What is one challenge faced in achieving permanency for teenagers in foster care?

Achieving permanency for teenagers in foster care involves unique challenges, particularly the resistance to placement or reunification due to established independence or attachment issues. As teenagers develop, they often strive for autonomy and may have established strong bonds or attachments to their foster families, friends, or environments. This desire for independence can lead them to resist moving to a new placement or returning to family, even if that may be deemed the ideal permanency option by child welfare professionals. They may fear disruption in their social connections or worry about how a change will affect their sense of stability, causing additional complexities in the permanency planning process. Recognizing and addressing the emotional and psychological factors tied to their experiences is crucial in facilitating a successful transition and achieving permanency.