Trump Administration Revokes Rule Requiring LGBT-Affirming Foster Placements

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration has formally rescinded a Biden-era rule that would have required foster care agencies receiving federal funding to place children identifying as LGBT or with a gender identity different from their biological sex in homes that affirmed those identities.

The regulation, issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in April 2024, never took effect after it was blocked by a federal court. On July 15, the administration removed the rule from the federal regulations, saying the action would eliminate confusion and encourage more families to participate in foster care.

HHS Assistant Secretary Alex Adams said the decision supports First Lady Melania Trump's "Fostering the Future" initiative and the administration's broader effort to recruit additional foster families. Adams argued that the previous policy discouraged many faith-based families from becoming foster parents. "The message that we think it sends is that all families are welcome," he said. He also cited a nationwide shortage of foster homes, adding, "Right now we only have 57 foster families for every 100 children entering the system."

According to the administration, removing the rule will help expand the pool of available foster families by eliminating requirements it says divided prospective parents into ideological categories. Adams also criticized the previous regulation, stating, "The 2024 designated placement rule was one of those things that we think sent the wrong message."

Previously, the UOJ reported that Massachusetts threatened to revoke Christians' foster care license.