| The purpose of this thesis was to analyze the Adoptions and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997 and how it has affected African American kinship caregivers. This study utilized David Gil's policy analysis framework to analyze the ASFA of 1997 as well as primary and secondary data. This analysis specifically examines whether the provisions within the legislature have provided adequate support to African American kinship caregivers toward accomplishing the intended goal of achieving permanency for foster children. The study also explores how the ASFA of 1997 has impacted parents' ability to reunify with their children within the time frames set by the policy. In addition, the types of services received, the characteristics of the African American kinship caregivers, the barriers that they come across, and the consequences for this population are discussed. Finally, the implications for social work practice and policy are discussed. |
