What is the Adoption and Safe Families Act?

The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) is a federal law that was passed in 1997. It provides a framework for states to use when dealing with child welfare as it relates to adoption. In Pennsylvania, it is used to ensure the safety of children and to help create more stable and permanent homes for them. The main purpose of ASFA is to reduce the amount of time that children spend in the foster care system and to increase the number of adoptions from the child welfare system. ASFA sets standards for when a child should be removed from their family and when the family should be given support services in order to attempt to reunify the family. It also requires states to develop plans to better protect children from abuse and neglect and to increase stability in their lives. The law also requires that states expedite the process of adoption for children in the foster care system. In Pennsylvania, ASFA is used to ensure the safety of children and to help create more stable and permanent homes. If a child is determined to be at risk of harm, the court must act quickly to provide services and support to the family. If these services are unsuccessful, the court may legally terminate the parental rights so that a child can be adopted by a suitable family. ASFA is an important law that can help ensure the safety and well-being of children in Pennsylvania and across the country.

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What is the Adoption and Safe Families Act?

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