About Us 

The Safe Harbor Project guarantees fair and equal treatment, services, and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth and families.  The State of Connecticut child welfare system (DCF) is responsible for providing a safe living environment free from harassment, humiliation, abuse and neglect.  DCF understands that children who find themselves in unsafe situations, through no fault of their own, need love and attention to flourish and succeed in life.  In accordance with Connecticut laws and DCF's mandate, LGBTQIA+ youth-in-care should never be placed in a setting where they will be subject to acts of violence or abuse, bigotry, bullying, condemnation, harassment, intolerance, indoctrination, proselytizing or prejudice.  If you are being abused, beaten, bullied, harassed or neglected because of your inherent sexuality or gender identity/expression, let us know.  The State of Connecticut and DCF has a mandate to protect you!   In keeping with Connecticut's laws, regulations and ethics, DCF actively recruits LGBTQIA+ foster and adoptive parents and mentors.  DCF worked with True Colors for over 25 years to ensure that all LGBTQIA+ staff, providers, youth and their families receive appropriate, non-discriminatory and professional care. 

The Safe Harbor Project Mission: was created as a collaboration between the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and True Colors, Inc. This initiative was created by the Commissioner of DCF in September 2001 to educate against homophobia, gender bias and racism while working to create a world where youth, adults and families of all sexual orientations and gender identities are valued and affirmed, and to implement affirming and unbiased, culturally competent, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning & Intersex (LGBTQIA+) service trainings for foster and adoptive parents, social workers, child care and community providers surrounding the issues and problems specific to youth and families with inherent sexuality issues.  When True Colors closed in 2021, DCF continued the project on its own creating a statewide Community Advisory Board, holding monthly office Liaison meetings and trainings, and offering continued recommendations regarding policy and practice. 

You deserve a family who...

...Loves you, unconditionally
...Treats you with respect
...Doesn't abuse you, make fun of you or disown you
...Supports your gender identity and expression
...Supports your inherent sexuality
...Helps you make connections with other LGBTQ+ youth
...Stands up for you
...Allows you to be yourself
...Is proud of who you are!

If you are a youth under the age of 18, who is being abused, beaten, bullied, harassed or neglected because of your inherent sexuality or gender identity/expression, let us know.  The State of Connecticut and DCF has a mandate to protect you!   CALL 1-800-842-2288

Community Groups
Youth and Family Service Bureaus Services