Parents of Trans Children and Youth, Custodial Issues

Parents who support their trans children and adolescents (i.e., affirming parents) may experience custodial issues, including custody disputes with nonaffirming parents and involvement of Child Protective Services (CPS), if their supportive parenting approach is deemed “abusive” by extended family or community members. A growing body of social science and legal literatures provides insight into custodial-related challenges faced by some affirming caregivers of trans children and youth. This literature can inform family courts that are applying the “best interests standard” to cases involving trans children and adolescents. This entry summarizes what is known about child custody disputes involving trans children and adolescents, including cases involving affirming and nonaffirming parents, as well as grandparents as affirming caregivers and legal guardians of their trans grandchildren. It also addresses ...