It is paramount that the best interests of the child  be the only parameter considered when deciding which prospective foster or adoptive parent to choose for placement.  No state-licensed child placing agency should be allowed to discriminate against children or prospective parents based on race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, political beliefs, sexual orientation, disability or family status.  I believe the State Board of Social Services should restore to the final rules the protections against such discrimination included in the proposed rules.