Relational permanency is fundamental to the well-being of children and youth. It occurs when young people form lasting, supportive connections that extend beyond their time in foster care. While the primary responsibility of the child welfare system is to promote legal permanency, such as reunification, adoption, and guardianship, it is also important to prioritize relational permanency. Relational permanency is a tool that supports the broader concept of kin-first culture in child welfare—a culture in which children and youth remain supported by and connected to their families, communities, and racial and cultural identities.
The development of lifelong connections is crucial to helping young people navigate adulthood. Connections can include relationships with siblings, other relatives, friends, peers, mentors, and others. Having strong relationships allows young people to feel loved, accepted, and supported throughout their lives. It also provides social connection, a protective factor that can mitigate the effects of trauma and help build resiliency to obstacles and challenges.
Use these resources to learn more about relational permanency, including the importance of emotional connection and support for youth transitioning out of care.
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Promoting Permanency for Older Youth in Out-of-Home Care
Find information for child welfare professionals and others about the importance of permanency for youth and strategies for achieving it. Permanency efforts for youth should include an emphasis on both legal permanency and relational permanency.
Working With Kinship Caregivers
Learn about the benefits of kinship care and how child welfare professionals can promote it by providing kinship caregivers with information, referrals, and support services to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children in their care.
Kinship Care and the Child Welfare System
Find information to help kin caregivers work effectively with the child welfare system. The publication also includes links to more detailed information on places to find support and additional resources to help caregivers learn about child welfare.
Extension of Foster Care Beyond Age 18
Presents State laws and policies regarding services and assistance that support youth in making the transition to successful adulthood and that provide youth the ability to voluntarily extend their placement in out-of-home care.
Belonging Matters - Helping Youth Explore Permanency
Find information for child welfare and adoption professionals to help youth in foster care explore permanency options and the value of secure, permanent connections based on interviews with young people who were adopted or aged out of foster care.
Kinship Guardianship as a Permanency Option
Reviews State laws and policies that allow family members or other persons close to a child who has been placed in out-of-home care to become that's child's permanent guardian providing a legal relationship and reducing needs to terminate parental ri ...Read More