5260 Transition to Alternate Permanency Options
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5260 Transition to Alternate Permanency Options

 

  1. When reintegration is no longer a viable option, an alternate permanency goal shall be established, or the concurrent goal shall become the primary goal.  The change in Case Plan goal shall be documented and recommended to the court prior to the permanency hearing. The Child Welfare Case Management Provider shall review and update the needs assessment and social history of the child at this time. Issues to consider when planning for an alternate permanency:
    1. safety of the child(ren)
    2. well-being of the child(ren)
    3. maintaining meaningful relationships with; relatives, kin, culture and community i.e. keeping siblings together, keeping children within their extended family whenever appropriate, or kinship

 

(See Permanency Staffing Guide Appendix 3S) 

 

If reintegration is no longer viable, the permanency goals, in order of preference, are adoption and then permanent custodianship.

 

  1. Adoption (see PPM 5300)

Adoption is a legal and social contract establishing the relationship of parent and child between persons who are not so related.

 

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is legally responsible for the care of children in the custody and guardianship of the Secretary of DCF whose parental rights have been terminated and/or relinquished.

 

The focus of the program is on the child and selecting families who are most likely to meet the needs of the child. 

 

  1. Permanent Custodianship (see PPM 5400)

 

A recommendation for Permanent custodianship shall be limited to a child where a determination has been made that:

    1. the child cannot be reintegrated with the parent(s); and
    2. a compelling reason exists not to terminate parental rights; or
    3. adoption is not a viable option for the child and is clearly documented on the case plan.

 

(See Appendix 5L for examples of commitment agreements.)

 

  1. Another Planned Permanency Living Arrangement (APPLA) (See PPM 3231)
    1. A planned permanent living arrangement is a specific permanent placement for the child, not long term foster care. A planned permanent living arrangement is subject to ongoing review at later permanency hearings. Other permanency options for the child shall continue to be explored throughout the time the child is placed out of the home.  At no time shall the permanency option of APPLA rule out other more permanent options.
    2. The permanency goal of Another Planned Permanency Living Arrangement is appropriate only when a child is at least 16 years of age and documentation has been provided to the court of compelling reasons which make all other permanency options unacceptable. The compelling reasons may include:
      1. An older teen requests emancipation;
      2. A parent with a disability cannot care for a child, a significant bond exists between them and the placement resource is willing to sign a commitment agreement for the child to remain in their home, but is not willing to adopt or be a permanent custodian for the child;
      3. A tribe has identified a planned permanency living arrangement for a Native American child.
    3. When the child is in Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement, the plan for the child to stay in the placement resource until achieving permanency shall be documented.  The youth and the placement resource will sign an agreement indicating their understanding of this plan.  (See Appendix 5K for examples of commitment agreements.)