Specialty Permanency Practice Exam

What is the number one goal for children entering substitute care?

1. To find new permanent homes

2. To receive therapeutic services

3. To return home

4. To obtain educational support

The correct answer is: To return home

The number one goal for children entering substitute care is to return home. This objective aligns with the overarching principle of family preservation in child welfare, emphasizing that children should remain in their family home whenever possible and safe. The idea is to support families in addressing the issues that led to the need for substitute care, focusing on reunification to provide children with the stability and continuity of family life that is essential for their emotional and psychological well-being. While finding new permanent homes is an important consideration if reunification is not possible, the first priority is always to create conditions that allow for children to return to their biological families. Therapeutic services and educational support are significant components of a child’s overall care plan, but they are generally aimed at supporting the family to overcome challenges and facilitating reunification. Therefore, the primary focus remains on reuniting children with their families, making it the foremost goal in the context of substitute care.