The importance of permanency

Research confirms that permanency in child protection increases the positive outcomes for children in care. Children who have experiences of connectedness, stability and permanency are more likely to have a strong sense of identity and have strong and numerous lifelong relationships and therefore achieve positive life outcomes.

Attachment

Attachment theory provides a theoretical basis for understanding the importance of permanency planning for children involved with the child protection system. 

Children who are involved with the child protection system are at increased risk of attachment issues because of the likelihood of their experience of abuse or neglect from a parent or caregiver. Therefore, the link between attachment and permanency is important.

Research suggests children who have secure attachments are more likely to develop into socially competent adults and experience a range of positive life outcomes. For example, good interpersonal relationships, scholastic achievement, pro-social behaviour (Howe).

In contrast, children who experience caregiving characterised as inconsistent, insensitive, unresponsive and erratic can develop insecure attachment (avoidant, anxious or disorganised). The implications of insecure attachment on an individual are relationship difficulties, interpersonal problems, challenging behaviour, emotional and mental health problems and poor educational and scholastic achievement, all of which adversely affect life outcomes (Berk).

Children who have been maltreated have been recognised as particularly vulnerable to developing insecure attachments.

Children need opportunities to develop positive and secure attachments with significant others. If they cannot be safely parented by their parents, then they need to have opportunities to develop positive relationships with others. Responsive and sensitive caregiving can assist in repairing attachment difficulties with time and care.

Stability 

Children need stability to thrive. Relational and placement stability have been recognised as important factors in enhancing outcomes for children.

Children who experience instability or constant change, like many children in out-of-home care, can have compromised wellbeing, attachment, self-esteem, identity and access to education and health care (Ward).

Related to stability is the concept of continuity. Children need the opportunity to experience continuity in the activities and systems they are involved with.

For example, it can be beneficial for a child in care to enjoy continued attendance at the same school or sporting club and have the opportunity for contact with significant others such as aunts, grandparents, friends and pets. Maintenance of existing positive connections and activities can also assist children to manage transitions (McIntosh).

Identity formation

Identity formation is another reason for promoting permanency planning. A child’s sense of self is intimately connected to the nature of their interactions with significant others. Positive interactions can lead to a positive sense of self and identity (Tilbury and Osmond).

Separation from family, grandparents, friends and community can impact on a child’s sense of who they are. Children often learn about themselves from these sources.

Children in the child protection system are at risk of becoming disconnected or receiving negative perceptions of self. ‘ … such children may have a partial or confusing picture of how they came to be where they are and where they belong.’ (Tilbury and Osmond).

This can be particularly so for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care who may not have opportunity to develop understandings of their spirituality, cultural heritage, connections and Aboriginality (Tilbury and Osmond).

What is permanency planning?

The term permanency planning relates to the case work, or the development of a formal case plan, to support a child in achieving permanency.

Quality permanency planning practice should aim to:

• start from day one – the decisions made will affect future options for the child
• make timely decisions
• encourage the development of relationships and the maintenance of existing relationships for a child
• maintain and strengthen a child’s identity (think about biological, cultural and racial identity)
• create opportunities for a child to develop attachment to a primary caregiver
• encourage and maintain connections for a child to social systems such as school, doctors and dentists
• create opportunities for a child to reach their full potential
• prevent protracted, unnecessary placement changes
• maximise a child’s sense of safety, belonging and wellbeing
• provide living situations that assist children to recover from harm.

The family and Child Safety’s planning for a child’s permanency must be safe and realistic. While it is the first preference for a child to be cared for by their family, this may not always be possible. The child needs a backup plan, a ‘just in case’ plan if reunification does not happen. (Refer to Concurrent planning.)