Module Eight: Promoting Permanency Outcomes

Session 1: An Overview of Permanency Planning Practice
We discuss the risk of children from temporary placements and multiple moves. Concurrent planning is the main focus of the session with reunification as the primary goal of permanency, but still identifying and planning for an alternative. We have several exercises to identify the challenges of concurrent planning, our strengths and the supports we would need to carry out the process.

Session 2: Understanding Permanency Goals
We focus on the circumstances that contribute to the selection of each permanency goal as well as the benefits and challenges of each. We discuss several case studies and work out permanency goals. We also examine the needs of older children and their journey to permanenecy and life on their own.

Session 3: Supporting Children's Transition to Permanent Homes through Reunification or Adoption Placement, Part 1
We reinforce that reunification is a primary child welfare goal. We explore our feelings, that child's feelings, and the feelings of the birth parents as a child transitions from our home. We look at the tasks related to carrying out an adoption placement plan. We investigate adoption from your point of view as well as the child's and the adoptive parents.

Session 4: Supporting Children's Transition to Permanent Homes through Reunification or Adoption Placement, Part 2
We discuss the differences between foster care and adoption. We investigate the possible decision to adopt. We explore the need to anticipate challenges as an adoptive family and develop strategies for managing those challenges.