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Describes the court system for families whose children have been removed from the home or are at risk for removal. The factsheet addresses legal representation for parents and children, types of court hearings in the child welfare case, and the professionals involved in child welfare hearing. It also provides information about parent’s rights and responsibilities and language commonly used in a child welfare courtroom.

Provides an overview of State laws related to efforts to curtail the practice of some adoptive parents placing their adopted children into the custody of unrelated persons without the oversight of a child welfare agency or court. Such transfers put a child at risk of abuse, neglect, emotional trauma, and placement instability. States are utilizing a variety of approaches to curb the practice, including criminalizing the act, placing limits on the use of a power of attorney for delegating parental authority, and restricting the use of advertising to find placements for a child.

Discusses States laws that permit, regulate, or prohibit the use of advertising or facilitators in private or independent adoptions. Some adoptive parents choose to advertise their interest in adopting, while others may choose to utilize the services of adoption facilitators or intermediaries.

Discusses State laws and policies that provide guidance to caseworkers for conducting safety and risk assessments of families and children who are the subjects of child abuse and neglect reports. Other issues discussed include safety planning, assessments of family strengths and needs, ongoing assessments over the life of the case, and assessments required for reunification or case closure.

Provides an overview of case planning, youth engagement, and the rights of youth in care as well as tips for participating in case planning and becoming involved in advocacy efforts.