She thought over his request, and then she went to the foster-care agency with an unusual request of her own.

But many child-care advocates and officials at the private foster-care agencies are deeply concerned about the plan.

The agency lost several staff members who disagreed with its direction and felt the skepticism of workers at other foster-care agencies.

At the same time, the settlement said that foster-care agencies could not impose their religious beliefs on children in their care.

She called Homes for Black Children, an adoption and foster-care agency.

So far none of the religious foster-care agencies affected by the agreement have said whether they plan to appeal.

Under the settlement, the city has agreed to place children in foster-care agencies without regard to race or religion.

Family Support was established four years ago as part of a state effort to develop minority-run foster-care agencies.

The agency will also be able to hire more workers to supervise foster homes, troubled families and private foster-care agencies.

The survey includes responses from 24 of the 58 foster-care agencies.