As a decade-long advocate for families affected by domestic and sexual violence, I have witnessed first-hand the devastation of the youth of our communities when violence, contempt, and fear enter their homes. This violence does not discriminate based on race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability or family status. Fair and consistent discipline, financial stability, kind words, a chance to thrive -- none of these things can be predicted within a family based on the proposed protected classes listed above and, as such, these categories should be eliminated as screening tools from the placement process. To deny any child the chance of a loving, stable, and compassionate home because of the race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability or family status of potential adoptive or foster parent(s), is both immoral and bad public policy.
As such, I support the following: