[[Family]] Acceptance Project (FAP) - Overview [https://familyproject.sfsu.edu](https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/) Core Mission: The FAP is a research, intervention, education, and policy initiative, headquartered at San Francisco State University, designed to: · Prevent health and [[Mental Health]] risks for LGBTQ children and adolescents. · Strengthen and support families to foster healthy outcomes for their LGBTQ children. Lead Researcher: Dr. Caitlin Ryan --- Key Breakthrough & Central Finding The FAP's groundbreaking research was the first to empirically demonstrate a direct link between family behaviors and serious health outcomes for LGBTQ youth. · High Family Rejection during adolescence is linked to: · Significantly increased rates of [[Depression]], suicide attempts, and anxiety. · Higher risk of illegal drug use and HIV/STI infection. · Homelessness (as many are kicked out). · High Family Acceptance is linked to: · Greater self-esteem, social support, and overall better mental health. · Significantly lower rates of the negative outcomes listed above. · Better protection against risk, even in hostile environments. In essence: Family acceptance is a buffer that can save LGBTQ youths' lives. --- The "Why": Shifting the Paradigm Before the FAP, the focus was often on "fixing" the LGBTQ youth or helping them cope with rejection. The FAP's paradigm shift was to: · Work with families, not around them. · Frame the issue as a family wellness challenge, helping parents and caregivers understand their critical role and providing them with the tools to support their child. · Move away from blaming parents and instead educate them on the tangible impact of their words and actions. --- Key Outputs & Resources The FAP has developed the first evidence-based family model of wellness and prevention. Their most influential resources include: 1. Poster Series: "Supportive Families, Healthy Children" · Available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. · Visually list specific "Supportive Behaviors" (e.g., "Express affection when your child tells you they are LGBTQ") and "Rejecting Behaviors" (e.g., "Blame your child when they are discriminated against because of their LGBTQ identity"). · These are based directly on the research data, making the impact concrete for families. 2. "Building Supportive Families" Video Series & Booklet · Features real families from diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds talking about their journeys from initial struggle to acceptance. 3. Training & Materials for Providers · They create resources for pediatricians, social workers, school personnel, and foster care workers to help them implement a family-based approach. --- Significance & Impact · Evidence-Based: The project's recommendations are not just well-intentioned; they are backed by rigorous, longitudinal data. · Socio-Cultural Competence: Their materials are developed for and tested with highly diverse families (racially, culturally, religiously). · Systemic Change: The FAP's work is used to inform policy and practice in child welfare, juvenile justice, healthcare, and school systems across the United States. In a Nutshell: The Family Acceptance Project transformed the conversation by proving that family acceptance is not just a sentimental idea—it is a critical, evidence-based public health intervention for the well-being and survival of LGBTQ youth. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:`