Permanency Pact Program
Intended Audience
- Child Welfare Workers
- Child Welfare Supervisors
- Social Services Non-child Welfare
- Court Personnel/Legal Professionals
- Caregivers and Potential Caregivers
- Youth
Targeted Age Group(s)
- 13-17
- 18 or older
QIC-EY Engagement Model Components (i) The engagement model components were identified through the QIC-EY Environmental Scan as critical to the support of youth engagement in the attainment of permanence.
- Support Youth Empowerment
- Prioritize Legal, Relational and Cultural Permanence
Description
As described in the “Good Shepherd Services’ Permanency Pact Program Guide,” a Permanency Pact, developed by FosterClub, supports lifelong, kin-like connections between a youth and a supportive adult. A Permanency Pact is intended to provide structure and a safety net for the youth; a defined commitment by both parties to a long-term, supportive relationship; and clarity regarding the expectations of the relationship. It is a pledge by a kin-like adult to provide specific types of support to a young person who is in or aging out of foster care. Simply put, a Permanency Pact connects a young person to a caring adult in a formalized way. For young people who are unable to return home to their biological parents and for whom adoption has not been pursued vigorously, Permanency Pacts offer an opportunity for ongoing support. Pacts should be developed for all children in foster care age16 years and older who are likely to age out of foster care. Ideally, a youth will have more than one Permanency Pact.
A central component of the pact is a pledge made by an adult to provide specific types of support to a young person in foster care. Ideas for how an adult can support a youth are outlined in FosterClub’s list of suggested supports. The suggested supports range from offering child care to providing a home for the holidays. For example, the committed adult may not be able to provide housing or financial support but can be present to celebrate achievements, to offer a place to do laundry or to accompany the youth to medical appointments. These caring adults can provide emotional as well as tangible support that young adults need. The process for developing a Permanency Pact often is initiated by a caseworker. It involves identifying interested “supportive adults” and connecting them to an interested youth. Together, the adult and youth sign a pledge so both parties enter the relationship with clear expectations and boundaries.”
Implementation Considerations
Decisions will need to be made about how to operationalize the permanency pact into the agency. A good example of how to operationalize a permanency pact program can be found in the attachment, “Good Shepherd Services’ Permanency Pact Program Guide.”