Every child in foster care has a case plan. This plan outlines what needs to happen with the child and child's family during their involvement with the Department. The plan will discuss services that are to be provided to the child and the child's family as well as underlying goals that are to be obtained while the Department is involved. For example, a family might need to demonstrate improved discipline practices with children so that children cared for by the parents are not maltreated. To meet this goal the parents may participate in a parenting service such as the Family Training to achieve this.

Whenever a child it placed in a foster home, it is important for the foster parents to know what the case plan is for the child. What will need to happen before the child can go home; what services will be provided to the family and child while the child resides in foster care; and how the foster family will be involved in the plan are all things that should be discussed in conjunction with the child's placement in the foster home.

Every child in foster care pursuant to a court order is required to have a permanency plan incorporating the information above. The permanency plan is attached to the child's Dispositional Court Order and is a source of information about what the Department is planning for the child and child's family during the time the child is in foster care. This plan also indicates what the goal of the plan is, such as returning the child to the parental home.

Also incorporated in the child's permanency plan is the concurrent plan. If the goal of the primary plan is not met, what is the secondary plan for the child. For example, if the child cannot be returned to the parental home, the plan is terminate parental rights.

It is reasonable for each foster family to know what the plan is for the child residing in their home and also what the concurrent plan is for the child. If the foster parent is uncertain, the child's Case Manager should be able to clarify what the plan entails. Ask to meet with the worker to discuss the plan. Ask to set up meetings with everyone involved to review how progress is being made on the goal of the plan.

The Permanency Plan for the child is review every six months. Plan to attend reviews as this is a good time to hear about progress on the plan for the child and hear about changes being proposed. Foster parents have input into this process. Take advantage of this opportunity.