Glossary of Terms

PAIR is a medical and social history database maintained by the Department of Human Services. Adoptees and birth family members can register medical and social information and authorize the release of identifying or non-identifying information to adoptees and authorized family members.

PAIR is a medical and social history database maintained by the Department of Human Services. Adoptees and birth family members can register medical and social information and authorize the release of identifying or non-identifying information to adoptees and authorized family members.

PSRFA began as a small association in 1974 and has grown into a statewide association that advocates for all those who care about children and their families. PSRFA works supportively with foster, adoptive, and kinship families, and with local foster parent associations and agencies who care for the children they serves.  PSRFA’s vision is to involve all parts of the community to improve the quality of family life in Pennsylvania and to influence child welfare policy and practice, both nationally and internationally.

The establishment of an identified adult or family who has made a commitment to care for and to support a child up to and beyond the age of majority.  Permanency options as defined by ASFA in hierarchical order are as follows:  (1) return to the parent, (2) place for adoption, (3) placement with a permanent legal custodian, (4) placement with a fit and willing relative or (5) another planned permanent living arrangement (APPLA).  (APPLA may be used only when no other arrangement can be made for the child and all other permanency options have been ruled out. If and when the child will be placed in another planned permanent living arrangement which is approved by the court, the child must be 18 years of age or older. Also, the county agency shall identify at least two significant connections with supportive adults willing to be involved in the child's life as the child transitions to adulthood, or document that efforts have been made to identify supportive adults.)  

Goal directed activities that help children and families be successful in adoption. It provides relationship continuity for children and nurturing and support for parents.

The three sided relationship among the birth parent, permanency parent, and child.