# The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

This bill is designed to make it easier for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals to adopt children and become foster parents. Right now, some states still have laws or policies that allow child welfare agencies to turn away qualified adoptive or foster parents based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill would prohibit that discrimination at the federal level, meaning any agency that receives federal funding couldn't legally reject someone just because they're gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

The practical effect is that LGBTQ+ people who want to provide homes for children in the foster care system would have the same legal standing as anyone else. Currently, thousands of children are waiting in foster care for permanent families, and this bill removes a barrier that prevents some capable, loving people from stepping in to help. It also protects religious organizations that receive federal money—they'd still be allowed to operate according to their beliefs, but they couldn't use federal funds to discriminate in their adoption or foster care programs.

The bill is named after John Lewis, the late civil rights leader, reflecting its focus on equality and fairness. For families, this means more potential parents for children who need homes. For LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, it means they can pursue adoption and fostering without fear of legal rejection based on who they are. The bill essentially says that if you're qualified to care for a child and you want to help, your sexual orientation or gender identity shouldn't disqualify you from doing so.

John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

Gillibrand, Kirsten E.

John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act This bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or religion in the provision of child welfare programs and services by entities receiving federal funding. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must provide technical assistance to help states follow this requirement, including (1) guidance for bringing state laws into compliance, (2) developing training to increase cultural competency related to social identity, and (3) training for judges and attorneys involved in child welfare cases, among other supports. Additionally, HHS must establish the National Resource Center on Safety, Well-Being, Placement Stability, and Permanency for LGBTQ Children and Youth Involved with Child Welfare Services to provide training, technical assistance, and guidance to applicable state and local agencies and service providers. Further, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act may not be the basis for challenging the application or enforcement of this bill. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on states' compliance with the requirements of the bill no later than three years after enactment.