Concurrent Planning for Timely Permanency for Children - District of Columbia

Defining Concurrent Planning

Citation: CFSA Perm. Prac. Pol.

In policy: In child welfare practice, 'concurrent planning' refers to the active consideration of, and planning for, different permanency arrangements simultaneously (such as reunification and guardianship). Concurrent planning ensures multiple plans are in place in case the first plan does not work out so that children can achieve permanency timely and not linger in foster care.

State Approaches to Concurrent Planning

Citation: Ann. Code § 4-1301.09a(f); CFSA Perm. Prac. Pol.

Reasonable efforts to place a child for adoption, with an approved kinship caregiver, with a legal custodian or guardian, or in another permanent placement may be made concurrently with the reasonable efforts to preserve and reunite the family, prevent placement, or make it possible for the child to return home, as required by § 4-1301.09a(b).

In policy: Where clinically appropriate, concurrent planning with families begins immediately following removal of a child and the opening of an out-of-home case. Social workers with the Child and Family Services Agency thoroughly present and discuss the concept of guidelines driving the need to potentially move from the primary plan to a concurrent one.