By Steven Allen Adams, The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Lawmakers want to see the pool of available families willing to foster children increase, but some believe hindrances — such as concerns over vaccines or having certain political beliefs foisted upon them — need removed.
The House Human Services Subcommittee held an information gathering meeting Monday afternoon for House Bill 2376, exempting foster parents from having to show proof of vaccination; and House Bill 2033, relating to foster or adoption parents sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity.
HB 2376 aims to prevent the Department of Human Services (DoHS) from mandating immunizations for the biological children of parents/guardians wishing to participate in the state’s foster care program if the foster parent objects to immunizations based on religious or moral beliefs.
According to the bill’s lead sponsor — Subcommittee Chairman Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis — the intended effect is to allow individuals with religious or conscientious objections to the state’s requirements for school-age immunizations to become foster parents without requiring their own children to be vaccinated in order to broaden the pool of potential foster parents in West Virginia.