Adoption, Foster Care, and Public Services - Prohibition Against Discrimination

SB 604 prohibits child placement agencies from denying adoption applications based on characteristics like marital status, having other children, not owning a home, or being divorced/separated. It also bans discrimination against adoptive parents or children based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender identity. The bill extends these protections to foster care providers, forbidding discrimination against foster parents, prospective foster parents, or children in foster care due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. It further requires all entities receiving funds from Maryland’s Department of Human Services - including local agencies and service providers - to avoid discrimination in services and employment based on race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other listed traits, with limited exceptions for valid reasons like criminal history or health concerns. This law aims to ensure fair access to adoption, foster care, and human services across Maryland.