MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – The Vermont Department for Children and Families has settled a pair of lawsuits about foster care and LGBTQ+ youth.
The lawsuits were brought by two foster families who accused the state of discriminating against their religious beliefs.
The families objected to the state’s policies on caring for LGBTQ foster children, prompting the state to strip them of their foster care licenses. The families then sued.
Last February, a federal judge sided with the state, but the families appealed.
The Department for Children and Families has now moved to settle those lawsuits. Friday, DCF said settling the cases is in the best long-term interest of the kids they serve.
In a statement, DCF said in part, “As we move forward, DCF will continue to place every young person, including LGBTQ+ youth, in homes where they are physically safe, emotionally supported, and treated with respect.”
