As an adoptive parent, I strongly believe that the interests of the child should be the sole factor in deciding whether a child should be place with prospective foster or adoptive parent(s).  

State-licensed child placing agencies should not be allowed to discriminate against children or prospective parents based on race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability and family status.  

The State Board of Social Services must restore to the final rules the protections against such discrimination.