Introduces special journal issue and highlights federal initiatives that have increased attention on adoption as a service for children in out-of-home care who cannot or will not be returned home. Notes several factors underpinning legislation, including growth in number of children who need adoption planning and services; and low rates of…

As part of their efforts to help the child welfare system develop integrated strategies, approaches, and policies that assist agencies as they recruit and prepare foster families, adoptive families, and staff to meet the needs of adolescents in foster care, the National Resource Center for Youth Development engaged in a year-long study of child…