This transition marks a new chapter in the program’s evolution, one grounded in continuity, deep expertise, and our shared commitment to advancing equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ children, youth, and families.

The National SOGIE Center has been a longtime partner of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF), working collaboratively for many years to support and strengthen the ACAF initiative. From co-developing and evaluating training content, to supporting facilitator development, writing fidelity standards, building online learning programs alongside ACAF facilitators, and publishing research and implementation guidance, the National SOGIE Center has had a long-standing investment in ACAF’s mission and growth.

Since its launch in 2006, the ACAF program has made a profound impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ youth involved in child welfare, foster care, and adoption systems, as well as on the experiences of LGBTQ+ families seeking to build their families through foster or adoptive parenting. Through the ACAF framework, hundreds of child welfare agencies have received training, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to create more affirming environments. In 2023 alone, over 100 organizations participated in the ACAF program, reaching tens of thousands of professionals who collectively serve more than 1.4 million children, youth, and families across the U.S. This work has helped reduce disparities, confront bias, and ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals are seen, respected, and supported at every level of the child welfare system.

The National SOGIE Center is honored to carry-on this vital work. In addition to our longstanding collaboration with HRCF, the National SOGIE Center has led the development and evaluation of numerous national initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. With this transition, we are honored to carry forward the ACAF program’s legacy, guided by its foundational principles, informed by evidence and experience, and energized by continued partnerships with agencies and leaders across the country.

We look forward to growing this work together in the months and years ahead.