Summarizes a forum convened to discuss the implementation of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-89) and the concern that families of color could be affected negatively. In particular, child welfare practitioners and advocates raised questions about disproportionate scrutiny of families of color, unequal access to services, and other potential biases. Papers addressed: (1) the strengths and challenges of families and communities of color, including African Americans, Native Americans, and Latinos; (2) the intent, major provisions, promises, and concerns of AFSA; and (3) practices, policies, and recommendations in 4 key service areas (adoption, front-loading services, kinship care, and youth-in-care). Among the conclusions were that AFSA is a dramatic change in federal child welfare policy that is marred by misinterpretations. It raises concerns for minority families insofar as child safety, not family preservation, is the primary objective. Children of color have a greater chance of becoming legal orphans, and AFSA does not focus on the reason why they enter the child welfare system in disproportionate numbers.
