When children are placed in out-of-home care (also called foster care), it is imperative that child welfare agencies find safe, permanent homes for them as quickly as possible. In most circumstances, children can be reunited with their families, but in some cases children find homes with relatives or adoptive families. When helping children and families achieve permanency, child welfare professionals must balance an array of issues, including needs of the child and the family, as well as legal requirements. For instance, families may be experiencing issues such as substance abuse, mental illness, or domestic violence, which may increase the risk of child maltreatment. They may also be involved in multiple systems. In addition, there are many Federal and State laws that outline requirements for the permanency process. This section includes resources to help guide child welfare professionals, as well as families and youth, through the permanency process and help ensure safe, stable, and long-lasting outcomes for children.
Overview
Provides an introduction to permanency for children and youth in out-of-home care
Reunifying families
Offers resources about strategies for returning children to their families, including families affected by substance use, behavioral or physical health issues, domestic violence, or incarceration
Recruiting and retaining resource families
Addresses how agencies can effectively recruit and retain kin, foster, and adoptive families for children who have been removed from their homes
Permanency with relatives/kin
Provides information about supporting relatives that care for children who have been removed from their homes
Guardianship
Addresses guardianship options for children in out-of-home care, including standby and subsidized guardianships
Adoption from foster care
Addresses issues regarding the adoption of children who are in the custody of a State, county, or Tribal child welfare agency
Permanency for specific populations
Provides resources regarding permanency for youth, children and youth from minority groups, children and youth with disabilities, and immigrant children and youth
Legal and court issues in permanency
Provides information about Federal and State laws related to permanency, as well as strategies for working with the courts
Interjurisdictional issues in permanency
Offers information about the interjurisdictional placement of children, including the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) and the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (ICAMA)
Working with children, youth, and families in permanency planning
Addresses ways in which child welfare professionals can engage various family members in permanency efforts
Working with children, youth, and families after permanency planning
Provides information about working with families after children have achieved permanency through reunification, kinship care, guardianship, or adoption
Resources for administrators and managers about permanency
Offers information for child welfare administrators and managers about how to support and improve permanency efforts in their agencies, including resources on systems change, financing, staffing and supervision, and barriers to permanency
Resources for youth and families about permanency
Highlights resources that are intended for youth; parents whose children have been removed from their homes; and kin, foster, and adoptive parents