Specifications include, but are not limited to: The majority (85%) of the service contractor’s time will be dedicated to the provision of social and emotional support services for sexual minority youth who are identified as at-risk, as indicated by poverty, academic failure, truancy, mental health needs, social marginalization, and alienation and isolation due to institutional, intrapersonal, and internalized oppression, racism, homophobia and transphobia. These services include, but are not limited to: ● Support groups to provide safe and supportive environments for positive socialization, peer support, leadership and discussion of an array of topics of interest and concern to sexual and gender minority youth. ● Individual support, including advocacy, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to affirming counseling resources. Based on the feedback received, SGMY has prioritized connecting one on one with youth weekly. This occurs either virtually or in-person and includes social support meet ups as well as wellness check-ins. SGMY advocates help youth with things like food boxes, gender affirming clothing, and hygiene supplies. They also help youth create goals and connect to other resources. For many LGBTQ2IA+ youth, the one on one check-ins and social support are an essential part of their safety plans, especially during the pandemic. ● Counseling services focused on sexual minority youth (who may be referred by SUN Service System staff, including mental health consultants and staff associated with school-based and school-linked entities) that emphasizes areas such as crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
