### Question
How does the law define voluntary placement?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 672*, **voluntary placement** is defined as:

> an out-of-home placement of a minor, by or with participation of a State agency, after the parents or guardians of the minor have requested the assistance of the agency and signed a voluntary placement agreement

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 672*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6-THE CHILDREN'S BUREAU > SUBCHAPTER IV-GRANTS TO STATES FOR AID AND SERVICES TO NEEDY FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AND FOR CHILD-WELFARE SERVICES > Part E-Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance**

