Development and Testing of a Lakota-Adapted Family Acceptance Program for Indigenous 2SLGBTQ Youth and Their Caregivers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are developing a Lakota-adapted Family Acceptance Project LFAP aimed at Indigenous 2SLGBTQ youth and their caregivers. This open pilot trial focuses on assessing the programs acceptability, feasibility, and safety. The project addresses family rejection rooted in colonization and historical trauma, which contributes to mental health challenges among Indigenous 2SLGBTQ youth, including depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. The program aims to promote family acceptance, bonding, youth pride, and reduce mental health risks. The intervention consists of an 8-session group program delivered weekly, with each session lasting two hours. The sessions are culturally grounded and begin with Lakota spiritual practices. Participants include Indigenous 2SLGBTQ youth aged 13 to 18 and their caregivers, who attend the sessions together. After enrolling and completing a baseline survey, families participate in the sessions in two rounds, with surveys conducted before, immediately after, and following the intervention. An Advisory Board ensures the program remains culturally relevant. Participants complete surveys measuring suicidality, depression, anxiety, dating violence, substance use, school engagement, and sexual risk both before and after the program. An exit interview also gathers feedback to refine the intervention. The study monitors safety closely, excluding those at imminent risk of suicide or experiencing psychosis. Participation includes attending weekly sessions over eight weeks and completing multiple assessments to track changes in mental health and family dynamics.

Lakota Family Acceptance Project