Laws and Policies

The child welfare system is governed by Federal, State, and local laws and policies that guide how States prevent and respond to child maltreatment, support families, and provide care when children cannot remain safely in their homes. Much of child welfare legislation is specific to States, Tribes, and Territories, with each jurisdiction having its own laws and policies. However, States must comply with Federal laws that guide overarching child welfare practice in the United States. Major Federal legislation includes the following: 

• The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)  
• The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)
• The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)
• The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)

New legislation at the Federal level, such as the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act, often prompts responses from States and can drive positive systems change in child welfare. It’s important that those developing laws and policies partner with communities, adjacent systems, and people with lived experience navigating child welfare processes, as the individuals and communities that are most impacted by regulations have valuable insights and perspectives.

Explore the resources below for more information about major Federal legislation, State statutes, State guides and manuals, and more.

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Can’t find what you need in the filtered results? Try searching our Library catalog to access a large selection of peer-reviewed journal articles, evaluation reports, Children’s Bureau grant materials, research studies, and more.