Practice Issues in Concurrent Planning (PN #05)

Abstract

Concurrent planning requires county social services to make reasonable efforts to reunify a child with the family, while simultaneously exploring alternative permanent options. Concurrent planning is a concept that provides a strong affirmation of the necessity to pay attention to the developmental needs of young children. Practitioners are required, with renewed emphasis and within strict timelines, to focus on the safety of the child as a paramount factor in assessing family capacity. This edition of Practice Notes is concerned with issues that deal with protecting the young child in the care of an emotionally disturbed parent.