November is Adoption and Permanency Education Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of permanency and the lasting relationships that help children and youth thrive. Permanency is more than finding a place to live. It is about ensuring children and youth have stable, lifelong connections to family, culture, identity, and community that support their well-being and sense of belonging.
There are many paths to permanency. While child welfare agencies work to support children and youth safely within their families and communities whenever possible, some children require alternative permanency options. These may include reunification, kinship service, kinship care, customary care, legal custody, and adoption. Every permanency plan is unique and should reflect the individual needs, circumstances, identities, and best interests of the child or youth.
Children and youth are at the heart of permanency planning. Their voices, experiences, and perspectives help shape decisions about their future. Meaningful engagement ensures that permanency plans honour their needs, relationships, identities, and aspirations.
Strong connections to family, culture, identity, and community remain essential throughout a child’s journey to permanency. Preserving and strengthening these relationships helps foster a sense of belonging, continuity, and emotional well-being. Culturally responsive permanency planning recognizes the importance of maintaining meaningful connections and celebrating each child’s unique identity.
This Adoption and Permanency Education Month, we recognize the collective role of families, caregivers, communities, and child welfare professionals in creating lifelong connections for children and youth. Together, we can help ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up surrounded by meaningful relationships, support, and a lasting sense of belonging.
