QIC-AG Permanency Continuum Framework

The QIC-AG Permanency Continuum Framework was developed by the Quality Improvement Center for Adoption and Guardianship Support and Preservation (QIC-AG) to guide its work. The QIC-AG Permanency Continuum Framework is built on the premise that children in adoptive or guardianship families do better when their families are fully prepared and supported to address needs or issues as they arise. The Framework emphasizes prevention and preparation because when services and supports are not offered until families are on the brink of disruption and dissolution, then those services are often provided too late and do not serve the best interests of children and families.  To achieve optimal effectiveness, services and supports should be preventative in nature, and support efforts should focus on proactively identifying risk and protective factors and putting supports in place before difficulties burden the capacity of the family to address challenges.

To learn more about the Permanency Continuum Framework, read the introduction document: INTRODUCTION TO THE QIC-AG PERMANENCY CONTINUUM FRAMEWORK

Click on the green and blue icons in the Framework below to read or download papers developed by the QIC-AG about the specific intervals in the Permanency Continuum Framework:

The QIC-AG Permanency Continuum Framework is separated into eight intervals. Three intervals are on the pre-permanence side, and include state setting, preparation and focused services. The other five intervals are on the post-permanence side. Three of these intervals address prevention efforts, with each interval focusing on a different level of risk: universal prevention, selective prevention, and indicated intervals. The final two intervals address intensive services and maintenance, respectively. In practice, the intervals overlap; however, for the purposes of this discussion, the intervals are described as discrete units.

Taken together, the eight intervals serve as an organizing principle that guides the work of helping children in the transition from foster care to adoption or guardianship, and then helping families maintain stability and well-being after adoption or guardianship has been achieved.