Religious Rights of Youth in Out-of-Home Care - Arkansas
Youths' Religious Rights
Citation: Ann. Code § 9-28-1003
A child in foster care has the right to be cared for without regard to race, gender, religion, or disability.
Agency Responsibilities
Citation: Ann. Code § 9-28-106; DCFS Pol. & Proc. Man., Pol. VI-A; Resource Parent Handbook
If a child's birth parent expresses a preference for placing the child in a foster or adoptive home of the same or a similar religious background to that of the parent, the Department of Human Services shall do either of the following:
- Place the child with a family that meets the parent's religious preference
- Place the child with a family of a different religious background that is knowledgeable and appreciative of the child's religious background if a family with the same or a similar religious background is not available
In policy: If the birth parent expresses a preference for placing a child in a home of the same or similar religious background to the parents, the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will place the child with a family that meets the parent's religious background. If a family with the same or similar religious background is not available, DCFS will place the child with a family of a different religious background that is knowledgeable and appreciative of the child's religious background.
From the handbook: The resource parent must do the following:
- Recognize, encourage, and support the religious beliefs, ethnic heritage, and language of children in their care
- Arrange transportation to religious services or ethnic events for a child whose beliefs and practices are different from their own and who wishes to attend such events
- Not coerce children into participation in religious activities or ethnic events against their will
Addressing Grievances
This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.