WHEREAS, the Conference of State Court Administrators recognizes the importance of securing safe, permanent homes for children; and 

WHEREAS, the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) provides structure and accountability critical to ensuring that our nation's children are cared for in safe, permanent homes; and 

WHEREAS, state courts are committed to the effective implementation of ASFA; and 

WHEREAS, historically state courts have not been included in the allocation of federal funding, despite the need for federal funding to assure effective implementation of the responsibilities assigned to them by Congress under ASFA; and 

WHEREAS, Congress considered legislation that would assist state courts in the implementation of ASFA; and 

WHEREAS, the goals and objectives of such legislation included 1) developing automated tracking systems, 2) reducing case backlogs, 3) increased training for judges and non-judicial personnel, 4) providing best practices information, and 5) increased support for guardian ad litem programs, such as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs; and 

WHEREAS, Congress enacted P. L. 106-314 authorizing funding for the above-referenced goals and objectives and appropriated partial funding for FY 2002. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference urges Congress to increase the appropriated funds to the authorized levels in P. L. 106-314 so as to provide the needed federal funding to assist state courts in implementing the provisions of ASFA.   

Recommended By: Courts, Children and the Family Committee
Adoption Date: November 30, 2001
Expiration Date: December 31, 2002

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