The Adoption and Safe Families Act

The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1997 aimed at improving the safety and well-being of children in the foster care system. It emphasizes the importance of finding permanent homes for children quickly, either through adoption or reunification with their families. The law prioritizes children's safety and stability, requiring states to make timely decisions about their living situations. If a child has been in foster care for 15 of the last 22 months, states are encouraged to consider adoption to ensure the child has a secure family environment.