Thread: Qualifications for parents

I check out this "blog" from time to time, and assuming this article is factually correct, it is a bit alarming, if extended to its logical extreme.
Just curious how others look at this, not necessarily the single issue mentioned in the article, but what should be the freedoms of parents to teach their children a certain unique way?

The Future | 2010

I recognize the source can hardly be considered objective in opinion, but I've mostly believed them to be factual in their presentation.

Should foster parents be allowed to teach their children not to trust black people? Or maybe that women were created by Gawd to serve man?

I honestly hope that way of thinking never becomes and issue. This would give the government the right to declare parents unfit just because they wish to teach their kids what their faith believes. There was a separation of Church and State for a reason, don't send us back to the dark ages over ignorance.

I am not against Gay's or Lesbian's, but I do believe parents have the right to raise their kids in their way as long as it is not physically or mentally harmful. Being told their religion does not accept gays or lesbians will not harm anyone, IMO

I wonder if there is more to the story that is not being published.. as in they are trying to foster an older child who has stated he/she is gay and they are trying to "reform" that child.

Most Foster organizations I have dealt with have been faith based ones here in the US so may be one reason this story has not really made any waves here currently.

I don't know how things are in the US. I do know that over here, Child Services is involved in the adoption process, and there are evaluations to determine if you are fit to take care of a kid.

These kids already carry trauma with them. I think it is important that they land in an environment where they can learn to trust and love again, and are cared for.

Now, unless I am mistaken, foster kids are not legally adopted, so they are not 'your' kids. You just care for them. And in that case an ongoing evaluation of th efoster parents is warranted to prevent the kid from ending up worse than they were, without anyone giving a damn.

Originally Posted by TSasser

I am not against Gay's or Lesbian's, but I do believe parents have the right to raise their kids in their way as long as it is not physically or mentally harmful. Being told their religion does not accept gays or lesbians will not harm anyone, IMO

You think a gay or lesbian child being told their religion doesn't accept them wouldn't mentally harm them?

Until someone requires people to take parenting courses and get a permit to have kids there will be unending stories and examples of children being abused both physically an mentally. Since this will never happen the issue will never change. Be it in the name of religion or some other reason really doesn't matter.

I remember early in my career having to investigate a family wanting to adopt a child from Mexico and it was amazing how the prospective father kept equating having the child the same as having a small animal around the house.

Where does one draw the line about what foster parents can and can't teach their children?

What if they believe in creationism?
What if they are communists?
What if they do/don't believe in global warming?
What if they are vegans?
What if they are members of a militia?
What if they...

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I remember early in my career having to investigate a family wanting to adopt a child from Mexico and it was amazing how the prospective father kept equating having the child the same as having a small animal around the house.

There's a difference???

Originally Posted by Bruce

There's a difference???

A dog will scratch on the door when it needs to go... A small child just lets 'er fly.