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Trump's Appointee Challenges Gender Policies for Foster Youth

10/25/2025

Summary

Story summary

Alex Adams, appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump to oversee child welfare, sent letters to five states urging amendments to policies that require foster parents to affirm foster youths' gender identities.
He asserts these policies are unconstitutional and that policies prioritizing ideology over children's best interests must be corrected.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) criticized the administration's approach as harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.
States such as Washington are reviewing their responses to these directives.

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Story summary

Alex Adams, appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump to oversee child welfare, sent letters to five states urging amendments to policies that require foster parents to affirm foster youths' gender identities.
He asserts these policies are unconstitutional and that policies prioritizing ideology over children's best interests must be corrected.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) criticized the administration's approach as harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.
States such as Washington are reviewing their responses to these directives.