The best interests of the child should be the sole factor in deciding whether a child should be placed with a prospective foster care or adoptive parent or parents regardless of the type of family make-up. 

    State-licensed child placing agencies should not be allowed to discriminate against children or prospective parents based on race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability and family status.

   In the best interest of the children, the State Board of Social Services should make usre protections against such discrimination is included in the final rules.  It is the right thing to do for all.