QIC-AG Permanency Continuum Framework
Ang QIC-AG Permanency Continuum Framework was developed by the Quality Improvement Center for Adoption and Guardianship Support and Preservation (QIC-AG) to guide its work. The QIC-AG Permanency Continuum Framework is built on the premise that children in adoptive or guardianship families do better when their families are fully prepared and supported to address needs or issues as they arise. The Framework emphasizes prevention and preparation because when services and supports are not offered until families are on the brink of disruption and dissolution, then those services are often provided too late and do not serve the best interests of children and families. To achieve optimal effectiveness, services and supports should be preventative in nature, and support efforts should focus on proactively identifying risk and protective factors and putting supports in place before difficulties burden the capacity of the family to address challenges.
To learn more about the Permanency Continuum Framework, read the introduction document: INTRODUCTION TO THE QIC-AG PERMANENCY CONTINUUM FRAMEWORK
Read or download papers developed by the QIC-AG about the specific intervals in the Permanency Continuum Framework:
QIC-AG Permanency Continuum Framework: STAGE SETTING
For most children who enter foster care, reunification with their family of origin is the primary goal. However, reunification is not always possible, and therefore, it is critical to lay a foundation for concurrent planning that promotes adoption and guardianship. Laying this foundation helps promote timely permanence and provides a backup plan if reunification is not a viable option. The stage setting interval focuses on the critical period after a child has entered the child welfare system when information is obtained, decisions are made, and actions take place that will affect the trajectory and, ultimately, the permanency outcome for the child.
Capacity building elements occur in both pre- and post-permanency areas on the continuum. The QIC-AG will work with sites in the areas identified as capacity building (stage setting, preparation, and maintenance), to provide an array of supports and services. Staff from the QIC-AG will provide assistance with identifying promising and evidence-informed practices in these areas. However, the capacity building areas will not be the focus of the implementation or the evaluation.
QIC-AG Permanency Continuum Framework: PREPARATION
Once it is determined that reunification is not an option, specific activities must take place to identify appropriate permanency resources and to prepare the children and the families for adoption or guardianship. This interval focuses on the activities that help to identify the resources that will help prepare children and families to make a successful transition from foster care to adoption or guardianship.
Capacity building elements occur in both pre- and post-permanency areas on the continuum. The QIC-AG will work with sites in the areas identified as capacity building (stage setting, preparation, and maintenance), to provide an array of supports and services. Staff from the QIC-AG will provide assistance with identifying promising and evidence-informed practices in these areas. However, the capacity building areas will not be the focus of the implementation or the evaluation.
Focused Services
Universal Prevention
Selective Prevention
Indicated Prevention
Intensive Service Paper
QIC-AG Permanency Continuum Framework: MAINTENANCE
When children and families have invested time and energy to address critical issues, it is important that the system actively supports their efforts by working with families to ensure the improvements are maintained. This is particularly relevant for children and families who have received indicated or intensive services because they may need continued system supports to ensure their progress is sustained. Maintenance efforts aim to improve family stability and increase well-being for those who either experienced discontinuity or were at serious risk for experiencing discontinuity. Examples of maintenance efforts include ongoing monitoring and services to help families understand the factors that contribute to discontinuity so that crises and discontinuity can be prevented.
Capacity building elements occur in both pre- and post-permanency areas on the continuum. The QIC-AG will work with sites in the areas identified as capacity building (stage setting, preparation, and maintenance), to provide an array of supports and services. Staff from the QIC-AG will provide assistance with identifying promising and evidence-informed practices in these areas. However, the capacity building areas will not be the focus of the implementation or the evaluation.
