In 1996, the Adoption 2002 Initiative was launched to double the number of adoptions of children in foster care by 2002. The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) was passed by Congress just one year later. ASFA builds on the permanency planning policy and practice framework established in 1980 with the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act (P.L. 96-272). ASFA places greater emphasis on children’s need for permanency through preventive and early intervention supports, intensive reunification and concurrent planning services. If these efforts fail within established time frames, ASFA mandates that states then move more quickly to adoption or other family permanency options.