In permanency planning, with which parties should the LCPAA collaborate to support the child?

• A. Only foster parents.
• B. The court and birth families as appropriate.
• C. Only the child's school.
• D. Only the licensing agency.

Answer: (B)

Permanency planning hinges on engaging the people who govern the child’s path to a stable, permanent arrangement and those who know the child best. Collaborating with the court provides the legal framework, timelines, and orders that guide whenever a child moves toward permanency, ensuring processes stay on track and protections are in place. Involving the birth family as appropriate brings crucial insight into the child’s history, needs, and potential for reunification, and helps build a plan that supports the child’s relationships and long-term stability. The qualifier “as appropriate” recognizes that safety concerns or other factors may limit family involvement in some cases, but when it is appropriate, their participation is essential for meaningful permanency planning. Focusing on only one party—like foster parents, the school, or the licensing agency—omits these critical legal and familial dimensions and can hinder achieving a timely, child-centered outcome.