Permanency Planning Louisiana

Best Interests of the Child

Statute: La. Children's Code Ann. art. 675(A) (West, WESTLAW through La. 2003 Legis. Serv., Act 567)

Law:

The case plan shall be designed to achieve placement in the least restrictive, most family-like and most appropriate setting available, and in close proximity to the parents' homes, consistent with the best interest and special needs of the child. The health and safety of the child shall be the paramount concern in the development of the case plan.

Concurrent Planning

Statute: La. Children's Code Ann. art. 603(7.1) (West, WESTLAW through La. 2003 Legis. Serv., Acts 567 & 1187)

Law:

'Concurrent planning' means departmental efforts to preserve and reunify a family, or to place a child for adoption or with a legal guardian which are made simultaneously.