How should an LCPAA support permanency options, including adoption, guardianship, and relative placements?

• A. Delay permanency planning until court orders are final.
• B. Align services to permanency goals, provide post-permanency supports, and collaborate with the court and birth families as appropriate.
• C. Provide generic services without permanency planning.
• D. Focus only on reunification, ignore guardianship.

Answer: (B)

Permanency planning is about guiding and supporting a child toward a stable, lasting arrangement that fits their needs—whether that’s adoption, guardianship, or placement with relatives—and ensuring that supports continue after the legal change to help the placement last.

The best approach is to align all services and casework with the chosen permanency goal, so every decision, service, and resource actively moves toward that outcome. Providing post-permanency supports helps families navigate the transition, address ongoing challenges, and reduce the risk of disruption. Collaborating with the court ensures that orders, timelines, and requirements stay coordinated, while engaging birth families when appropriate maintains important connections and supports ongoing family involvement, which can improve long-term stability.

Delaying permanency planning until court orders are final, offering only generic services without a focus on a specific permanency path, or concentrating exclusively on reunification while ignoring other options undermines the goal of lasting, safe placements for the child.