Reunification 624-05-15-115-05

(Revised 7/1/2025 ML #3928)

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This refers to the return of a child in foster care to the home of one or both parents. The goal of reunification should always be the first choice for a permanent plan. It maintains family roots, requires few legal procedures and is almost always the least traumatic for children and families. The goal to return children to their home should be the initial goal on record unless aggravated circumstances are determined by the court.

 

When to Select Goal of Reunification:

  1. The parents want to have the child returned home.

  2. The child wants to return home.

  3. Conditions in the home are sufficiently safe after the parents have made behavioral changes and continue to engage while working on case plan goals.

  4. The parent is able to provide safely and adequately for the child's well-being and in a reasonable period of time.

 

When Not to Select this Goal:

There may be circumstances in which the goal is not achievable. Examples may include:

  1. Death of parent.

  2. The child strongly objects with good cause to returning home.

  3. The parent cannot or will not provide adequately for the child's safety.

 

In the event reunification is not the primary goal, it is still the agency’s responsibility to maintain and build family connection and support between a child and their parent/caregiver.

 

How to Implement this Goal:

The Protective Capacities Family Assessment (PCFA) is a structured interactive process that is intended to build partnerships with parents/caregivers to identify and seek agreement regarding what must change related to child safety for reunification to take place. From this comprehensive assessment process comes an individualized case plan that will effectively address parent/caregiver protective capacities and meet the child’s needs.