Religious Rights of Youth in Out-of-Home Care - Louisiana
Youths' Religious Rights
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 46:286.16; Admin. Code tit. 67, § 7313(Q)(13)
Youth aged 14 through 18 in foster care have the right to refuse involvement in religious-based activities and the right to continue their cultural, religious, and ethnic traditions and belief systems.
In regulation: A youth has the right to consult with clergy and participate in religious services in accordance with their faith but shall not be forced to attend religious services.
Agency Responsibilities
Citation: Ch. Code art. 683(D); Admin. Code tit. 67, § 7313(Q)(13)
In committing a child to the custody of another suitable individual or a private agency or institution, the court shall, whenever practicable, select an individual, agency, or institution of the same religious affiliation as the child or the parents.
In regulation: The provider shall have a written policy outlining its religious orientation, particular religious practices observed, and any religious restrictions. This description shall be provided to the youth and the youth's legal guardian on admission. When appropriate, the provider shall determine the wishes of the legal guardian regarding religious observance and make every effort to ensure that these wishes are carried out. The provider shall ensure the foster parent arranges transportation and encourages participation by youth who desire to participate in religious activities in the community.
Addressing Grievances
Citation: Admin. Code tit. 67, § 7313(U)
The provider shall have written policies and procedures outlining the process by which a youth may file a grievance against the child-placing agency or foster/adoptive parent without fear of retaliation.
The written grievance procedure shall include a formal process for the youth to file grievances, including procedures for filing verbal, written, or anonymous grievances. The written grievance procedure shall include a formal process for the provider to respond to the youth's grievance within 5 calendar days of receipt of the grievance.
The provider shall have documentation signed and dated by the youth, if developmentally appropriate, acknowledging that a written copy of the grievance procedure was provided to the youth within 10 calendar days of entering the program.
The provider shall maintain a log documenting all verbal, written, and anonymous grievances filed. This documentation shall include the date of the grievance, action taken by the provider in response to the grievance, and any follow-up action involving the youth.