[19971124]97-491EPW_第105届国会的收养促进立法.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web97-491 EPWUpdated November 24, 1997Adoption Promotion Legislationin the 105 CongressthKaren SparEducation and Public Welfare DivisionSummaryPresident Clinton signed the Adoption and Safe Families Act into law onNovember 19, 1997, after the House and Senate approved final versions of thelegislation on November 13. The new law (P.L. 105-89) is intended to promoteadoption or other permanent arrangements for foster children who are unable to returnhome, and to make general improvements in the nations child welfare system. Thelegislation responds to concerns that children are remaining in foster care unnecessarilylong, that their adoption rate is low, and that additional safeguards are needed to ensuretheir safety. The House initially passed legislation (H.R. 867) on April 30 by a vote of416-5, and the Senate passed an amended version on November 8. A compromiseversion was passed on November 13, by a vote of 406-7 in the House and by unanimousconsent in the Senate. This report discusses the final version of the legislation, asenacted into lawBackgroundMore than half a million childre