This learning program equips staff with the skills to support goal-driven permanency planning. Learners receive real-time feedback as they collaborate on assessing children’s needs and helping to document permanency objectives — whether reunification, adoption, guardianship, KinGAP (Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program) or APPLA (Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement) — and apply concurrent planning methods. Participants also gain a clear understanding of reasonable-efforts requirements, kin-finding strategies and how to develop discharge plans that guide youth through trial discharges and transitioning into independent living.
Who Should Attend?
Foster care case planners, supervisors, parent advocates and sociotherapists working in Foster Care services.
Course Benefits
Learners will:
- Understand key principles and stakeholders in the permanency planning process.
- Identify and prioritize the full spectrum of permanency planning goals based on case factors.
- Apply concurrent planning methods to document dual goals and engage families early.
- Demonstrate compliance with “reasonable/diligent efforts” through clear case documentation.
- Strengthen family engagement skills via motivational interviewing and effective service referrals.
Course Prerequisites
Prior to attending this course, learners are required to have completed all components of Foundations of Motivational Interviewing: Communicating to Build Partnerships and Using the ACS FASP Desk Guide in Foster Care Case Practice.
Course Components
Once enrolled in the course, learners will complete an online pre-test, a one-day, instructor-led workshop and an online post-test. Completion of all components is necessary to receive a Certificate of Completion.
Continuing Education Units
There are no CEUs associated with this course.
Registration
Register for this course by logging in to Cornerstone, browse for the course name and complete all information. For more information about the ACS Workforce Institute, please contact the Help Desk at WIhelpdesk@acs.nyc.gov or call (212) 748-1898.