Dear Virginia Board of Social Services,

My name is Catherine Scudera, and I am a registered voter in Fairfax County, Virginia. I am currently in my third year of seminary and am on track to be ordained as a parish minister. I have worked with orphaned and displaced children, and I urge you to approve the proposed policies to end discrimination against prospective adoptive parents.

Neither a person or couple's gender, age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, nor family status has been shown to affect parenting abilities--as I'm sure you are already aware. As you also know, there are 1,000 children waiting for their "forever homes" in Virginia. These children are counting on you and adoption agencies to not discriminate. 

Please, do not bow to political pressure at the expense of these children. For their sake and for the future of our state and country, please ensure that all qualified parents who hope to adopt are able to adopt a child in need. 

All Virginians are indebted to you for your service to our children. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Catherine Scudera