Vermont DCF Practice Guidance: Supporting Conversations With Foster Care Applicants About Caring For LGBTQ+ Youth

The document was issued on February 18, 2026, by the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF). The state recently settled two lawsuits filed by foster parents who alleged that some of DCF's requirements that they support LGBTQ youth violated the foster parents' religious convictions. This guidance amends the previous requirement. Going forward, DCF will no longer deny or revoke foster-parent licensure based on an applicant’s refusal to “affirm, endorse or adopt any particular views regarding gender identity, sexual orientation or related ideological concepts . . .