42 U.S.C. § 629: Purpose

To prevent child maltreatment among families at risk through the provision of supportive family services. To assure children’s safety within the home and preserve intact families in which children have been maltreated, when the family’s problems can be addressed effectively. To address the problems of families whose children have been placed in foster care so that reunification may occur in a safe and stable manner in accordance with the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. To support adoptive families by providing support services as necessary so that they can make a lifetime commitment to their children. Subject to subsection (b), the amendments made by this Act [enacting sections 629f to 629i of this title and amending this section and sections 629a, 629c, 629d, 629e, 674, and 677 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [ Jan. 17, 2002 ]. In the case of a State plan under subpart 2 of part B or part E of the Social Security Act [probably means subpart 2 of part B or part E of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 629 et seq., 670 et seq.)] that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines requires State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) in order for the plan to meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendments specified in subsection (a) of this section, the State plan shall not be regarded as failing to comply with the requirements of such part solely on the basis of the failure of the plan to meet the additional requirements before the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning after the close of the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Jan. 17, 2001 ]. For purposes of the preceding sentence, in the case of a State that has a 2-year legislative session, each year of the session shall be deemed to be a separate regular session of the State legislature.”