Ending Discrimination in Child Welfare: Equal Opportunities for Families and Youth.
This law establishes a federal ban on discrimination in child welfare services, including foster care and adoption, based on religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and marital status. The goal is to increase the pool of qualified homes and ensure safer, more stable placements, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth who are currently overrepresented and face higher risks of poor outcomes. Agencies failing to comply risk losing federal funding.
Key points
Child welfare agencies receiving federal funds must stop discriminating against prospective foster or adoptive parents based on sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or marital status.
The law guarantees that youth in foster care, especially LGBTQ+ youth, receive affirming, non-discriminatory services and are protected from harmful practices like conversion therapy.
States must implement cultural competency training for staff and parents, and individuals who face discrimination can file civil lawsuits in federal court.
Status:
Introduced
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