Permanency for children can take multiple forms. "A permanency goal is the desired outcome of intervention and service which is determined to be consistent with the health, safety, well-being and best interest of the child" (DCFS Policy Guide 98.1). The target date for achievement of the permanency goal is based on thorough assessment of the child and family and the time required to resolve the specific problems necessitating DCFS intervention. The planned achievement date governs when reunification is likely to occur. "Automatic" or arbitrary six-month time increments should not be used. DCFS and the State of Illinois, through legislation, have defined nine ways to achieve permanency for children with whom the Department is involved.
· Remain at Home: The child can remain safe in his/her own home.
· Return Home within Five Months: The minor will be returned home by a specific date within five months from the date of case opening or the court permanency hearing at which the goal is set by the court. (Utilizing this goal does not preclude return home in less than five months.)
· Return Home within 12 Months: The minor will be in short term care with a continued goal to return home within a period not to exceed one year from the date of case opening or the court permanency hearing where the progress of the parent or parents is reasonable, giving particular consideration to the age and individual needs of the minor. (Utilizing this goal does not preclude return home in less than 12 months.)
· Return Home Pending Status Hearing: The minor will be in short-term care with a continued goal to return home pending a status hearing. When the court finds that a parent has not made reasonable progress to date, the court shall identify what actions the parent and the Department or purchase of service agency must take in order to justify a finding of reasonable progress; and shall set a status hearing to be held not earlier than nine months from the date of adjudication nor later than 11 months from the date of adjudication during which the parent's progress will again be reviewed. This goal can only be set by the court.
· Substitute Care Pending Court Determination on Termination on Parental Rights: The minor will be in substitute care pending a court's determination on termination of parental rights.
· Adoption: An adoptive home will be sought for the child.
· Guardianship: The guardianship of the minor will be transferred to an individual or couple on a permanent basis provided that the return home goals and the goal of adoption have been ruled out.
· Independence: The minor over age 15 will be in substitute care pending independence.
· Cannot be Provided for in a Home Environment: The minor will be in substitute care because he or she cannot be cared for in a home environment due to extreme or complicated physical or mental disabilities which cannot be sufficiently controlled in a home environment, provided that goals of return home, adoption and guardianship have been ruled out.