The ultimate goal for children and youth in foster care is for them to transition to safe and legally permanent families. As youth age, however, they are less likely than younger children in foster care to achieve legal permanency. Youth who exit care without achieving permanency are at risk for a number of negative outcomes, including lower income, poorer health, and higher arrest rates. Agencies can and should seek legal permanency for youth, and there are various strategies for doing so. Additionally, agencies can help youth establish and maintain meaningful connections with caring adults who can provide guidance and support.
20 Things a Permanent Connection Means to Me (PDF - 7,035 KB)
Fresno County Department of Children and Family Services, California Permanency for Youth Project Initiative (2006)
In Finding Permanency for Youth: Resource Handbook
Offers a list of what permanent connections mean to a group of current and former youth in foster care and on probation polled in California.
Foster Youths' Views of Adoption and Permanency (PDF - 119 KB)
Chambers, Zielewski, & Malm (2008)
Urban Institute
Examines foster youths' views of adoption, permanency, and adoption recruitment.
Permanency or Aging Out: Adolescents in the Child Welfare System (PDF - 831 KB)
LaLiberte & Snyder (2009)
CW360: A Comprehensive Look at a Prevalent Child Welfare Issue
Focuses on permanency and aging out of foster care for adolescents and includes recommended practice approaches and resources to assist those working with adolescents in the child welfare system.
2008 National Convening on Youth Permanence: Recommendations of Youth and Young Adults (PDF - 73 KB)
Hudson, John, Young, Webb, Mason, & Sanders (2008)
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Summarizes a discussion session about permanency by more than 30 youth and young adults.