Strongly OPPOSE Proposed 22 VAC 40-131-170(B)

I am strongly opposed to 22VAC 40-131-170 (B) and the the proposed language which would include sexual orientation and type of family.  Such a proposal would bow to special interest groups while denying the religious freedoms of others.  Faith-based adoption services must be allowed their religious freedoms. Traditionally, faith based grolups have much greated success in providing for the needs of children offered up for adoption.  Departlments of Child and Family Services continually throw a monkey wrench into the true welfare of children.  Bloated burocracies may mean well but one size fits all regulations are dismally inadequate to serve the needs of the majority.

 Allowing the new regulations would cause numerous faith-based organizations to  close thus denying countless children the help they so desperately need.  If you listen to agency types I suppose that is preferable for a child to be remanded to abusive parents "for their own good" rather tha have them adopted by lving parents through a faith based organization.

The traditional family has long  been the bedrock of this great nation.  I urge you to continue to support the traditional family.  I urge you to protect religious freedom.  I urge you to continue to allow children the services provided by faith-based adoption services.

Oppose the new regulations proposed by the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Thank you.

Daniel I. Pittenger