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 adoption of children from foster care and protect the safety of children in the system. The Act provides financial incentives for states to adopt children, while ensuring that the safety of these children is the top priority. ASFA requires states to complete a home study and other assessments before an adoption can be finalized. It also sets forth strict timelines for certain aspects of the process, including when a child can be placed for adoption and when a petition for adoption must be filed. Additionally, ASFA sets forth guidelines for the termination of parental rights and outlines the circumstances in which a child can be removed from their birth parents. Finally, the Act requires states to provide post-adoption services, such as counseling and support, to adopted children and their families. All of these elements work to ensure that the adoption process is safe and efficient for all involved.

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What is the Adoption and Safe Families Act?

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