What does the Inter-Ethnic Placement Act (IEPA) seek to prevent?

The Inter-Ethnic Placement Act (IEPA) is designed to ensure that children in the foster care system are placed in homes without discrimination based on their race, color, or national origin. This act was established to combat practices that might delay or obstruct adoptive placements for children from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The rationale behind this legislation is rooted in the understanding that a child's best interest lies in secure and stable placements, rather than allowing racial or ethnic considerations to impede the child's chance of finding a loving home. By focusing on preventing discrimination in these areas, the IEPA facilitates a more equitable approach to child placement, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be placed in a nurturing environment regardless of their background.