Finding Forever: Understanding Permanency in Foster Care webinar brings together legislators, policy experts, and individuals with lived experience to examine how states can improve permanency outcomes for children in the foster care system. Hosted by CSG South in partnership with Casey Family Programs, the discussion highlights the importance of reducing the amount of time children spend in out-of-home care while ensuring their safety and long-term well-being.
Panelists include North Carolina State Senator Sydney Batch, a social worker and attorney with nearly two decades of experience in child welfare cases; West Virginia Delegate Adam Burkhammer, a foster parent and legislator offering perspective from both policy and lived experience; and Lanitta Berry, a child welfare consultant who draws on her own experience in foster care. Moderated by Christine Calpin, managing director of public policy at Casey Family Programs, the conversation explores how states approach reunification, guardianship, and adoption, along with the role of collaboration across agencies and systems.
The discussion underscores that permanency is not a one-size-fits-all outcome. Speakers emphasize the need for flexible, child-centered approaches that reflect individual circumstances, strengthen family connections when possible and support stable, lasting placements when reunification is not an option. Viewers will gain insight into current challenges, emerging strategies and opportunities for policymakers to support more timely and effective permanency pathways.
Watch the full webinar recording below to learn more.