What is the Adoption and Safe Families Act?

The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) is a federal law governing adoption that was enacted in 1997. This law was created to help ensure the safety of children as well as to facilitate the adoption of waiting children so they can find permanent homes. It requires states to take action to ensure that children are in safe environments, including making sure that they are in permanent homes within a reasonable amount of time. This includes providing services such as counseling and other supports to help families stay together, as well as arranging for adoption or guardianship if necessary. In Virginia, ASFA requires the state to make reasonable efforts to ensure that children have safe and permanent placements. This includes providing increased access to services and supports for families, children, and prospective adoptive families. It also requires the state to move quickly to permanent placements for children in foster care. Additionally, it provides that private agencies must comply with state standards and processes when arranging adoptions. It also gives children in foster care greater rights, including the right to be told of available resources and services to help them with their transition into adoption or guardianship arrangements.

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What is the Adoption and Safe Families Act?

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