This 14-minute video helps raise awareness about the importance of permanency for all youth who have experienced the foster care system – especially those with complex mental and behavioral needs. It features the stories of three families who were successfully reunited through the Child Protective Services Reintegration Pilot Project.

About the CPS Reintegration Project
Consistent with the research on successful reunification practices, the CPS Reintegration Project provides an extensive network of wraparound services and supports to caregivers of youth who are in the foster care system, have at least one DSM-IV diagnosis, and are attempting to reintegrate into their homes and communities.

The CPS Reintegration Project is a partnership among Casey Family Programs, Travis County Health and Human Services and Texas Child Protective Services. The School of Social Work at the University of Texas-Austin is a partner with Casey Family Programs in the evaluation and video production.

Discussion Guide
The video comes complete with a discussion guide for facilitators to stimulate critical thinking and discussion about ways to improve permanency outcomes among a variety of audiences, including:

• child welfare staff and administrators
• members of the legal community
• mental health professionals
• residential treatment providers
• students of social work

These discussions are germane in every community, regardless of whether it can implement the CPS Reintegration Project or is considering another permanency practice model.