Action | Adopt new standards for licensed private child-placing agencies. |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 4/1/2011 |
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I am an adoptive parent and supporter of America World Adoption Assoc. I understand that the state of Virginia desires to improve the services provided by agencies that help families within Virginia. I am concerned however by proposed regulations that would require all licensed agencies to accept all applications by families wishing to foster or adopt regardless of whether those families agree with the agencies values or beliefs. I know that in the political world this seems like providing for fair treatment of all applicants. In reality, agencies need the freedom to determine the elligibility of applicants without worrying about political fallout. What is best for the children is more important than an appearance of "fairness". As a hypothetical: a family that has been rejected for the foster program based on a social workers determination, could go to a faith based agency and submit an application with a different religious background in hopes that they would not turn them down. It would look like discrimination to the licensing board. Please reconsider making these changes to the current regulations.