What is the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA) (also known as the Interethnic Adoption provision or IEPA)?
The Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA), 42 U.S.C. 622, 1996b (2000), prohibits any person or government that is involved in adoption or foster care placements from delaying or denying the placement of a child on the basis of the race, color or national origin of the adoptive or foster parent or the child. 42 U.S.C. 1996b(c)(1), 674(d)(4) (2000). It also requires that state plans provide for the diligent recruitment of potential foster and adoptive families that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of children in the state for whom foster and adoptive homes are needed. 42 U.S.C. 622(b)(9) (2000). Having an adequate number of Indian foster and adoptive homes is critical to a states ability to comply with the placement preferences in the ICWA.
Related Questions
- What did the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148) also known as the Affordable Care Act) change about the adoption credit?
- What is the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA) (also known as the Interethnic Adoption provision or IEPA)?
- How does the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 affect placement?
