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Polis Signs Law Preventing Discrimination in Foster System

Polis Signs Law Preventing Discrimination in Foster System

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On Monday, April 19, Governor Jared Polis signed the “Equal Access Services for Out-of-Home Placements” bill into law. The law gives anti-discriminations protections for youths and adults in the foster care system.

The legislation was sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich, Senator Rhonda Fields, and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis.

The passing of this legislation is a big win for the LGBTQ community, which is overly represented in the Colorado foster care system. This bill would require a service provider in the foster care system to provide every child with equal access to all available programs, benefits, and services. It also prevents service providers from discriminating against foster parents because of their sexual orientation or identity.

It provides further protections for LGBTQ children in the foster care system.

“Services related to out-of-home placement must be provided in a manner that is culturally responsive to the complex social identity of the child or youth receiving such services,” a summary of the legislation reads.

The law also introduces required pre- and post-training to foster parents in order to ensure that they can provide a safe healthy space for their foster children to live in.

“This bill represents and really recognizes the uniqueness of every individual.” Governor Polis said at the bill signing. “Equal Access Services for Out-of-Home Placements helps us build a stronger and more inclusive Colorado for all.”

Advocacy groups in Colorado applauded the passage of the bill into law a a win against discrimination.

“And, while state legislatures across the cross the country continue to ‘debate’ predatory legislation this year that seeks to systemically disenfranchise the rights of LGBTQ Americans, it is important to take a moment to celebrate your involvement with a community of advocates that seek to create positive change in our society,” said Michael Crews, policy director of One Colorado.

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