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The Children, Youth, and Families Programs at the Center are specifically designed to address the following areas:

• The needs of children in LGBT families for safe, welcoming environments that acknowledge and celebrate their diverse families and prepare them to cope effectively in a broader world that is not always so welcoming and accepting.
• The needs of LGBT parents for support in dealing both with the broad common challenges of parenting well and the specific challenges of parenting in the face of the social, economic, and legal barriers they face as LGBT people.
• The needs of LGBT youth and young adults for safe spaces in which to explore and celebrate their developing identities and access resources for addressing the specific, widely-documented challenges they face.

KidSpace
The KidSpace provides quality care to infants, toddlers and school-age children and their families. When visiting the KidSpace, children will be engaged in activities including dramatic and manipulative play, arts & crafts, story time, dance and fine motor development. The goal of KidSpace is to create a safe, trusting and challenging environment where children are encouraged to pursue new and familiar interests, develop friendships, grow in confidence and independence and continue to develop respect for themselves and others. The KidSpace is designed to meet the developmental and social needs of the children participating in the program. 

Youth Program
The Youth Program at the Center is a great place for youth aged 24 and under to hang out and meet new friends. Our mission is to engage LGBTQ youth through local leadership, creativity and self-advocacy. At the Center we hold weekly meal nights, art activities, and our annual queer prom. We also host youth only events, socials and more!

Castro Network
The Castro Network is a program of the SF LGBT Community Center and is funded by the Department of Children, Youth and their Families through their Community Convener Initiative. The Castro Network connects service providers, public agencies, schools, merchant and residential groups, residents and visitors to the neighborhood to better serve children, youth and families in the Castro community. To join our network and receive our monthly e-newsletter, please contact Castro Network Convener Joseph Peralta at josephp@sfcenter.org or (415) 865-5530.

• 2008-2009 Castro Neighborhood Snapshot
  To get a snapshot of Castro Network and our convening work, please take a look at our Castro Neighborhood Snapshot for 2008-2009.
• 2009-2010 Castro Neighborhood Resource Guide for Children, Youth and their Families
  Did you know that the Castro Neighborhood is rich in resources for youth, children and families? Whether you’re a resident or visitor, download this guide to connect to all of the wonderful resources within your reach!