Unseen Risks: Myths About LGBTQ+ Foster and Adoptive Parents
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
December 23, 2025
Child Abuse Awareness
Asbury Park, NJ – Recent events in New Jersey have renewed attention to the intersection of foster care and LGBTQ+ adoption. The arrest of Christian Fuscarino, former executive director of Garden State Equality—New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization—on charges of assaulting his foster child, has raised concerns about oversight and accountability within the foster care system. It is important to note that this case, like all incidents of child abuse, is ultimately about the safety and welfare of children and does not reflect on the broader LGBTQ+ community. This report examines the prevalence, causes, and consequences of child abuse in foster care, reviews the structural factors shaping placement decisions, and centers the lived experiences of Black and Brown foster youth.
Garden State Equality, (Home | Garden State Equality) which reports an estimated annual revenue of $4.2 million, over 150,000 members, and more than $6 million in recent state funding, plays a major role in New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ policy landscape. The arrest of Fuscarino—accused of repeatedly striking his foster child—prompted the organization to conduct an internal review. According to media reports, the incident came to public light before official action was taken. An affidavit details the event, and another adult in the home intervened. The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office are now involved. Was Garden State Equality Board Of Directors Aware Its Director Was Arrested For Assaulting His Foster Child? | Asbury Park, NJ Patch
Evidence of Abuse and Systemic Blind Spots
According to a 2021 study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics, adults raised by transgender or gender non-conforming parents (TGAs) reported much higher rates of psychological (73%), physical (39%), and sexual (19%) abuse compared to those raised by cisgender, heterosexual parents. The odds of abuse were significantly greater for TGAs: 84% more likely for psychological, 61% more likely for physical, and over twice as likely for sexual abuse. These findings raise serious questions about the adequacy of current vetting and support systems, especially for children most at risk. Because many people assume that LGBTQ men and women are unable to abuse children as a result of being survivors of child abuse themselves.
It is crucial to emphasize that incidents of abuse occur in all family structures. Research into the experiences of children with transgender or gender non-conforming parents, for example, shows higher reported rates of certain types of abuse, which underscores the need for robust vetting and support systems for all families, not just LGBTQ+ households. These findings call for improved safeguards and support for children most at risk, while avoiding harmful stereotypes or assumptions about LGBTQ+ parents as a group. Disparities in Childhood Abuse Between Transgender and Cisgender Adolescents | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
Racial Disparities in Foster Care Placement
Black children are disproportionately represented in the foster care system, comprising 23% of all foster children in the U.S. as of 2015. In New Jersey, patterns of institutional racism and white privilege persist, even within organizations that advocate for equity. Allegations of discriminatory practices against Black citizens highlight the need for vigilance and reform.
Testimonies from Black foster youth, such as those shared by Amnoni L. Meyers, illustrate the trauma caused by repeated removals, instability, and systemic failures. Economic hardship, racial bias, and punitive interventions often lead to cycles of trauma. Many Black youth who age out of foster care face homelessness, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and support. Black Children and Foster Care: On Surviving the Trauma of a System That Doesn’t Care About Keeping Families Together – The Root
Consequences and Unintended Risks
The convergence of higher reported rates of abuse in some family contexts, institutional preference for certain applicants, and the persistent vulnerability of Black children creates a challenging environment for those most in need of protection. Ensuring the safety and well-being of all foster children requires addressing risk factors, supporting caregivers, and combating systemic inequities. It is neither just nor safe for the state to place Black foster children in homes where risk factors for abuse are not properly addressed, regardless of the caregivers’ sexual orientation, gender identity, or race. All placements must be guided by the best available evidence and put the welfare of children first.
Conclusion
This report urges policymakers and child welfare authorities in New Jersey to exercise great care in foster and adoptive placements involving vulnerable populations. Transparent, rigorous review of prospective parents’ backgrounds, trauma histories, and support systems is essential—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The welfare of all foster children must be a priority, with efforts focused on reducing unnecessary removals, supporting family reunification, and ensuring placements are evidence-based and free from bias.
Testimonial Highlight: Amnoni L. Meyers, The Root (2018):
“I could easily have fallen through the cracks like many other young people who leave care. The reality is that we will all be affected by the adversity that young Black people face in foster care until society finds equitable ways of supporting Black families and their children. We must empower and give agency to families that are often marginalized, unprotected, and subjugated to racist practices, while also holding the system accountable to ensure that every young person can succeed.”
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