Permanency Planning Connecticut

Best Interests of the Child

Statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 45a-719 (West, WESTLAW through 1-1-01)

Law:

'Best interest of the child' shall include, but not be limited to, a consideration of the age of the child, the nature of the relationship of the child with the caretaker of the child, the length of time the child has been in the custody of the caretaker, the nature of the relationship of the child with the birth parent, the length of time the child has been in the custody of the birth parent, any relationship that may exist between the child and siblings or other children in the caretaker's household, and the psychological and medical needs of the child. The determination of the best interest of the child shall not be based on a consideration of the socio-economic status of the birth parent or the caretaker.

Concurrent Planning

Statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 17a-110a (West, WESTLAW through 7-11-01)

Law:

In order to achieve early permanency for children, decrease children's length of stay in foster care and reduce the number of moves children experience in foster care, and reduce the amount of time between termination of parental rights and adoption, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall establish a program for a concurrent permanency planning.
Concurrent permanency planning involves a planning process to identify permanent placements and prospective adoptive parents so that when termination of parental rights are granted by the court pursuant to § 17a-112 or § 45a-717, permanent placement or adoption proceedings may commence immediately.

The commissioner shall establish guidelines and protocols for child-placing agencies involved in concurrent permanency planning, including criteria for conducting concurrent permanency planning based on relevant factors such as:

Age of the child and duration of out-of-home placement;

Prognosis for successful reunification with parents;

Availability of relatives and other concerned
individuals to provide support or a permanent
placement for the child;

Special needs of the child; and

Other factors affecting the child's best
interests, goals of concurrent permanency
planning, support services that are available
for families, permanency options, and the consequences of not complying with case plans.
Within 6 months of out-of-home placement, the Department of Children and Families shall complete an assessment of the likelihood of the child's being reunited with either or both birth parents, based on progress made to date. The Department of Children and Families shall develop a concurrent permanency plan for families with poor prognosis for reunification within such time period. Such assessment and concurrent permanency plan shall be filed with the court.

Concurrent permanency programs must include involvement of the parents and full disclosure of their rights and responsibilities.

The commissioner shall provide ongoing technical assistance, support, and training for local child-placing agencies and other individuals and agencies involved in concurrent permanency planning.