Certified Case Manager Practice Test

What does the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA) prohibit?

1. Delaying any adoption or placement due to financial reasons

2. Delaying placements based on health considerations

3. Denial of placements due to race or national origin

4. Termination of parental rights

The correct answer is: Denial of placements due to race or national origin

The Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA) primarily addresses the issue of racial and ethnic discrimination in the placement of children in foster care and adoptive situations. Its main aim is to ensure that decisions regarding the placement of children are not influenced by the race or national origin of either the child or the prospective adoptive parents. By prohibiting denial of placements based on race or national origin, MEPA promotes a more inclusive approach to child welfare services, emphasizing the importance of finding the best possible homes for children, regardless of these factors. This legislative measure was introduced to combat the notion that children should only be placed with families of the same race or background, which can lead to longer waiting times for children in need of homes. MEPA seeks to expedite placements and enhance the welfare of children by making the adoption process more equitable and accessible to all potential families. In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of the placement process or legal rights that MEPA does not specifically address, thus reinforcing the focus of MEPA on race and national origin as a unique area of concern in the adoption and foster care systems.