Child Welfare Policy Manual

May 20, 2013

1.2B.1  AFCARS, Data Elements and Definitions, Foster Care Specific Elements, Case plan goal

1. Question: Some States require that parental rights must be terminated before a child's case plan can reflect a goal of adoption. What should be indicated as a goal, if this is a State's policy?

Answer: The child's goal should be reflective of the "actual" goal; adoption. (See: 45 CFR 1355, Appendix A, Section I, Roman Numeral VI. Also see: Appendix D, Detailed Foster Care, Element Number 43.)

2. Question: If a child's case plan goal is Independent Living how is it indicated on the AFCARS questionnaire?

Answer: Any child with a case plan goal of independent living should be indicated as having a goal of emancipation. (See: 45 CFR 1355, Appendix A, Section I, Roman Numeral VI. Also see: Appendix D, Detailed Foster Care, Element Number 43.)