The San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services and the Independent Living Program recognize the importance of long term and meaningful adult connections in the lives of the youth they serve. It is the Department's belief that every foster youth deserves a permanent and lifelong attachment to a caring and trusted adult. Child Welfare Services has begun to implement many new programs to help achieve foster youth permanency, which include advocating for fewer

placement changes and more guardianships and adoptions. The Independent Living Program has also added two Permanency Case Managers to its staff, part of whose focus is to seek out significant adult relationships and "forever families" for the youth on their caseload.

What is Permanency?

• Permanency includes reunification, adoption, guardianship, and/or committed lifelong connections with caring adults who are significant in a youth's life.
• Permanency is a state of mind, not a placement!
• Permanency is having the feeling that you are connected.
• Permanency includes all connections that serve to anchor a youth.
• Permanency is a safety net that everyone needs.
• Permanency is knowing that you have someone who will be there to celebrate the successes and guide you through the challenges of life.

Click here to find out who are the Permanency Case Managers and what they do?