Permanency Planning 624-05-15-10

(Revised 1/15/21 ML #3606)

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Permanency planning requires the foster care case manager to engage with the Child and Family Team to develop a goal for the child, tasks to achieve the goal, and defined roles and the responsibilities of all parties involved. Planning for a child’s permanency includes activities to maintain children with their families or place them in the least restrictive most appropriate out of home placement, while maintaining or establishing meaningful connections in the child's life. Permanency varies depending on the child, family, and case circumstances, each case is unique and must be planned for accordingly.

 

Foster care case managers use a variety of strategies to achieve timely permanency for children. When children are placed in foster care it is important that custodial agencies seek a safe and stable placement as quickly as possible. In most circumstances, children can be reunited with their families, but permanency for some children includes identifying alternate long-term options. In North Dakota, the priority (supported by federal regulation) is to achieve permanency or reunify the child/ren within 12 months of removal. Reunification can occur prior to court order expiration as long as reasonable or active efforts are made to ensure the child’s health and safety can be maintained in the home. If reunification is not possible, then reasonable or active efforts must be made to permanently place the child with a fit and willing relative, obtain a legal guardian, or seek an adoptive home, if the child is free for adoption.