Oregon’s first Treatment Foster Care program designed specifically to serve LGBTQIA+ youth

Oregon Community Programs (OCP) is proud to introduce QUEST, a groundbreaking program that provides affirming, trauma-informed care for LGBTQIA+ youth through the evidence-based Treatment Foster Care Oregon (TFCO) model.

In its first year, OCP built the foundation for long-term success: hiring a diverse team, developing culturally responsive materials, and partnering with OLCC and TFCO to ensure QUEST reflects both best practices and the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Why QUEST?

Queer-identified youth are disproportionately represented in child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Many face rejection, heightened stress, and limited access to affirming mental-health care.
More than 1 in 4 youth in foster care identify as LGBTQIA+, and over 60% report that their homes are not affirmingquest-newsletter_march2024.

QUEST was created to change that. It ensures every youth has access to a safe, affirming, and supportive environment—a place to heal, grow, and belong.

How It Works

Youth in QUEST live in affirming treatment foster homes specially recruited and trained to meet their needs.
They receive:

  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Skills training
  • Case management
  • Service coordination
  • Access to pro-social activities that align with their identities

Program Goals

QUEST is designed to help young people:

  • Successfully live in community settings
  • Strengthen family relationships
  • Access affirming mental-health care
  • Build positive life skills
  • Gain confidence navigating systemic oppression

Foster parents participate in ongoing training and receive 24/7 on-call support from licensed clinicians. The involvement of each youth’s family or chosen family begins from day one and continues throughout treatment.

Become a QUEST Foster Parent

OCP is seeking affirming, open-hearted foster parents to provide safe and welcoming homes for LGBTQIA+ youth.
You’ll receive:

  • $3,620+/month tax-free reimbursement
  • 24/7 clinical support
  • Ongoing training
  • Weekly support groups
  • Two or more days of respite per month

A supported and committed foster parent can change the course of a young person’s life. Let us know if you’d like more information!