Foster parents are not the only people with rights in a foster care arrangement. Biological parents may opt for family reunification or may voluntarily relinquish the child. In some cases, involuntary termination of parental rights may occur. Each option represents a difficult decision that the adults should not make without serious consideration. The currently prevailing thought within the child social welfare system is that caseworkers should take all steps possible to return the child to the biological home. The underlying presumption is that this home is the best place for the child. It assumes that rehabilitation of biological parents from what caused the neglect, abuse, or abandonment of the child can and should occur.
Relinquishment takes place when biological parents voluntarily terminate their parental rights to the child for adoption purposes. This usually happens when the child is an infant or toddler. After signing consent forms, birth parents may change their mind about placing the child up for adoption. The timeframe within which this may be done varies by state.
Involuntary termination of parental rights occurs when the state petitions the court for permission to end parental rights, enabling the child to be adopted. This usually occurs after the child has been in foster care for a few years and it is determined that the birth parents will be unable to perform parental duties adequately. The federal Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 offers situational guidelines regarding parental right termination and many states have adjusted their laws in accordance.
Even when children have been neglected or abused, many of them want to be reunited with their biological parents. This is not always in the best interest of the child, so caseworkers must make their recommendation to a court, which makes the final decision. Foster care leading to adoption is another solution with permanency in mind.
No comments:
Post a Comment