Foster Parents Sue Over Gun Rights

A Kansas City couple is suing the state of Missouri over restrictions on their ownership of a loaded gun. James and Julie Attaway allege in the lawsuit that the Missouri Department of Social Services’ firearms policy violates their rights under the Missouri and U.S. constitutions.

The state doesn’t ban foster parents from owning a firearm as long as they are legally allowed to do so, but they are subject a laundry list of restrictions by the foster care system that requires foster parents to store their firearms and ammunition separately. In addition, guns have to be kept in locked areas that are inaccessible to kids, including their vehicle when transporting a foster child.

The lawsuit claims the restrictions keep foster parents from protecting themselves under the Second Amendment.