Foster ban on Ark. ballot eliminates waivers (UALR Public Radio) - Backers of a proposed initiated act to ban unmarried couples from adopting or fostering children say it mirrors state policy already in effect on placement of foster children. But the agency overseeing child welfare says it will go even further, removing the possibility of waivers to policies now in force.

The proposed initiated act, aimed at barring gays and lesbians from adopting or fostering children, would take away a little-used power the state has to allow unmarried couples living together to become foster parents. State policy since 2005 has barred placing foster children with unmarried couples living together.

Julie Munsell, spokeswoman for the state Department of Human Services, said the proposed ban regarding foster parents would be even more restrictive by taking away the state's ability to issue waivers to parents on a case-by-case basis.

If the ban is approved by voters in November, the cohabitation restriction would join other restrictions on foster care that cannot be waived by the agency or the Child Welfare Licensing Agency Review Board. They include restrictions banning anyone who has been convicted of felonies on crimes including child abuse, spousal abuse, crimes against children or violent crimes such as rape or murder.


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