Termination of parental rights and adoption in foster care

More about the book

Termination of parental rights (TPR) has evolved into a significant social issue, impacting child-rearing practices and necessitating state intervention in family matters. This study provides empirical evidence on the experiences of children who have faced maltreatment and are placed in foster care, focusing on the TPR process and adoption outcomes. It explores the dynamics of the parent-child relationship and the principles guiding state intervention in cases of abuse and neglect, along with a review of legal standards for involuntary TPR in the context of changing child welfare policies in America. Following the enactment of the ASFA in 1997, there has been a consensus that TPR proceedings should be pursued for foster children who cannot reunite with their biological parents. This shift suggests that involuntary TPR serves as an alternative to family preservation and is crucial for achieving permanency for children in foster care. The study is aimed at social workers, policymakers in child welfare, and family law practitioners, as well as researchers in social practice and policy, child welfare, and family services.