Glossary of Terms

A pictorial and written representation of a child’s life that helps them understand what has happened to them during their life. Some information to be included would be birth parent information, birth place, siblings, significant others in their life, places they have lived, etc.

The master of social work (MSW) degree is a professional degree that enables the holder to practice social work independently after completing a specified number of hours of supervised practice, which varies by state, and obtaining certification or licensure, which also varies by state.

The process of finding prospective families suitable for a waiting child, not to be confused with “placement.”

A voluntary, formal method of dispute resolution involving the parties to an agreement and a neutral mediation professional who work collaboratively to reach a mutual agreement.

A federal law since 1994 enforced by state policy discussed in the MEPA bulletin. This law addresses the significance of timely decision making on adoption, with race not being the determinant factor. It also calls for a recruitment plan of adoption and foster care that reflects the types of children represented in the public system.

The master of social work (MSW) degree is a professional degree that enables the holder to practice social work independently after completing a specified number of hours of supervised practice, which varies by state, and obtaining certification or licensure, which also varies by state.

A federal law since 1994 enforced by state policy discussed in the MEPA bulletin. This law addresses the significance of timely decision making on adoption, with race not being the determinant factor. It also calls for a recruitment plan of adoption and foster care that reflects the types of children represented in the public system.