In 2000, while training as a CASA volunteer, the NN Dept of Social Services told CASA trainees  to embrace the fact that some children in need of services would be from homosexual homes and CASA volunteers were expected to treat this as normal so as not to make a child feel "different".

Are they now trying to make sure their practices are covered legally and to be sole proprioter in the placement of children?   It is indeed a very sad day for children in VA when the DSS, a tax funded government agency who removes children from "harmful situations" as PROTECTORS, would propose such  shameful regulation. If Adoption regulations were based on the child's needs, and NOT those collecting a paycheck off the inept system, we would reduce the need for  government sponsored foster care.  Proposed regulation 22 VAC 40-131-170(B) would require a Licensed Private Child Placing Agency to accept any individual who applies to become a foster or adoptive parent regardless of whether that individual shares the agency’s religious and moral beliefs. Agencies that do not comply with this regulation would be in danger of losing their license. Why should one group of individuals need to be given any further opportunity, as in our government schools,  to capture the hearts and minds of VA's most vulnerable population, or is that the GOAL?

The Commonwealth of Virginia has a long and proud tradition of citizens of faith working together to care for and protect children. A significant number of children who are adopted today are adopted with the help of faith-based organizations. These groups have been successful at protecting children and providing them with permanent, loving homes because of their tireless advocacy on behalf of children. The proposed regulation, however, would forever silence one of the strongest voices for children in the Commonwealth. Is that the GOAL?

This regulation is a clear violation of the Constitutional right to the free exercise of religion and is an attempt to elevate the rights of one group of citizens at the expense of another. What’s worse is that countless children in Virginia and around the world will be denied their fundamental right to a mom & dad if it is allowed to become law. "Train up a child in the WAY he should go", Proverbs
America bless God!