In terms of child welfare, what does ASFA stand for?

The correct answer is the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), which was enacted in 1997 to promote the adoption of children who are in the foster care system and to ensure their safety. This legislation emphasizes the importance of timely decision-making for children in foster care, advocating for their permanent placement rather than prolonged stays in temporary situations.

ASFA aims to balance the goals of child safety, permanency, and well-being, ensuring that social services prioritize finding stable, loving homes for children as quickly as possible while also safeguarding their welfare. It requires that whenever a child is removed from their home, agencies must assess whether returning home is safe, or if alternative permanent placements, like adoption, are more suitable for the child’s best interests.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary focus of ASFA or the widely accepted terminology within child welfare policy. They are not recognized legal acts related to child welfare and do not capture the essential goals set forth by the legislation regarding adoption and safety.