Improving Staff Capacity to Support LGBTI Homeless Youth in Mexico and Central America

Casa Alianza  - Covenant House International’s (CHI) youth shelter system in Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala serves diverse populations of vulnerable young people. In recent years, LGBTI youth have been seeking out Casa Alianza’s services in increasing numbers. In order to better serve this population’s needs, CHI commissioned a SIPA workshop team to conduct a gap analysis on Casa Alianza staff capacities to serve vulnerable LGBTI youth within a shelter system. The team utilized a region-wide staff survey on knowledge, attitudes, and comfort levels, and conducted field interviews with staff and youth to assess agency practices and approaches. Using desk research and expert interviews, the gap analysis includes recommendations from good practices on the following subject areas: 1) Overarching policies; 2) Staff training; 3) Youth training; 4) Local partnerships; 5) Safe and accepting housing and accommodations; 6) Youth self-expression and psychological wellbeing; 7) Anti-bullying efforts; and 8) Sexual and health approaches.