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

The California Permanency for Youth Task Force has
defined Youth Permanency as follows:
Permanency is both a process and a result that includes involvement of the youth as participants and leaders
in defining for themselves what permanency means and in finding a permanent connection with at least one
committed adult who provides:
♦ A safe, stable and secure parenting relationship,
♦ Love,
♦ Unconditional commitment,
♦ Lifelong support in the context of reunification, a legal adoption or guardianship where possible
♦ The opportunity to maintain contact with important persons, including brothers & sisters,
A broad array of individualized permanent options exist: reunification, adoption and legal guardianship are
three among many that may be appropriate.
With the recognition of the urgent need for permanent, lifelong connections for all youth in foster care, the importance
and need for training and education have become paramount. Traditionally, permanency was only considered an
option for young children. Los Angeles County is challenging this myth. This Guide was developed to serve as a tool
to assist in the consideration and exploration of permanent, lifelong committed relationships and permanent family for
youth in foster care in Los Angeles County. In Los Angeles County all children deserve a legally permanent home
through reunification, adoption or legal guardianship.
Every child has the right to have a permanent, lifelong connection!
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