SB 1993

Abstract

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Includes religious institutions in the definition of "child welfare agency". Amends the Adoption Act. Provides that a church, synagogue, temple, mosque, or other religious institution that is an agency providing adoption services and that is licensed as a child welfare agency, as those terms are defined in the Child Care Act of 1969, may adopt faith-based policies and practices relating to the placement of children for adoption that provide for the placement of a child with a prospective adoptive parent who holds the same religious beliefs as those held by that religious institution provided that: the best interest of the child must always be the primary factor in placement decisions; an agency's religious preference for placement must never override the birth parent's religious preference in making a placement decision; if an agency uses religion as a factor in making a placement decision, this must be disclosed to prospective adoptive applicants before any fees are accepted by the agency; if an agency uses religion as a factor in making a placement decision, this must be disclosed to all birth parents seeking counseling or placement services at the outset of services; a placement when practicable shall be made to an agency under the control of persons of the same religious faith as that of the child or in the custody of someone of the same religious faith as that of the child. Provides for an adoption placement, when practicable, with a person of the same religious faith as the parent or the child. Defines "expressed religious wishes". Makes other similar changes.