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As an affiliate of the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN), NHS Human Services provides a variety of permanency services to children and their families through its Supports for Permanency program. The services available are intended to assist county agencies in achieving permanence in a timely manner for all children in the child welfare system.

A written profile is suggested for all children in the custody of county child welfare agencies.  Child profiles can assist in recruitment activities and identifying possible matches for placement to occur, assist in the sharing of information with prospective families who are being considered to provide permanency, identify strengths and possible risk factors that might be useful in the placement adjustment period, and maintain a history for the child as a resource of information for his/her later life.  Referral for this service is by the county agency with custody of the child.

Children in out-of-home placement have experienced significant losses.  A Child Preparation worker can help clarify the reasons for removal and separation from the child’s family, provide an opportunity to grieve losses, and help the child establish a more secure foundation for identity formulation.  Referral for this service is by the county agency with custody of the child.

The child specific recruitment unit of service ensures that all opportunities for finding a family for a child have been pursued. NHS Human Services works closely with the county agency to develop a plan for recruitment activities.  Referral for this service is by the county agency with custody of the child.

The family profile process is an extensive one that focuses on developing the family’s attitudes, knowledge, and skills so that they can effectively parent children who have been separated from their families.  The family profile process includes orientation of family to the SWAN and child welfare systems, training on issues relevant to special needs children and permanence, completion of the family profile document, continuing education pending placement, and registration with the Pennsylvania Adoption Exchange.

These services ensure proper planning and decision-making for children who are transitioning to an adoptive family.  Post-placement supervision is provided to support the child and family as they move toward adoption finalization. Referral for these services is by the county agency with custody of the child.

Families parenting children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and separation from their birth families often find they need additional support from time to time.  Through its Supports for Permanency program, NHS can assist families in identifying needs and implementing strategies to help children with these special needs continue to thrive and grow.  Adoptive families, as well as kinship care or permanent legal custodianship families residing in Pennsylvania are eligible for these services.

Post-permanency services are considered preventative in nature and are completely voluntary. Post-permanency services include:

• advocacy for post-permanency services (assessment and case management);
• support group services; and
• respite services.

Families are encouraged to self-refer for post-permanency services by contacting the SWAN HelpLine at 1-800-585-SWAN, and requesting NHS (affiliate #89) as their preferred provider.  Post Permanency services are available at no cost to families