Most frequently, the plan is for children, youth and families to reunite; Permanency Planning (also known as concurrent planning) is a State requirement which mandates that the Department of Social Services must identify an alternative permanent family structure for every child involved in the foster care system in the event that they are not able to reunify with their family. Concurrent Planning offers simultaneous consideration and preparation of implementation of a backup permanency plan only if the family is unable to reunify safely.  Permanency options include adoption, guardianship, or a planned permanent living arrangement (PPLA).  Permanency planning is a process which facilitates the creation and maintenance of lifelong connections with family members or other caring adults in a youth’s life, supporting a positive, healthy, continuous relationship throughout the youth’s life.