Index
Family LawUnited States

Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)

Summary

Federal law designed to ensure child safety and reduce the time children spend in foster care by setting strict timelines for permanency planning and adoption.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Right to health and safety as the primary concern in foster care placement
  • 02.
    Right to a permanent home in a timely manner
  • 03.
    Expedited adoption process if a child has been in foster care for 15 of the last 22 months

Penalties

  • 01.
    Loss of federal funding for state child welfare agencies
  • 02.
    Mandatory filing for termination of parental rights in specific scenarios
  • 03.
    State-level sanctions for failing to meet safety standards

Verified Citations

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