Religious Rights of Youth in Out-of-Home Care - Iowa

Date: January 0224

Youths' Religious Rights
Citation: Admin. Code 441-113.16

Each child in out-of-home care shall be given an opportunity, in consultation with the child's parents, to participate in the child's culture and religion. Children shall not be required to participate in religious training or observances contrary to the wishes of the birth or adoptive family or the religious beliefs of the child.

Agency Responsibilities 
Citation: Admin. Code 441-108.7; 441-114.15; 441-202.11; DHS Man. Tit. 18, Ch. D(1)  

The child-placing agency shall have a written policy on religious participation and training for foster children. The agency shall provide the policy to parents and foster parents and ensure that it is adhered to in each foster home.

A child-caring facility shall have a written description of its religious orientation, particular religious practices that are observed, and any religious restrictions. This description shall be provided to the child, the parent(s) or guardian, and the child-placing agency at the time of admission.

When a facility accepts a child, the child shall have the opportunity to participate in religious activities and services in accordance with their own faith or that of their parent(s) or guardian. The facility shall, when necessary and reasonable, arrange transportation for religious activities. Wherever feasible, the child shall be permitted to attend religious activities and services in the community.

Throughout the provision of care, the foster care provider shall actively ensure that the child stays connected to the child's kin, culture, and community as documented in the child's case permanency plan.

In policyThe child shall have opportunities for religious and spiritual development that do not conflict with the religious preference of the child's parents or the child's own religious faith. The parents' preference regarding the extent of the child's participation in religious activities shall be considered. Foster parents may discuss religious preferences with the child, including church attendance and religious or spiritual activities.

Addressing Grievances
Citation: Comm. 437 (Iowa Foster Child and Youth Bill of Rights)

In policy: Youth have the right to seek assistance if their rights are not being met.