Massachusetts is facing a foster care crisis. Hundreds of children need safe, stable, and loving homes — yet the state is shutting the door on families ready to help.

A new lawsuit reveals that the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (DCF) has revoked or denied foster licenses to Christian families because of their religious beliefs. Parents are being told they cannot provide foster care unless they sign a state-created agreement requiring them to affirm a child’s gender identity or sexual orientation in ways that may conflict with their faith.

One family, the Joneses, has cared for their foster daughter since she was just seven weeks old. Now, after 17 months of nurturing her as their own, they have been told not only that their license will be revoked, but that DCF may remove their foster child from their home. This child knows no other family — and yet politics, not her best interests, threaten to tear her away.

DCF’s policy is unjust and harmful. It discriminates against foster parents of faith and worsens the foster care shortage across the state. Massachusetts cannot afford to turn away families who are willing and able to provide children with safe, stable, and loving homes. Protecting children means keeping them in environments where they are cared for, not disqualifying parents over personal beliefs.

We call on Governor Maura Healey, DCF Commissioner Charlotte Tharp, and the Massachusetts Legislature to immediately end this discriminatory policy and ensure that all qualified, loving families — including Christian families — can foster children. Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a home filled with care, stability, and love.

This is not about politics. It is about children who desperately need families. It is about protecting the most vulnerable from unnecessary trauma. Massachusetts should welcome all who are willing to open their hearts and homes.

Add your name if you believe Christian families should not be barred from fostering children and that every safe, loving home must be an option for kids in need.