July 20, 2009

Exits to Permanency: A Review of Current Literature

Written by Dannelle Larsen-Rife, Ph.D., UC Davis Human Services Northern California, and Susan Brooks, M.S.W, UC Davis Human Services Northern California, this report states that the federal law places a premium on establishing safe and stable homes for children in foster care. However, reunification and permanency planning are often competing goals. Permanency may be reunification, adoption, and guardianship. However, in each of these types of permanent placement, there is the possibility of permanency disruption. The following review examines the literature on exits to permanency. The major characteristics and factors associated with permanency and permanency disruption are set forth. Findings concerning age, ethnicity, gender, siblings, special needs, placements, reasons for removal, family characteristics, permanency characteristics and prevention/intervention are summarized. The literature on age, ethnicity, special needs and prevention/intervention provide clear targets for improvement. Additionally, a number of best practices and promising practices are identified.