First, I have just heard about these new standards and would have preferred more time to formulate comments and let others know.  Please extend the deadline for comments.

Second, my husband and I were foster parents for a private adoption agency.  We know that

1) for infants and small children there are already more married couples willing to adopt than there are children available.  Why are the guidelines being expanded?

2) for older children, many come from troubled homes.  Since there is no long-term proof that unmarried couples and/or homosexual couples can provide stability and parenting skills equal to or better than married couples, why change the rules?

Lastly, private adoption agencies are private for a reason, sometimes a religious reason.  It is not reasonable or advantageous to insist they put aside religious beliefs in placing children for adoption.

Thank you for your attention, and again I hope you will extend the deadline.