December 2020 – A faith-based adoption agency in New York state has been authorized to continue services in accordance with its religious convictions. Syracuse-based New Hope Family Services (NHFS) has been embroiled in a legal dispute with the Office of Children and Family Services because the agency will only place children in a home that includes a married mother and father. Government officials accused NHFS of intolerance and gave two choices: violate their convictions or shut down.
Assisted by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), NHFS filed suit in federal court, but the suit was thrown out.
However, in July, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the lower court’s dismissal, and on October 5 ruled the state cannot strip NHFS’s authorization to place children in homes while the lawsuit proceeds. ADF attorney Roger Brooks said the ruling “is great news for children waiting to be adopted and for the parents partnering with our client, New Hope Family Services, to provide loving, stable homes.”
