Concurrent Planning in Foster Care: A Guide to Stable Futures for Youth

Table of Contents#

What Is Concurrent Planning in Foster Care?
Core Principles of Concurrent Planning
How Concurrent Planning Works in Practice
Key Stakeholders and Their Roles
Proven Benefits of Concurrent Planning
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
Success Story: Mia's Journey to Permanency
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
References

1. What Is Concurrent Planning in Foster Care?#

Concurrent planning is a proactive, family-focused strategy in child welfare that pursues two complementary goals at the same time:

Reunification: Supporting birth parents (or legal guardians) to address the safety concerns that led to their child entering foster care, so the child can return home.
Alternative Permanency: Identifying and preparing a stable, permanent home (such as kinship care, adoption, or legal guardianship) for the child in case reunification is not possible.

Unlike traditional sequential planning, where alternative plans are only developed after reunification efforts have failed, concurrent planning starts on day one of a child's placement. This ensures that if reunification doesn't work out, the child doesn't face unnecessary delays in finding a permanent home.

The Legal Framework: ASFA and Federal Timelines#

The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997 provides the legal foundation for concurrent planning. Under ASFA, child welfare agencies must:

Hold a permanency hearing within 12 months of a child entering foster care
Initiate termination of parental rights (TPR) if a child has been in foster care for 15 of the last 22 months, with limited exceptions
Make reasonable efforts toward both reunification and timely permanency

These timelines create urgency for agencies to pursue alternative permanency options alongside reunification from the start, rather than waiting for reunification to fail before exploring alternatives. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 further strengthened concurrent planning by requiring states to notify adult relatives within 30 days of a child entering foster care, helping expand the network of potential permanency resources.

At its core, concurrent planning is rooted in the belief that foster youth deserve both the chance to reconnect with their birth family (when safe) and the security of knowing a backup plan is in place.

2. Core Principles of Concurrent Planning#

To be effective, concurrent planning must adhere to six foundational principles:

a. Child-Centered Decision-Making#

Every choice is guided by the child's unique needs, preferences, and cultural background. Caseworkers must engage youth (age-appropriately) in planning discussions—for example, asking a 10-year-old if they want to stay in contact with their birth siblings or a teenager what kind of home they envision for themselves.

b. Timely Action#

Permanency is time-sensitive. Concurrent planning requires setting clear, measurable goals for both reunification and alternative permanency within 30–60 days of placement. This avoids prolonged stays in foster care, which can lead to trauma and developmental delays.

c. Full Disclosure#

A cornerstone of effective concurrent planning is transparent, candid communication with all parties involved. Birth parents must be clearly informed about the problems that led to placement, the changes needed for reunification, the alternative permanency plan, and the possible consequences of not completing their case plan. This transparency—documented throughout the case—helps parents make informed decisions and reduces misunderstandings later in the process.

d. Collaborative Family Engagement#

Birth parents are not excluded from the process; they are active partners. Caseworkers provide targeted support (like parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, or housing assistance) to help parents meet safety requirements, while also involving extended family (kin) in the alternative permanency plan.

e. Cross-Agency Collaboration#

Success depends on coordination between child welfare agencies, mental health providers, schools, legal teams, and community organizations. For example, a therapist might work with a birth parent to address trauma, while a kinship specialist prepares a child's aunt for potential guardianship.

f. Individualized Plans#

No two cases are the same. A concurrent plan for a toddler with a parent in rehab will look very different from one for a 16-year-old who has been in multiple placements and prefers to live with a foster family long-term. Plans are regularly updated based on progress and changing circumstances.

3. How Concurrent Planning Works in Practice#

Concurrent planning follows a structured, iterative process:

Step 1: Initial Assessment & Planning#

Within the first month of placement, caseworkers conduct:

A family assessment: Evaluating the birth family's strengths, challenges, and ability to address safety concerns.
A child needs assessment: Identifying the child's emotional, educational, and medical needs, as well as their relationships with family members.
A permanency assessment: Identifying potential alternative caregivers (kin, foster parents, or adoptive families) and conducting preliminary home studies.

Based on these assessments, the case team creates a dual plan that outlines specific steps for both reunification and alternative permanency.

Step 2: Dual Plan Implementation#

Reunification efforts: Birth parents receive support to complete required services (e.g., substance abuse treatment, anger management, housing stability). Regular visits between the child and parent are scheduled to maintain bonds.
Alternative permanency efforts: Potential caregivers complete home studies, training, and bonding activities with the child. For example, a child might spend weekends with their maternal uncle while their mom is in treatment, to build a relationship in case reunification isn't possible.

Step 3: Monitoring & Adjustment#

Caseworkers meet with all stakeholders every 30–90 days to review progress. If birth parents are making consistent progress toward goals, reunification remains the primary focus—but alternative plans continue to be updated. If progress stalls, the team may shift priority to finalizing the alternative permanency plan.

Step 4: Transition to Permanency#

Once it's clear reunification is safe and feasible, the child returns home. If reunification isn't possible (e.g., parents don't complete required services or safety concerns persist), the child transitions smoothly to their pre-prepared permanent home, with minimal disruption to their routine.

4. Key Stakeholders and Their Roles#

Concurrent planning relies on a team of dedicated professionals and family members:

a. Foster Youth#

The most important stakeholder. Youth are encouraged to share their feelings about reunification, potential caregivers, and their future goals. For older youth, this includes involvement in legal proceedings and transition planning for adulthood.

b. Birth Parents#

Active participants in developing the reunification plan. They receive tailored support to address the root causes of their child's placement and are kept informed about alternative plans (without feeling that their rights are being ignored).

c. Kin Caregivers#

Extended family members (aunts, uncles, grandparents) are often the first choice for alternative permanency, as they can maintain the child's cultural and family connections. Kin caregivers receive training and financial support to prepare for permanent placement.

d. Foster Parents#

Foster parents may serve as temporary caregivers, but some are also considered for adoptive or guardianship roles. They provide consistent care to the child and collaborate with caseworkers to support both reunification and alternative plans. Research shows that foster parents who understand their dual role—and are well-supported in it—contribute significantly to better outcomes for children.

e. Caseworkers#

The core coordinators of concurrent planning. They conduct assessments, connect families with services, monitor progress, and update plans as needed. Effective concurrent planning requires caseworkers to manage the inherent tension between supporting reunification and preparing for alternative permanency, which demands both training and manageable caseloads.

f. Legal Teams & Judges#

Family court judges approve concurrent plans and oversee progress to ensure compliance with state and federal laws (like the Adoption and Safe Families Act, which mandates timely permanency). Judicial involvement is critical—court delays are frequently cited as a barrier to timely permanency.

g. Support Services Providers#

Mental health therapists, substance abuse counselors, and parenting educators play a critical role in helping birth parents meet their goals and supporting the child's emotional well-being.

5. Proven Benefits of Concurrent Planning#

Research from child welfare organizations shows that concurrent planning delivers significant outcomes for foster youth:

Reduced Time in Foster Care: Studies consistently show that concurrent planning shortens the time children spend in foster care. A British study found that children in concurrent planning projects were placed with permanent families significantly faster and with fewer moves than those receiving traditional services. In North Dakota, after implementing concurrent planning statewide, the average time in care decreased from 17 months to under 10 months.
Fewer Placement Disruptions: Because alternative caregivers are identified early, youth are less likely to bounce between temporary placements if reunification fails. Each additional placement a child experiences reduces the odds of achieving timely permanency by approximately 30%.
Improved Emotional Stability: Youth benefit from consistent relationships and the certainty of having a backup plan, reducing anxiety and trauma. Concurrent planning protects children from the harm caused by loss, insecurity, and instability.
Higher Permanency Rates: Concurrent planning increases the likelihood that youth find a permanent home—either through reunification or adoption/guardianship—within 12 months of placement.
Preserved Family Connections: When reunification isn't possible, kinship care (a common alternative in concurrent planning) helps youth stay connected to their cultural and family roots.

6. Challenges and Mitigation Strategies#

While concurrent planning is effective, it also faces several challenges:

a. Resource Constraints#

Many agencies lack the funding to provide enough support services (like affordable therapy or housing assistance) for birth parents and alternative caregivers.
Mitigation: Partner with local nonprofits and community organizations to expand service access, and advocate for increased state and federal funding for child welfare programs.

b. Balancing Competing Needs#

Caseworkers must balance supporting birth parents with preparing for alternative permanency, which can feel like a conflict. Some caseworkers report that the emotional demands of pursuing two paths simultaneously lead them to fall back on sequential planning.
Mitigation: Train caseworkers in family engagement and trauma-informed care to ensure both paths are pursued with empathy and transparency. Supervisors play a key role in promoting collaboration and providing decision-making support.

c. Cultural Competency Gaps#

Plans may not always respect a family's cultural traditions (e.g., kinship roles in Indigenous communities).
Mitigation: Hire culturally competent staff and involve community leaders in planning to ensure plans align with the family's cultural values.

d. Legal Hurdles#

Navigating court processes for both reunification and adoption can be time-consuming. Court delays are one of the most frequently cited barriers to timely permanency.
Mitigation: Work with dedicated child welfare attorneys to streamline legal proceedings and ensure compliance with federal laws like ASFA.

e. Foster Family Recruitment#

Finding families willing to serve as concurrent caregivers—committed to a child while also supporting reunification—remains a significant challenge.
Mitigation: Provide enhanced training, support services, and clear communication about the concurrent planning role to prospective foster families.

7. Success Story: Mia's Journey to Permanency#

The following is a composite example illustrating how concurrent planning works in practice.

Mia, a 7-year-old girl, entered foster care after her mom, Lisa, struggled with opioid addiction. Instead of waiting to see if Lisa could recover, the case team immediately launched concurrent planning:

Reunification efforts: Lisa was enrolled in a residential treatment program and provided with parenting classes and mental health support. Mia visited Lisa every weekend to maintain their bond.
Alternative permanency: Mia's maternal aunt, Maria, expressed interest in adopting her. The case team conducted a home study, provided Maria with foster care training, and scheduled weekly visits between Mia and Maria.

After 10 months, Lisa completed her treatment program, secured stable housing, and passed all safety checks. Mia returned home to Lisa, but Maria remained a key part of her life—visiting regularly and attending school events. If Lisa had not succeeded, Mia would have transitioned to Maria's home without any delays, avoiding prolonged uncertainty.

This story illustrates how concurrent planning gives youth both the chance to reconnect with their birth family and the security of a loving backup plan.

8. Frequently Asked Questions#

Is concurrent planning required by law?#

In most states, concurrent planning is either required or permitted by law. ASFA encourages concurrent planning for all children in foster care, and at least 24 states and the District of Columbia allow it. Some states, like California, mandate concurrent planning for all court-dependent children in out-of-home care.

Does concurrent planning mean the agency is trying to take my child away?#

No. The primary goal remains reunification. Concurrent planning simply ensures that if reunification isn't possible, the child doesn't have to wait months or years for a permanent home. It's about protecting children from prolonged uncertainty.

When does concurrent planning start?#

Concurrent planning begins as soon as a child enters foster care. The initial disposition report to the court should include a concurrent plan for permanency if reunification fails.

What permanency options are considered?#

The main alternatives include adoption, legal guardianship, placement with a fit and willing relative, or permanent legal custodianship. The best option depends on the child's specific needs and circumstances.

How does concurrent planning affect birth parents' rights?#

Birth parents retain their rights throughout the reunification process. Concurrent planning does not shortcut parental rights—it ensures that while parents work toward reunification, a backup plan exists to protect the child from unnecessary delays in finding permanency.

9. Conclusion#

Concurrent planning is more than just a strategy—it's a commitment to putting foster youth's needs first. By pursuing reunification and alternative permanency simultaneously, it reduces uncertainty, preserves family connections, and ensures every child gets the stable, loving home they deserve.

While challenges like resource constraints and cultural gaps exist, ongoing advocacy, training, and community collaboration can help agencies implement concurrent planning effectively. For anyone involved in child welfare—caseworkers, foster parents, or policymakers—embracing this approach is a critical step toward improving outcomes for vulnerable youth.

10. References#

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2026). Concurrent Planning for Timely Permanence. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/concurrent-planning-timely-permanence/
Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2012). Concurrent Planning: What the Evidence Shows. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-HE23_1200-PURL-gpo85028/pdf/GOVPUB-HE23_1200-PURL-gpo85028.pdf
Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997, Pub. L. No. 105-89. U.S. Congress. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/105th-congress/house-bill/867
Advokids. (n.d.). Concurrent Planning. Retrieved from https://advokids.org/childhood-mental-health/concurrent-planning/
Office of Children & Families in the Courts. (n.d.). Concurrent Planning. Retrieved from https://ocfcpacourts.us/parents-and-families/child-dependency-system/concurrent-planning/