The Department of Health and Human Services has removed a 2024 rule that required placement of certain foster children with families who affirm specific gender or sexual identities. The action took place on Tuesday morning. Officials said the change aims to welcome all families to foster care.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families officially removed the April 2024 rule on Tuesday morning. The rule had directed federal agencies to place children who self-identify with an alternative sexual orientation or as something other than their sex with affirming families.
Assistant Secretary Alex Adams said the move sends the message that all families are welcome. He noted a national shortage of foster homes, with only 57 homes available for every 100 children entering the system.
The Biden-era rule never took effect after it was vacated by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The administration is removing remaining provisions from the Code of Federal Regulations to ensure clarity.
Adams linked the decision to first lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative and his own Home for Every Child campaign. He said families with religious beliefs are most likely to foster and that the prior rule sent the wrong message by segmenting families.
