| Action | Adopt new standards for licensed private child-placing agencies. |
| Stage | Proposed |
| Comment Period | Ended on 4/1/2011 |
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I am specifically concerned with the following proposed language regarding proposed regulation 22 VAC 40-131-170(B):
B. The licensee shall prohibit acts of discrimination based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, or family status to:
1. Delay or deny a child’s placement; or
2. Deny an individual the opportunity to apply to become a foster or adoptive parent.
Upon what data is the decision to add sexual orientation and family status to a list of non-discrimination traits based? What studies can you point to that state that children placed with gay parents or a single parent will fare as well as a child placed with a married heterosexual couple? Study after study for decades have shown unequivocally that children raised by a mother and father fare best.
Adding sexual orientation and family status puts the perceived rights above the potential parents in a position of higher importance than the welfare of the child. Unconscionable!
Catholics have already been run out of the adoption and child placement field in another state based on this type of anti-religious action. Is that really what we need? Fewer agencies serving our vulnerable youth?