Religious Rights of Youth in Out-of-Home Care - District of Columbia

Youths' Religious Rights
Citation: D.C. Code § 16-2301; Code of Mun. Regs. § 29-6004

The term 'residual parental rights and responsibilities' means the rights and responsibilities remaining with the parent after transfer of legal custody, including the right to determine religious affiliation.

In regulation: A child in foster care has a right to the following:

• To receive reasonable accommodation to attend religious services, events, and activities of their choice 
• Not to be coerced into attending religious services, events, or activities against their belief 

Agency Responsibilities 
Citation: Code of Mun. Regs. § 29-6020

A foster parent shall do the following:

• Recognize, encourage, and support the religious beliefs, ethnic heritage, and language of a foster child and their family
• Not coerce a foster child into attending or participating in religious activities or ethnic events against their will
• Provide or arrange transportation to religious services or ethnic events for a foster child

Addressing Grievances
Citation: Code of Mun. Regs. § 29-6004

A child in foster care has a right to the following:

• To be permitted to report concerns regarding care, placement, and services to the Child and Family Services Agency and to be free from retaliation or threats of retaliation for reporting a concern
• To receive an explanation of the process for reporting concerns to the agency and receive a timely response when a concern is reported to the agency