Section 315.200  Selection of the Permanency Goal

a)         Types of Permanency Goals

            A permanency goal is the desired outcome of intervention and service that is determined to be consistent with the health, safety, well-being and best interests of the child.  A description and the criteria for selection of each of the goals are included in Sections 315.205 through 315.241.  The goals that may be selected for children placed apart from their families are listed below followed in parentheses by the numerical code that is entered into the Department's Child and Youth Centered Information System (CYCIS):

1)         return home within five months (21);

2)         return home within 12 months (22);

3)         return home pending status hearing (23);

4)         substitute care pending court determination on termination of parental rights (24);

5)         adoption, provided that parental rights have been terminated or relinquished (25);

6)         guardianship (26);

7)         independence (27);

8)         cannot be provided for in a home environment (28); or

9)         continuing foster care (29).

b)         Process for Selection

1)         During the first 12 months, prior to the first court permanency hearing, the Department or purchase of service agency selects the permanency goal. At the first permanency hearing the Department or purchase of service agency will recommend a permanency goal, but the court selects the goal.

2)         An initial permanency goal will be established by the Department or purchase of service agency in time to ensure submittal of the service plan to the juvenile court no later than 45 days after the child's placement as required by Section 2-10 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 [705 ILCS 405/2-10], and only after:

A)        an assessment has been completed with the family and reviewed and approved by the casework supervisor; and

B)        the initial family meeting has been held.

c)         Changing the Permanency Goal

            A permanency goal may only be changed:

1)         within the first 12 months following case opening by the caseworker with the approval of the supervisor; or

2)         within the first 12 months following case opening at an administrative case review or a decision review; or

3)         when selected by the court at the permanency hearing pursuant to Section 2-28 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 [705 ILCS 405/2-28].  A permanency goal selected by the court cannot be changed without the approval of the court.

(Source:  Amended at 35 Ill. Reg. 14935, effective September 1, 2011)