Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System

The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) is a federal data collection program that tracks children in foster care and those adopted from foster care in the United States. It gathers detailed information from state agencies about the number of children in care, their ages, reasons for removal, and adoption status. This data helps policymakers, child welfare agencies, and the public understand trends, improve services, and ensure children receive safe and appropriate placements. AFCARS plays a key role in monitoring the child welfare system’s effectiveness and guiding improvements.