Our country was founded on religious freedom.  Many of our ancestors died preserving that freedom for us.  It is time our country stand behind our rights as American citizens to support companies and agencies that are faith based.  These agencies provide an invaluable service to their clients, myself being one of those who intends to adopt using such an agency in 2012.  Thousands of children are now being raised in wonderful Christian homes thanks to agencies who put the welfare of children first.  That is what is most important, the welfare of these innocent, abandoned children.  As a citizen of the USA I have the right to choose an agency that is faith based.  Please do not take away my freedome to choose!!  See the info listed below:    

• 22 VAC 40-131-170(B) as approved by the State Board of Social Services on April 20, 2011 recognizes the valuable services provided by faith-based child placing agencies and should be upheld.
• 22 VAC 40-131-170(B) as approved on April 20 also upholds current federal and state laws.
• Currently, 42 of the 60 licensed child-placing agencies in Virginia have some sort of religious affiliation. Any regulation that would limit the ability of these agencies to continue their life-saving work would have a lasting, negative impact on children.
• Current Virginia law permits adoption by married couples and single individuals.  
• Many private child-placing agencies have deeply-held religious convictions regarding caring for orphaned and vulnerable children. These agencies have the right to make determinations according to these convictions.
• Many birthparents and prospective adoptive parents also hold sincere religious beliefs on the family and have the right to choose to work with agencies that share these values.
• If the Board of Social Services is truly serious about promoting the best interests of children, it will uphold the freedom of conscience of licensed child placing agencies.