ACF Advises State Child Welfare To Avoid Child Removals Solely Due To Parental Lack Of Support For A Child’s Gender Identity

In a letter to state child welfare agencies, the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF) advised that it is inappropriate to remove children from their homes solely because parents decline to support a child’s gender identity. Child removal decisions must be based on objective evidence of abuse or imminent risk of harm under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA).

ACF warned states to avoid infringing on parental rights or creating unnecessary foster placements by removing children for reasons that do not constitute abuse or neglect. Additionally, removing a child solely due to strife between the child . . .