Permanency

DCYF works to achieve permanency for children as quickly and safely as possible. The goal is to reunify children with their families when parents demonstrate that they are able to safely care for their children. When children cannot be safely reunified, DCYF makes efforts to achieve permanency through adoption and guardianship as quickly as possible. Of children who were removed from their parents in state fiscal year 2022, over 40 percent were able to achieve permanency within 12 months of their placement out of their parent’s home; the federal target is 37.9 percent or more. Over 96 percent of the children achieving permanency within 12 months were reunified with their families.

Children Placed in Safe and Permanent Homes Within 12 Months of Entering Care, SFY 2010-2022

 

×

Children Placed in Safe and Permanent Homes Within 12 Months of Entering Care, SFY 2010-2022

Source: DCYF. (October 2023). Child welfare priority performance measures [July 2009-June 2023]. infoFamlink.
Notes: State fiscal year reflects the year the child entered care, allowing for 12 months to exit to permanency. Excludes children who were placed fewer than eight days.