The High Cost of Denying Permanency
Prepared by Carl A. Schuh, J.D., M.A. and Karen M. Doering, J.D.
This report addresses the economic impact of maintaining children in foster care when otherwise qualified gay and lesbian individuals and couples are available, able, and willing to adopt, and the resulting costs– both direct and indirect – to the State of Florida. This report also addresses a federal permanency law, the Adoptions and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA), and its fiscal impact on Florida’s foster care system.