About the All Children-All Families Program
The All Children – All Families (ACAF) program exists to ensure that every young person and family, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (SOGIE) is affirmed, supported, and safe when interacting with child welfare systems.
Launched in 2007 by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, ACAF was created in response to the disproportionate risks and poor outcomes experienced by LGBTQ+ children, youth, and families involved in foster care, adoption, and other child welfare services. Several studies show that over 30% of young people ages 12-21 in foster care identify as LGBTQ+. These young people often report higher rates of mistreatment, more instability, and more frequent barriers to permanency.
The National SOGIE Center’s ACAF Program partners with agencies across the country to help them:
- Identify and remove barriers to safety, permanency, and well-being for LGBTQ+ children and youth;
- Strengthen internal practices and policies so they are inclusive and affirming of all identities;
- Build workforce capacity through specialized training and technical assistance;
- Advance organizational culture that values equity, belonging, and family acceptance.
By providing a structured pathway to change, including self-assessment tools, professional development, technical assistance, and national recognition, ACAF helps child welfare organizations move from intention to action.
The goal is simple
- To make sure every LGBTQ+ young person and family member who interacts with the system feels seen, respected, and safe.
- To equip professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to serve all children and families with dignity and respect.
- To transform systems so that affirming care is not the exception, but the expectation.
Today, under the leadership of the National SOGIE Center, ACAF continues to grow in reach, depth, and impact. We partner with hundreds of agencies nationwide to create a child welfare system where no child is left behind because of who they are or who they love.
To Earn an All Children-All Families Seal of Recognition, Sites Engage In
Agency Self-Assessment
An Agency Self-Assessment with benchmarks such as nondiscrimination policies, data collection, staff training, and affirming practices
Training Program
Partnership in National Training Program: Flexible formats (from two-hour caregiver sessions, full-day trainings, in-person offerings, virtual options, or full facilitator certification)
Technical Assistance
Access to experts who can provide technical Assistance on policy support, coaching, webinars, peer-led learning