Crafting a federal legislative framework for child welfare reform

The nature and scope of the problems plaguing child welfare systems across the country make federal solutions especially urgent. A decade after enactment of the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act (PL 96-272), legislation is pending that builds on its framework to enhance services and supports for vulnerable children and their families. The legislation reflects a growing consensus about the nature of the child welfare crisis and about the reform strategies that will be effective.