While not a resident of your state, I am concerned about this proposed regulatory action;  the regulations of one state tend to serve as models for the other states.  Because of that influence I contend that Virginia's proposed regulation on private adoption agencies will create barriers to lawful private organizations serving their segment of society because of religious beliefs or other affiliations. 

Having many public and private agencies working to properly place adoptive children is a win-win for both the state and the children.  Children need to be placed in stable, nuturing environments as rapidly as possible.  To decrease the number of placing agencies would drastically slow down placement time!  Matching children and parents via the goals of each agency is in harmony with the American Way and The Bill of Rights which provide freedom of religion and its expression as well as speech, etc..  I do not believe the state should mandate beyond proper licensing of said agencies.    

My LDS faith works hard to carefully place adoptive children while providing supportive counsel and assistance to the birth parent and the prospective adoptive parents.  She chooses LDS Family Services because of her desire to have her unborn child placed in a home of her faith.  They choose LDS Family Services because of the service's conforming to their religious needs.  I'm sure the same principle applies to the conforming level and beliefs of other demonination's adoption services.This law would deny her that right and the adoptive parents access to these services because of religious beliefs.  The whole argument becomes circular and is a Constitutional issue

Common sense compells me to make these comments even though I live outside Virginia.  Thank you for considering these comments.  Colleen Loughmiller

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