Gay men criticize new adoption, foster care policy

HAMILTON — Grace calls Michael “Daddy,” and calls his partner Andrew “Dada.”

And as the 2-year-old pedaled around Michael’s feet on her red tricycle, Michael said he was “incensed” by a new Butler County Children Services policy that he takes to mean he’ll only be used as a last resort foster or adoptive parent because he’s gay.

The agency quietly created the policy Dec. 8 after Andrew — who asked to not use their last names over safety concerns involving the biological family — adopted Grace after caring for her as a foster father since birth.

The agency’s policy gives traditional married couples preference over single parents or same-sex couples in fostering and adopting children.

Children Services Director Michael Fox said the policy — possibly the only one of its kind in the state — is not meant to discriminate, and the agency didn’t oppose Grace’s adoption.

See Gay men criticize new adoption, foster care policy

Middletown Journal