What is the Adoption and Safe Families Act?

The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) was enacted in 1997 and is a federal law that outlines the procedures and guidelines for adoption in the United States. In Washington specifically, the ASFA outlines the rights of both adoptive parents and biological parents, establishes safety requirements for adoptive homes and requires states to provide services that facilitate adoption. The ASFA states that when a child has been in foster care for at least 15 out of the most recent 22 months, states must begin the termination of parental rights process for the child’s biological parents in order to make the child available for adoption. The ASFA also requires that states provide financial support for legal and court costs associated with adoption and to provide services that promote reunification of families if the child is returned home. The ASFA also creates safety requirements for adoptive homes and outlines policies for international adoptions as well. A home must meet specific guidelines of the state and pass inspections to be considered for adoption and states should ensure that any adoptions from abroad are done legally and with the child’s best interests in mind. All in all, the Adoption and Safe Families Act is a federal law that provides guidance and sets standards to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children who are placed in adoptive homes in the state of Washington. Its main purpose is to ensure that children who are put up for adoption have their best interests taken into account and are placed in a safe and healthy environment.

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What is the Adoption and Safe Families Act?

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