Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Social Services
 
Board
State Board of Social Services
 
chapter
Minimum Standards for Licensed Private Child-Placing Agencies [22 VAC 40 ‑ 131]
Action Adopt new standards for licensed private child-placing agencies.
Stage Proposed
Comment Period Ended on 4/1/2011
spacer
Previous Comment     Next Comment     Back to List of Comments
4/1/11  9:15 am
Commenter: Mary Ann Hartzell

22VAC40-131-170 Part B
 
I am concerned with the proposed language regarding private adoption agencies in VA:
B.       "The licensee shall prohibit acts of discrimination based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, or family status to:
 
1.                Delay or deny a child’s placement; or
 
2.                Deny an individual the opportunity to apply to become a foster or adoptive parent."
 
1) If  “sexual orientation” and “family status” are protected classifications, many faith-based adoption service providers will be forced to close. How will this help children who need to be placed in healthy living situations?
2) Social science evidences agree that the best, i.e. healthiest and most stable, environment for a child is one with a mother and father.
I do not support the proposed language.

CommentID: 16494