Federal Law
States are entitled to make their own laws regarding foster care and adoption. However, to receive money from the federal government to pay for foster care and adoption services, states must comply with federal law. The fundamental challenge in child welfare is to balance a parent’s right to raise their child with the state’s obligation to ensure every child’s needs for safety, permanency and well-being. The following resources should help you understand the basics about federal mandates which establish nationwide standards for ensuring that children in foster care end up with a permanent, loving family. In particular, we recommend you explore “Intentions and Results” a collection of reports and perspectives on the groundbreaking 1997 Federal ASFA legislation.
- ASFA Overview
- Intentions and Results: A Look Back at ASFA Legislation (pdf)
- National Legal Resource Manual for Foster Parents
- Legal Resource Manual Training Curriculum
- Federal Legislation Re: Child Protection, Child Welfare, and Adoption: CWIG Overview
- Fostering the Future: Strengthening Courts for Children in Foster Care
- Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008
- Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (pdf)
- Safe and Timely Interstate Placement of Foster Child Act of 2006 (pdf)
- Achieving Permanence For Children In the Child Welfare System: Pioneering Possibilities Amidst Daunting Challenges (pdf)
- Executive Summary - Caregivers and the Courts: Improving Court Decisions for Children in Care or Full Report (pdf)
