creates lifelong family connections for Sacramento, Nevada, and Placer County foster youth between the ages of 11 and 18. The goal is that by the end of 2008, no youth will age out of foster care without a permanent family connection that is as legally, emotionally, and physically secure as possible. Each agency in this effective public and private collaboration contributes the talent, resources, and commitment youth need to succeed.

Permanency includes adoption, guardianship, and committed lifelong connections with a caring family or an adult who is significant in a youth’s life.

Permanency is a state of mind, not a placement; permanency is having the feeling that you are connected, that someone will answer your phone call in the middle of the night.

Permanency includes all connections that serve to anchor a youth.

Permanency is a safety net that everyone needs.

Without permanency, youth often experience uncertainty about where they belong, who will care about them, and who will be there as they move into adulthood.

Connections solidify a youth’s identity, affirm family connections, and can help in coping with past trauma.

Being connected with a family or significant adult is an important step toward growing up.

a collaborative effort of:

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, ADOPTION SERVICES BUREAU

SACRAMENTO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

NEVADA COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

PLACER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES, CHILDREN'S SYSTEM OF CARE

and

SIERRA FOREVER FAMILIES

made possible through a Federal Adoption Opportunities Grant.