CHILD WELFARE

This indicator reports on three measures of permanency following the placement of a child into foster care. “Permanency within 12 months” reports the percent of children placed in homes through reunification with the family, adoption or guardianship within 12 months of removal. “Reentry Following Reunification” tracks those children who reentered foster care within 12 months of reunification with the family or guardianship. “Exits to Permanency” is a measure of children who were in foster care for 24 months or longer, who were then transitioned to a permanent home, including reunified with the family, placed with a legal guardian, or adopted.1

The placement of children in out-of-home care occurs when a child cannot remain safely with his or her family.2 Child abuse and neglect is a problem that crosses socioeconomic and racial/ ethnic boundaries with profound effect on the well-being of the children. The number of children growing to maturity in out-of-home care has gained considerable national, state and local attention. Too often these children experience many placements, which can lead to the inability to reunify with their families or attach to a new permanent family. Permanent placement of children helps prevent placement instability, which can be related to attachment disorders, poor educational outcomes, mental health and behavioral problems and negative adult outcomes.

• In 2015/16, 38.8% of Orange County children were placed in permanent homes within 12 months of entering foster care, higher than

California at 35.8% for the first time in six years. The national goal is greater than or equal to 40.5%.

• Of the nearly 40% of children who were placed in permanent homes within 12 months of entering foster care in 2015/16, reunification was the most common type of permanency (36.1%), followed by adoption (1.6%) and guardianship (1.1%).

• The percent of children in Orange County reentering foster care within 12 months of reunification or guardianship increased for the third consecutive year.3 In 2014/15, the rate of reentry was 10.4%, a 19.5% increase since 2005/06.4 California was higher at 10.7%. The national goal is less than or equal to 9.3%.

• In 2016/17, 28.6% of children were in foster care for two years or more before being placed in a permanent home, 19.2% higher than in 2007/08 (24.0%). California is higher at 30.7%. The national goal is greater than or equal to 30.3%.

Percent of Children Entering Foster Care and Placed in a Permanent Home within 12 months, Orange County and California,

• California

Percent of Children Entering Foster Care and Placed in a Permanent Home within 12 months, by Type of Permanency, 2006/07 to 2015/16

Percent of Children Reentering Foster Care within 12 months of Reunification or Guardianship, Orange County and California, 2004/05 to 2014/15

• California

Note: Due to methodological differences, the reporting period for no reentry following reunification will always be one year behind what is reported for the other measures.

Source: CWS/CMS 2017 Quarter 4 Extract, UC Berkley, Center for Social Services Research

Percent of Children in Foster Care, 24+ Months, Placed in a Permanent Home, Orange County and California, 2007/08 to 2016/17

• Orange County

Note: Permanency is defined as achieved when the child is reunified with the family, placed with a legal guardian, or adopted.

Source: CWS/CMS 2017 Quarter 4 Extract, UC Berkley, Center for Social Services Research