Summary
A Washington couple is challenging state officials after they were barred from serving as respite caregivers due to their religious beliefs about human sexuality.
Case Timeline
- October 2022: DCYF declined to accept the DeGrosses’ application to renew their foster license because of their religious beliefs.
- March 2024: ADF attorneys filed a lawsuit challenging Washington’s unconstitutional requirements for prospective foster parents.
- January 2025: The DeGrosses requested a waiver to Washington’s policy.
- August 2025: Washington state granted a license to the DeGrosses containing burdensome requirements singling out Shane and Jennifer because of their religious beliefs.
- October 2025: ADF attorneys filed an amended complaint based on the state’s discriminatory treatment of the DeGrosses.
- April 2026: A federal district court denied Washington’s motion to dismiss with respect to the DeGrosses’ First Amendment claims, allowing the DeGrosses’ central claims in the lawsuit to proceed.
- May 2026: The state of Washington settled, agreeing to a permanent injunction that will now allow religious families to serve as foster parents without promoting gender ideology. The state also agreed to revise its policies and pay $250,000 in attorneys’ fees.
Meet Our Client
Client Story
Commentary
Sidelined by the state
Christiana Kiefer
May 09, 2024
We were loving foster care parents until Washington state insisted we violate our faith
Shane and Jennifer DeGross
March 28, 2024