House Sponsors: HOWARD. Short description: ADOPTION-AFRICAN AMERICAN CHLD Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Creates the African American Heritage Child Welfare Act. Provides that a child welfare agency or a court shall ensure that an African American child's best interest is met by giving due consideration to the African American child's race, culture, and ethnic heritage in making a foster family or adoptive home placement, and in placements in juvenile court and guardianship cases. Provides that preference in placement shall be first with a relative or relatives, second, with an African American family, and third, with a family of a different racial, cultural, and ethnic heritage that is knowledgeable and appreciative of the African American child's racial, cultural, and ethnic heritage, and has on-going contact with people in the African American community. Makes provision for the keeping of records, recruiting foster and adoptive families, and rule-making. FISCAL NOTE (Department of Children and Family Services) There would be federal penalties which would ultimately lead to loss of federal funding for DCFS services. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: 01-01-09 Location: House Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 0 SENATE - 0 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status