What is the Adoption and Safe Families Act?

The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) is a federal law passed in 1997 to promote the safety and permanency of adoption for children in need. ASFA seeks to reduce the amount of time children spend in foster care by requiring states to act quickly when there is a risk to a child’s safety or wellbeing. In Delaware, ASFA requires that if a child has been in foster care for 15 of the last 22 months, child welfare agencies must take action to place the child in a safe, permanent home. Additionally, when an adoption is being finalized, the law requires that all parties involved be fully informed of their rights and responsibilities. ASFA establishes a range of services for parents and families, such as family preservation services, which can help keep families together. It also requires the involvement of families and caregivers in court hearings and other proceedings. Finally, it requires that different organizations and agencies in the child welfare system coordinate the delivery of services to ensure a child’s safety and well-being. By promoting the safety and permanency of adoption for children in need, ASFA seeks to provide more secure and stable home environments for children and families. This law is important because it reminds states of their responsibility to protect the safety of children and ensure they have the support they need to succeed.

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What is the Adoption and Safe Families Act?

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