Concurrent planning for children (0-2) aims to achieve permanent families for the youngest and most vulnerable children in the care system.  The child is placed directly with foster-adopters whilst the court makes a decision about their future.  The child either returns home to their birth family or is adopted by the foster-adopters.

This is good for children because:

• Plans are put in place to secure permanency for the children at the earliest opportunity.  Ideally this would be with the birth family but if that is not possible, with foster-adopters who would adopt the child.
• Children move to live with carers who can offer them a permanent home if necessary, which means fewer moves and minimises disruption and uncertainty for children.

What does Concurrency mean for carers?

• You would be assessed as prospective foster carers and adopters following the step by step process detailed above.
• You would need to live in Brighton & Hove or surrounding area (travelling distance of up to 30 minutes).
• You will need to be able to form a close and trusting relationship with social workers and use the support they offer to help you manage the challenges of the concurrent process.
• You would need to be prepared to offer a permanent commitment to the child through adoption if that became the plan for the child.
• You would need to be able to cope with a significant level of uncertainty: Uncertainty about the outcome of the assessment work with the birth family, and whether the child will be returned to their care.  There could also be uncertainty regarding the child's health and development, as children may be placed as young as a few days old when it is difficult to know what their health issues might be.
• You need to be able to see yourselves as foster carers and be able to work with the birth family whilst the child is placed with you, meeting the parents as you bring the child to contact three or more times a week.

Concurrent Planning

• If the care plan is rehabilitation you will need to be able to work with the department and birth parents in returning the child to their parents' care.  You will receive support from your social worker with this process.
• If the care plan for the child does become adoption and you go on to adopt her/him, you must be able to consider her/his need for ongoing contact with their birth family and feel able to manage this if it is considered to be in the best interests of the child.

Support

• You will be provided with a high level of support from your social worker throughout the concurrent placement.
• Experienced concurrency carers are available to share their experiences and answer any questions you migh have about the process and what it feels like.
• You will be paid a fostering allowance whilst the baby/child is placed with you on a fostering basis.
• You will be provided with adoption support services if you go on to adopt the child.