Adoption Home Study, Possible discrimination against Christians

[Hawkeye]

Hi Everyone

As many know, Ricky and I are going to try and go through the foster-to-adopt process in Texas. In looking through the extensive home study requirements, questions, things the state wants to know about potential adoptive families when I came to the section on religion & spirituality.

Quote

" Religion. Describe the family's religious background and practices. Discuss the family's ability to be accepting of religious practices other than their own. Also discuss the family's willingness to take a child to the church of his or her choice. Describe the health protection plan the family will give a child if their religious beliefs prohibit certain medical treatment. "

§745.4061.10.A-C You must evaluate prospective foster adoptive parents on:

A. Their willingness to respect and encourage a child's religious affiliation, if any;

B. Their willingness to provide a child opportunity for religious and spiritual development, if desired; and

C. The health protection they plan to give a child if their religious beliefs prohibit certain medical treatment.

 

SO this tells me, hypothetically if they place a Mormon child with us, then I would be required to say I will take them to the mormon church and not try to sway them to our family's religious views? Seems very wrong................  

Another thing, that is of possible concern to Christians wanting to adopt is this:

Quote

Personal identity. Include the applicant's understanding of child identity issues related to child abuse and neglect. These issues could include questions about reasons for care, being a good or bad person, desire to find birth parents, "where did I come from" questions, "who am I" questions, gender identity questions, and questions pertaining to sexuality. (Do not include any general assessments pertaining to ethnic and racial identity.)

 

Seems this may not work well, if I were to say we would not allow a child to go to a church other than our own, or that our religious views will not cater to other religions or gender 'identity" issues etc.

Not sure how we will go about answering these, but i am definitely going to try and get some coaching from my pastor.. who is familiar with the process.

What is everyone's thoughts? It seems just another way that the govt can hinder Christians.