Safeguarding the Path to Permanency for Foreign-Born Youth in Care

Path to Permanency recently hosted a virtual training, Safeguarding the Path to Permanency for Foreign-Born Youth in Care, bringing together foster parents, Guardians ad Litem, social workers, attorneys, and other child welfare professionals to better understand how immigration issues intersect with permanency planning.

For children in foster care who were born outside the United States, unresolved immigration status can create significant barriers to achieving stable, permanent families. Identifying these issues early allows case teams to pursue appropriate legal pathways while keeping permanency planning on track.

The training explored:

• How to recognize immigration issues that may affect children and youth in foster care.

• Immigration relief options that may be available to foreign-born youth.

• Why immigration strategy should be considered alongside permanency planning from the beginning of a case.

• Practical steps professionals can take to better support children and families navigating both the child welfare and immigration systems.

The session was presented by Kelly Dempsey, Esq., of Foster + Bloom Family Formation Law Group, who shared practical guidance drawn from her experience representing children and families in these complex cases. Path to Permanency is grateful for her willingness to provide this important education to our community.

As part of the training, participants received a screening checklist and other resources to help identify potential immigration concerns early in a case. The webinar recording and presentation are now available in the Members section of the Path to Permanency website. Membership is free and provides access to this and other educational resources.

Providing high-quality training is one of the ways Path to Permanency works to strengthen collaboration across the child welfare system. By equipping professionals and caregivers with practical knowledge, we can help reduce avoidable delays and improve permanency outcomes for children.

If you have case-specific questions, Kelly encourages you to contact her directly:

Foster + Bloom Family Formation Law Group

Office: 919.710.8199

Email: Kelly@fosterbloomlaw.com

Website: www.fosterbloomlaw.com

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Path to Permanency also offers training on Permanency Planning Reviews (PPRs)—a key process for improving communication, accountability, and timely permanency planning.

Upcoming virtual sessions:

• July 27 at 7:00 PM

• October 26 at 7:00 PM

These trainings are eligible for continuing education credit for Guardians ad Litem, foster parents, licensed social workers, and attorneys.

To learn more about upcoming trainings, access webinar recordings, or get involved, visit www.pathtopermanency.org.