The purpose of this study was to present an analysis of a federal policy, the 1994 Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA), addressing the placement of children of color in the child welfare system. Findings indicated that generally, people of color have not had equal access to civil rights and self-determination and that within the social welfare system and policy mandates, minorities tend to suffer from discrimination by the dominant society.

One neglected provision of MEPA is facilitation of identifying and recruiting foster/adoptive families. Another challenge is that given the increasing burdens on child welfare agencies and decreasing resources available to them, it will be difficult to find time, funding, and supports needed to implement the federal law properly.

Social workers are in a position to influence positive change and ensure that children and families of color are not discriminated against and that children reside in safe and loving homes.