Reasonable Efforts? Has this really happened for Our Families?

 Here is how the term "Reasonable Efforts" for our families begin:
"In 1980, Congress passed the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act. ¹ The Adoption Assistance Act requires, in part, that states receiving federal monies under the Act make "reasonable efforts" to prevent the removal of children from their homes and, whenever possible, to reunify children placed in foster care with their families." (Reference)

It can not be denied that child abuse exists. Nor can it be denied that a child needs a permanent home. However, has the government taken steps to assist parents and children to provide direction to show parents how to be successful in raising their family. Or has the government taken advantage of this Incentive Program for their own personal gain?

Please note, in  2008, in the legislation there is now a "New and Improved?" Incentives Package.

• Related Reading:
  Reasonable Efforts: A Judicial Perspective
      (Original Source:http://www.nationalcasa.org/download/Judges_Page/0710_reasonable_efforts_in_the_dependency_court_issue_0119.pdf )
• The Timing of Termination of Parental Rights: A Balancing Act for Children's Best Interest- "The purpose of this research brief is to describe the perspectives and experiences of judges in making decisions around termination of parental rights and, in particular, the challenges faced when making TPR decisions. The findings can inform child welfare officials and state and federal policymakers on current judicial practices related to TPR and adoption. " (Download PDF File)
• MAKING REASONABLE EFFORTS

DEVELOPED WITH SUPPORT FROM THE EDNA MCCONNELL CLARK FOUNDATION
http://familyrightsassociation.com/bin/white_papers-articles/reasonable_efforts/

Photography: Marlene Desautels and Ralph Granich
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Copyright © 2000 Youth Law Center
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1
SUMMARY OF GUIDELINES FOR ATTORNEYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7
GUIDELINES FOR ATTORNEYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	11
Responsibilities of All Attorneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	11
1. Responsibilities Prior to Representing a Client in a Dependency Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	11
2. Responsibilities After Undertaking Representation of a Client in a Dependency Case . . .	14
Additional Responsibilities of Attorneys for Parents or Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
Additional Responsibilities of Agency Attorneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23
SUMMARY OF GUIDELINES FOR JUDGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
GUIDELINES FOR JUDGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34
Monitoring Social and Legal Services to Children and Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34
Making Reasonable Efforts Determinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	38
SUMMARY OF GUIDELINES FOR CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
GUIDELINES FOR CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
Establishing Programs of Preventive, Reunification, and Permanency Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
Making Reasonable Efforts in Each Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	65
RESOURCE ORGANIZATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
INTERNET RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	72
REFERENCE LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75

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Copyright © 2002

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May you find Strength in Your Higher Power,
Granpa Chuck
Keeper of the web files for http://nfpcar.org