Permanency Guide - Los Angeles County Department of Children ...

RECONSIDERING REUNIFICATION
Exploring permanency options for youth must include considering whether or not it is possible for the youth to safely
return to their parents’ care. It is essential that each youth’s situation be reviewed to determine the best plan for
permanency.
While some youth that remain in out-of-home care lose contact with their families, some youth maintain ongoing contact
and visitation. We must recognize that for some youth, their families of origin remain active, primary connections. It is
a fact that some teens run away from their foster homes and return to the homes of their parents, without Court
approval. We know that some youth in out-of-home care are not open to forming strong connections with other adults
because of the strong bond that they may continue to have with their parents.
In some cases, problems that were factors that resulted in removal of their young children may have improved or may
have resolved for some parents. Some factors that may have posed safety issues for a young child may not be a
serious concern as a child gets older and more independent. A reconsideration of family reunification needs to occur
regularly for all children who are placed in out-of-home care.
Sometimes if a child was originally removed from their mother’s care, placement with the father may not have been
given full consideration. Both parents, as well as maternal and paternal relatives, need to be reconsidered and
regularly assessed when appropriate. Additionally, the circumstances of some extended family members who may
have originally been ruled out for potential placement may have changed.
All options need to be explored and reviewed on a continuous basis.
“The social worker should have the conversation, but we shouldn’t just put permanent
connections on the social worker. Ask the youth who is important in their life. Have them
make a list.”
-- Anonymous foster youth
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