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In a remarkable story of perseverance against systemic discrimination, Brooklyn foster dads Fernando Canteli and Everson Ladson celebrated the return of their foster children on Christmas Eve, nearly a year after they were taken away in what the couple describes as a case tainted by homophobia.
The journey began in April 2022 when the couple welcomed a 1-year-old boy and a 3-month-old girl into their home. What should have been the start of a loving family arrangement quickly unraveled as their foster care agency began leveling a series of accusations against them.
Initially, the allegations included claims of improper hygiene and unexplained bruises—all of which were investigated and determined to be unfounded. The situation escalated when accusations of sexual abuse were made, despite no evidence supporting such claims. Despite the lack of substantiation, the children were removed from their home.
“We were devastated,” Canteli told Spectrum News NY1. “Everything we built, our family, was just taken away overnight with no real explanation.”
The real motivation behind the removal became clear during a phone call with a caseworker from the foster care agency, who admitted the birth mother’s true objection: “The only issue she has with you is that you guys are a couple. She’s not gonna stop.”
Rather than protecting the foster parents from discriminatory treatment, the agency attempted to permanently close their home, informing the couple that their “type” of foster home wasn’t needed in the system—a thinly veiled reference to their sexual orientation.
Refusing to accept this outcome, Canteli and Ladson appealed the decision to the State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), requesting a “Fair Hearing” to challenge the removal. However, the process proved frustrating when the state judge refused to consider crucial evidence, including the recorded phone call revealing the homophobic motivation behind the case.
“We had clear evidence that we were being discriminated against,” said Ladson. “But nobody wanted to hear it. It felt like we were being punished just for being who we are.”
The couple’s last hope lay with Family Court, where a judge finally intervened with decisive action. The court issued a seven-day deadline for the city to relicense the couple’s home, resulting in the children’s return on Christmas Eve—a timing that felt nothing short of miraculous to the family.
For the 7-year-old girl, who had grown to love her foster fathers, her Christmas wish came true in the most meaningful way possible. “She didn’t ask Santa for toys,” Canteli recalled. “She asked to have her family back together.”
This case highlights ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ parents within the foster care system, despite legal protections against discrimination. According to a 2021 report from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, same-sex couples are seven times more likely to foster children than different-sex couples, yet continue to face barriers in many states.
New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) has stated they are committed to preventing discrimination against prospective foster parents based on sexual orientation. However, Canteli and Ladson’s experience suggests that policies on paper don’t always translate to practice within individual agencies.
The couple’s attorney, who specializes in LGBTQ+ family law, noted that this case is not isolated. “What happened to Fernando and Everson happens to same-sex couples across the country. The difference here is that they had the resources and determination to fight back through the legal system.”
Child welfare advocates point out that such discrimination not only harms potential foster parents but exacerbates the nationwide shortage of qualified foster homes. In New York alone, approximately 7,000 children are in foster care, with agencies consistently reporting difficulties finding enough placement options.
For now, Canteli and Ladson are focused on rebuilding their family life and helping their children process the trauma of separation. The home that once stood empty is again filled with laughter and toys—a testament to their unwavering commitment to provide a loving environment for children in need.
“Love makes a family,” Ladson said. “And we fought for ours because every child deserves a safe, loving home, regardless of who their parents love.”
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9 Comments
It’s unacceptable that these foster parents were subjected to such egregious allegations without evidence. The foster care system must uphold the highest standards of fairness and professionalism to protect the vulnerable children in its care and the families entrusted with their wellbeing.
It’s deeply troubling to see this family torn apart by false allegations. The foster care system should be a place of safety and support, not a breeding ground for discrimination and abuse of power. I hope this case sparks a much-needed reckoning within the system to ensure the rights and dignity of all families are protected.
This is a heartbreaking situation. It’s appalling that these foster parents were subjected to false accusations and discrimination, resulting in the unjust removal of their foster children. I hope the family can heal from this traumatic experience and that reforms are made to prevent such abuses from happening again.
This is a troubling case that underscores the importance of due process and evidence-based decision-making in the foster care system. The alleged homophobia underlying the accusations is particularly concerning and must be addressed to ensure equal treatment for all families.
Absolutely. Fostering should be based on the ability to provide a loving, nurturing home, not on personal biases. I hope this case leads to meaningful reforms that prioritize the well-being of children and protect the rights of foster parents.
This is a heartbreaking story that highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability within the foster care system. No family should have to endure the trauma of losing their children due to unfounded claims and discrimination. I hope this case leads to meaningful reforms to prevent such injustices in the future.
The lack of evidence supporting the allegations and the caseworker’s admission of bias are deeply concerning. This case highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability within the foster care system to protect vulnerable children and their caregivers from discrimination and injustice.
I agree. Foster parents play a vital role, and they deserve to be treated with respect and fairness. This case is a stark reminder that reform is necessary to ensure the system operates with the best interests of children in mind, not prejudice.
It’s disheartening to see this family torn apart due to unfounded claims. The foster care system should be a safe haven for children, not a platform for discrimination. I hope this case prompts a thorough review of policies and procedures to prevent such egregious violations of rights in the future.