and Robin Lee, members of the department’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division’s Safe Spaces Committee.
The training presentation, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, advised therapists to be cautious about documenting conversations with LGBT youth, as parents may have access to this information. The presentation emphasized that it should always be the individual’s decision to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity, as being out could potentially pose risks.
Furthermore, the training highlighted Hawaii’s age of consent for mental health services law for youth aged 14 and older. It urged therapists to be aware of this legal requirement when providing support to LGBT youth.
Kimberly Allen, chair of the Safe Spaces Committee, explained that the intention behind discouraging documentation of LGBT youth’s information is to prevent harm and protect their privacy. She emphasized that therapists should carefully consider the potential consequences of including a youth’s identity in their medical records.
The training also addressed the lack of support that some LGBT individuals may face from their families or religious leaders. It acknowledged that despite living in a more liberal and affirming state, external influences can still impact an individual’s experiences and well-being.
Additionally, the training encouraged therapists to reflect on their own privilege and consider how they can use it to support marginalized individuals. It included a section where trans students explained the importance of pronouns and listed various forms of prejudice, such as heterosexism, cissexism, homophobia, transphobia, toxic masculinity, and micro-aggressions.
Parental notification regarding children’s gender identity has become a contentious issue in recent years, particularly in public schools. According to Parents Defending Education, over 17,000 schools nationwide have policies allowing or recommending staff to conceal a student’s gender identity from their parents.
Overall, this training has sparked debate and raised questions about the balance between protecting LGBT youth and respecting parental rights.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...