Policies vary not only from state to state but also from county to county. But it presents a problem, because the system is so fragmented, and too many things are going wrong because of poor communication. Earlier this year the Governor of Colorado appointed a task force to study reform after three foster kids died in 18 months. So the state simply granted them permanent licenses, and foster kids suffered. As it is, however, the new federal policies may engender a whole new set of problems.
Critics say the reforms put a bounty on the heads of unwanted children.
In fact, if they place the same child again, they collect another bounty.