As of late, an increasing number of states have begun to mandate that foster parents must be open to supporting minors who are exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Two couples in Vermont have lost their foster care licenses for refusing to adopt Vermont’s gender identity language for children in their care. Alliance Defending Freedom is representing these couples in the matter.
Shane and Jennifer DeGross filed a lawsuit in Washington that bears a striking resemblance to the current cases.
As The Center Square reported earlier, the DeGrosses were denied license renewal despite their more than 9 years of service as foster parents. This was due to their religious beliefs that conflicted with the gender identity policies now mandated for foster families in the state of Washington.
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families was sued by the couple in March through a federal lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court.
Lead attorney Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse from ADF stated that the state has filed a motion to dismiss and eliminate the case. However, he expressed confidence in their argument on the case. Shane and Jennifer’s primary objective is to receive their license promptly and aid in meeting the dire need in Washington, where children are being placed in unlicensed facilities and hotels.
According to Widmalm-Delphonse, the term ‘placement exceptions’ is commonly used by officials in Washington to refer to such situations.
According to Widmalm-Delphonse, the woman was denied the opportunity due to her Christian beliefs. The woman had clearly stated that she could not use inaccurate pronouns or take a child to a pride parade.
Foster parents in New Jersey and Massachusetts are filing lawsuits after being denied for refusing to comply with the states’ language mandates regarding gender ideology.
“These children are a product of the nation’s opioid epidemic and unfortunately, they have special needs and limited options for care,” explained the source.
In March, The Center Square contacted Washington officials for a comment on the DeGross case. The Department of Children, Youth & Families responded with a statement via email.
Research has extensively shown that children and adolescents who identify as LGBTQIA+ experience higher levels of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm, in comparison to their cis-gender or heterosexual peers.
According to DCYF, the acceptance or rejection of a child’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression (SOGIE) can have a significant impact on their well-being. Unfortunately, children and youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ are disproportionately represented in the foster care system. In Washington, the priority is to prevent these vulnerable young individuals from experiencing further trauma when placed in out-of-home care. DCYF is committed to ensuring their safety and well-being.
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