If the permanency goal is reunification, how often must parents of children in placement be visited during the initial period?

When the permanency goal is reunification, the initial period is critical for maintaining parental connections and facilitating the conditions for a child's return home. The requirement for visits is to ensure that parents have regular and meaningful contact with their children to support the reunification process.

Visiting every week for the first 40 days aligns with best practices and legal standards that emphasize the importance of frequent contact. This level of engagement allows parents to demonstrate their commitment to engaging with services, pursuing goals, and addressing the issues that led to their child's placement. Furthermore, the frequent visitation helps build and strengthen the parent-child relationship, ensuring that the child maintains a sense of stability and support as they transition through the system.

In contrast, less frequent visitations may undermine the potential for effective reunification, as they can diminish the parent’s ability to maintain a bond and address the challenges faced prior to placement. Therefore, having structured and frequent visits in the beginning stages aligns with the intent of promoting family reunification and supporting the child's best interests.