5231 The Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA)/Interethnic Adoption Provisions (IEPA) and The Indian Child Welfare Act

All placement decisions for non-Native American children shall conform to the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA)/Interethnic Adoption Provisions (IEPA). These Acts are intended to:

1. reduce the length of time that children wait to be adopt
2. facilitate the diligent recruitment and retention of foster families and
3. eliminate discrimination on the basis of the race, color, or national origin of either the foster family  or the child.

The placement of a child shall not be delayed while searching for a family of the same racial or ethnic background when there are families of other racial or ethnic backgrounds available who otherwise would be appropriate for the child and would meet the child's social, emotional, and physical needs.

Diligent recruitment of foster families who reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of children needing out of home placement is required.  Non-compliance with these acts constitutes a violation of the Civil Rights Act.

The Indian Child Welfare Act supersedes the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act/Inter Ethnic Adoption Provisions. For information about compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act in regard to out of home placements, refer to Section 0700.