A new Oklahoma law ensures prospective foster and adoptive parents won’t be disqualified solely because of their religious or moral beliefs about sexual orientation or gender identity.
Senate Bill 658, authored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, was signed into law to help expand the pool of foster families while reaffirming that child placement decisions must remain in the best interest of each child.
“DHS can look out for the best interests of each child without shrinking the pool of foster parents,” Daniels said.
The law also requires the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to consider the perspectives of the child and their biological family when making placements.
Crosswhite Hader said the measure addresses a shortage of foster homes in the state, with about 450 children currently in need.
The law takes effect Nov. 1.