Government officials in some states are discriminating against people of faith who seek to foster or adopt by excluding Americans with traditional religious beliefs from crucial child welfare services.
Already, too many children in the United States fall asleep each night, wondering if the coming day will bring them a family and a permanent home. For thousands of years, families have felt called to open their hearts to adopt and care for these cherished ones. For many, that calling is grounded in their faith.
Discover how Alliance Defending Freedom is standing against state-sanctioned religious discrimination and fighting for children in need of loving homes.
Learn More about Foster Care and Adoption
Some states are denying people of faith from adopting and fostering children because of their beliefs about gender and sexuality.
Parents, not the government, have the right to raise their children.
In 1998, an East Texas town began opening their homes to 77 foster children. But today, state governments are slamming the door shut.
Adoption and Foster Care Cases
DeGross v. Hunter
Shane and Jen DeGross are challenging Washington state officials after they were barred from serving as respite caregivers due to their religious beliefs about human sexuality.
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Wuoti v. Winters
Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of two Vermont families - the Wuotis and Gantts - after the state revoked their foster-care licenses because of their religious beliefs about gender and sexuality.
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Bates v. Pakseresht
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) denied single mother Jessica Bates’ application to become certified to adopt children from foster care because of her religious beliefs.
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