"A couple in Massachusetts has lost their license to foster after refusing to sign a policy agreeing not to discriminate against LGBTQ+ youth nor attempt to change their gender identity or sexual orientation. The state's Department of Children and Families (DCF) revoked the license of Lydia and Heath Marvin in April after they refused to sign the nondiscrimination policy that would protect youth in their care. The couple, who has three biological children in their teens, had fostered eight children under the age of four."
"The DCF policy requires that "employees, foster parents, interns, volunteers, and others who interact with children and families must be respectful of how individuals ask to be identified and use the terms an individual uses to describe themselves." This includes allowing foster youth to use restrooms or changing facilities that align with their gender identity, allowing them to dress in clothing or style their hair in ways that align with their gender identity, and allowing them to use their names and pronouns."
Massachusetts DCF revoked Lydia and Heath Marvin's foster license after they refused to sign a nondiscrimination policy that protects LGBTQ+ youth and bars attempts to change a child's sexual orientation or gender identity. The couple had fostered eight children under age four and have three biological teenage children. The policy requires staff and foster parents to respect how individuals ask to be identified and to use the terms individuals use for themselves. The policy allows youth to use restrooms and changing facilities matching their gender identity, to dress and style their hair accordingly, and to use chosen names and pronouns. The department supports legal name and gender changes and access to medical and mental health care for youth.
Read at Advocate.com
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