"The state Department of Children and Families removed the policies Friday, replacing them with a general statement about parents supporting children's "individual identity and needs." The change comes in the wake of two lawsuits from families who lost or were denied their foster care licenses after refusing to sign an agreement to not discriminate against LGBTQ+ youth nor attempt to change their gender identity or sexual orientation."
"The previous DCF policies required 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 included 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 removed state Department of Children and Families rules that required foster parents to support LGBTQ+ youth after lawsuits and threats from the Trump administration. The department replaced the specific requirements with a general statement that parents should support children's 'individual identity and needs.' Two lawsuits involved families who lost or were denied foster care licenses after refusing to sign agreements promising not to discriminate against LGBTQ+ youth or to attempt to change youths' gender identity or sexual orientation. DCF Commissioner Staverne Miller said the department's top priority is providing safe, supportive homes and that no one should be denied foster parent application because of religious beliefs.
Read at Advocate.com
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