Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Social Services
 
Board
State Board of Social Services
 
chapter
Minimum Standards for Licensed Private Child-Placing Agencies [22 VAC 40 ‑ 131]
Action Adopt new standards for licensed private child-placing agencies.
Stage Proposed
Comment Period Ended on 4/1/2011
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4/1/11  1:43 pm
Commenter: Theresa Talavera

Concern over 22VAC40-131-170 Part B
 

22VAC40-131-170 Part B states The licensee shall prohibit acts of discrimination based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disbaility or

family status

.  There are many faith-based adoption agencies that would be forced to stop providing adoption services rather than betray their deeply held moral convictions that certain individuals or families should not be adopting children.  This is already happening elsewhere in this country.  It is ultimately in the best interests of children that there be many adoption agencies of various origins helping families to adopt; by adopting this regulation, we will be essentially shutting down some of the agencies with the longest history of helping families adopt, and giving both prospective parents and these children fewer options. 
This must not be allowed to happen.  Political correctness is going too far in this case - conscience needs to be protected for adoption providers. 

CommentID: 16606