This books examines the efficacy of a Federal Law, MEPA-IEP, that was instituted to protect children languishing in the foster care system and decrease length of stay in foster care, especially for minority children who remained in foster care longer for a permanent placement. However, in a study of foster care children in Hamilton County, Ohio regarding length of stay in foster care, it appeared that length of stay prior to obtaining a permanent placement was not positively affected for minority children.

Andrea L. O¿Brien, PhD, MSW, LSW; Studied Human Services at Capella University-PhD. Pulmonary Clinical Social Worker II at Cincinnati Children¿s Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio. Studied Social Work at University of Cincinnati for Graduate School and Bowling Green State University for Undergraduate School, majoring in Children and Family Dynamics.