The significance of transition planning for placement change
Barbara Dirienzo, Managing Attorney-Children’s Legal ServicesJames Carlson, Chief Operations Officer, Brevard Family Partnership
Introduction
•Transition children in care
•Trauma in transitioning
•Circuit 18 transition planning
•Real world impact
•Partnership plan
Transitioning Children in Care•Department of Children and Families
study completed in December 2010
•Random sample of 54 foster parents around the state interviewed regarding transition practices
•Only 55% stated they were involved in planning transition for child in the home
Transitioning Children in Care•60% stated they had no contact with
new caregiver
•Although almost half foster parents stated they had a good experience or were able to plan for the move, the remaining stated they had no notice
What is the significance?
Abuse
Neglect
AbandonmentExploitation
Family Violence
Transitions and Trauma
•Trauma due to:▫Abuse or neglect
▫Separation from birth family
▫Placement change
Goal of Transition Planning in Circuit 18•Work together with Children’s Legal
Services (CLS) and the Judiciary to ensure each child in care does not suffer any additional harm as a result of any change in placement
•Maintain vigilance from the time a child comes into care until case is closed
•Discuss plan for reunification/permanency from the beginning
Goal of Transition Planning in Circuit 18•Ensure time allocated for transitions
•Awareness of significance of every single placement change and transition a child experiences
Real World Impact
Partnership Plan
•An agreement between each individual foster family and the organizations specifying values, principles, and relationships to ensure a successful experience▫Respected Partners▫Nurturing Children▫Supporting Families▫Strengthening Communities
Teaming together for successful outcomes for our families!!
Children’s Legal Services
Judiciary
FamiliesDepartment of
Children &Families
Community Based Care Brevard Family Partnership