History and Evolution of MEPA and IEPA

1964 Civil Rights Act

Requires that federally-assisted programs are free of discrimination.

 

1994 Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA)

The Multi-Ethnic Placement Act signed into law by President Clinton in October 1994.

 

1996 Inter-Ethnic Adoption Provision

Amended MEPA in 1996. IEAP is commonly referred to and used interchangeably with IEPA.

 

The Law Prohibits Certain Practices

MEPA/IEPA prohibits states or public and private foster care and adoption agencies from

• delaying or denying the placement of any child solely on the basis of race, color, or national origin; and/or
• denying people the right to foster or adopt based on race, color, or national origin. 

 

The Law Mandates Certain Actions

MEPA/IEPA

• requires agencies to provide diligent recruitment of potential foster and adoptive families that
• reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of children in the state for whom foster and adoptive homes are needed.
• Violations of the law should be reported to the local Title VI Coordinator or Director of Social Services. 

I have reviewed the information regarding the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act and the Inter-Ethnic Placement Act and an explanation of the provisions of the laws have been provided to me.