Adoption and race: Implementing the multiethnic placement act and the interethnic adoption provisions

Passage of the Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 (MEPA) and the 1996 provis ions on Removal of Barriers to Interethnic Adoption (Interethnic Adoption P rovisions) provides an ideal opportunity to examine what can be done to inc rease adoptions of foster children, particularly children of color. To assi st states and child welfare professionals in serving children better and me eting legal obligations, this article discusses racial matching, MEPA, and the Interethnic Adoption Provisions. Implications for practice and challeng es in implementing the law also are discussed. The article suggests princip les for adoption practice, recruitment, and placement that provide a framew ork for simultaneously meeting the requirements of the law and sewing the b est interests of children. Recommendations for practice, policy, and resear ch are offered.