We oppose the limits that will be put on faith-based child welfare agencies if the regulations which the Virginia Department of Social Services proposed are approved.

The proposed regulations in 22 VAC 40-131-170(B) will put some agencies which are giving excellent care to children in jeopardy of losing their state licensing.  This would affect not only Virginia residents, but also residents from other states such as our family.  We had the privilege of working with a Virginia agency to bring a fatherless child in to our family and hope that this agency can continue to advocate for the rights of children freely without their rights to exercise their religious beliefs being taken away.  

Strive to give all people the freedom to exercise their beliefs, but be sure that these new propositions do not violate the freedoms of these organizations to operate out of their moral convictions.  Oppose this regulation and allow the placement of children into loving families to continue unhindered.  Thank you for serving the people of Virginia, and most importantly for ensuring that the rights of the world's most vulnerable citizens, children, are protected.