Certified Case Manager Practice Test

What does the law say regarding discrimination in adoption and foster care placements?

1. Race and ethnicity must be considered

2. Adoption can be denied based on race

3. There should be no discrimination based on race, color, or national origin

4. Only single parents can adopt

The correct answer is: There should be no discrimination based on race, color, or national origin

The law promotes the principle that there should be no discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in adoption and foster care placements. This is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a loving home, and the criteria for placement should focus on the best interests of the child rather than on the race or ethnicity of the adoptive parents. Various laws, such as the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA) and the Interethnic Adoption Provisions, specifically prohibit agencies from denying or delaying adoption or foster care placements based on these characteristics. This framework aims to foster an inclusive environment where all potential adoptive parents, regardless of their background, are treated equally and assessed based on their ability to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for children in need. In contrast, considering race and ethnicity in placements or denying adoption based on race would violate these laws and contradict the overarching goal of ensuring that all children have access to family environments regardless of the racial or ethnic background of their potential guardians. Similarly, limitations posed on who can adopt based on their marital status, such as only allowing single parents, do not reflect current legal standards or societal understanding of family structures.