Legislation

Legislative resources related to adoption and foster care.


Recent Legislation:


Child & Family Services Improvement Act of 2006

[PL 109-288, US DHHS/ACF]

Signed: September 28, 2006

Full Text (PDF 87 KB/24 pages)

Information Memorandum (PDF 50 KB/8 pages)

Elements:

  • Changes to Title IV-B, Supbarts 1 & 2
  • Reauthorization of Promoting Safe & Stable Families (PSSF) & the basic grant under the Court Improvement Program

Safe & Timely Interstate Placement of Foster Children Act of 2006

[PL 109-239, US DHHS/ACF]

Signed: July 3, 2006

Full Text (PDF 43 KB/8 pages)

Information Memorandum (PDF 456 KB/1 page)

Elements: The law amends Titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act (the Act), encourages States to improve protections for children and holds them accountable for the safe and timely placement of children across State lines.


Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006

[HR4472]

Full Text (PDF 182 KB/64 pages)

Elements: Requires child welfare agencies to perform background, criminal and child abuse checks prior to approving any foster or adoptive placement. State registries must also be checked for both prospective foster or adoptive parents, as well as any other adults living in the home. The new legislation makes these requirements mandatory and states will no longer have the ability to "opt out" after October 1, 2006.


Articles and Reports:


Trends in U.S. Foster Care Adoption Legislation: A State by State Analysis

http://www.urban.org/publications/411380.html

Sponsor: The Urban Institute

Description: This study reviews state legislation since 2002 related to the adoption of children from foster care. The authors examine both the unaddressed barriers to adoption as well as the ways in which legislation supports families after they have adopted from foster care.

Date: November 2006


State Child Welfare Legislation 2005

http://www.ncsl.org/print/cyf/cwlegislation05.pdf (PDF 875 KB/48 pages)

Sponsor: National Conference of State Legislatures

Description: This report summarizes and documents significant legislation passed in the 2005 calendar year by state legislatures. The report is organized by general topic area and helps illustrates trends in legislation and focus.

Date: July 2006


Online Resources:


Thomas - Legislative Information from the Library of Congress

http://www.thomas.gov/