Coats Supports Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act

Press Release

Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.), chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, today announced that he is supporting the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2015 (S.667). The bill would protect religious organizations that provide child welfare services, including foster care work, counseling and adoption services, from losing federal funding because of religious beliefs.

"All children deserve safety and proper care, and many religious organizations have a long history of providing these important services," said Coats. "We should not eliminate funding to these groups simply because of their religious beliefs. This bill prevents discrimination against organizations with religious affiliations and ensures that communities, parents and children will have access to a wide range of services that fit their needs."

Several states have barred religious organizations from continuing to provide child welfare services. In Illinois, children were displaced when Catholic Charities was no longer allowed to operate as a service provider because of its religious association.

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