ASFA: Intentions and Results

The Center for the Study of Social Policy in collaboration with the Urban Institute commissioned a series of papers to analyze the implementation and effects of the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA).

Intentions and Results: A Look Back at the Adoption and Safe Families Act begins with a framework piece that provides an overview of the ASFA legislation, and analyzes state implementation efforts, the effects on service delivery and agency culture, and trends in outcomes for children and families since ASFA’s inception. Five perspective papers follow which capture the experiences from parents and youth directly affected by the legislation; the point of view from one of the original drafters of the law; a child welfare leader who has experienced these reform efforts firsthand; and, a judge charged with enforcing the law. The series include seven policy briefs by researchers, advocates, and policy analysts who examined the implications of ASFA for specific populations, such as parents who have a mental health or substance abuse illness. The series concludes with a set of recommendations from the Center for the Study of Social Policy.

For policies to safely increase exits from foster care to reunification, guardianship and adoption.