Under the 1980 Act, which title established federal funding for foster care and adoption assistance?

• A. Title IV-E
• B. Title II
• C. Title IV-A
• D. Title VI

Answer: (A)

Federal funding for foster care and adoption assistance was created under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, established by the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980. This title provides federal reimbursement to states for eligible foster care maintenance payments and for adoption assistance to children with special needs, based on a state plan that meets federal requirements. It’s distinct from other titles that fund different programs (for example, other titles cover broad welfare, social security, or child welfare services), making IV-E the specific route for foster care and adoption funding.