This booklet was created to assist parents as they prepare to go into the courtroom with their child/ren. It was intended to answer some of
the questions that may arise prior to or throughout the court hearing process. Originally developed by the IARCA Adoption & Safe Families Act Task Force, the booklet provides answers to questions that many parents have throughout these proceedings. It was also
developed in response to the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, an Act which was signed into law for the purpose of improving
the safety of children, to promote adoption and other permanency plans for children, and to support families.