What Does Permanency Mean on the Belonging Network Site?

Updated

On the Belonging Network site, permanency means a stable, lasting family connection for a child or youth—not just a placement, but a relationship intended to endure. The site treats it as the organizing idea behind its support and learning services, and it applies to young people both in government care and transitioning out of it. The concept covers several family forms, so it is broader than adoption alone.

How the site frames permanency

The Belonging Network (formerly the Adoptive Families Association of BC) describes its purpose as providing "support, learning, and connection for adoptive and permanency families and youth from government care in BC." Its homepage asks "What is permanency?" and places it alongside adoption as a core topic. The emphasis is on belonging that lasts: a family relationship a young person can rely on into adulthood, rather than a temporary arrangement.

This framing matters because "permanency" is often used loosely. On this site it functions as an umbrella term that includes legal permanency (such as adoption or guardianship) and relational permanency (such as kinship care or customary care), with foster care also addressed as part of the landscape.

Forms of permanency the site covers

The site's Adoption & Permanency section lists these pathways:

Form What it generally refers to on the site
Adoption Legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities, with several subtypes (infant, from BC foster care, international, by a relative or step-parent)
Guardianship A legal arrangement giving a caregiver ongoing responsibility without adoption
Kinship care Care by relatives or other close connections
Indigenous customary care Care consistent with an Indigenous child's community and cultural traditions
Foster care Temporary government care, addressed as part of the permanency conversation

Each form has its own page or section, so readers can compare eligibility, process, and supports rather than treating adoption as the only route.

Why permanency matters for youth from government care

Young people who leave government care without a lasting family connection face elevated risks in housing, education, and wellbeing. The site's youth section reflects this: it points to AgedOut.com, life-skills resources, bursaries, and youth support, and includes a "Know your rights" entry. Permanency is presented as the goal that these supports work toward—a connection that continues after care ends, whether through adoption, guardianship, kinship care, or a committed relationship with a caring adult.

Where to go on the site for each type

  • Adoption: the Adoption overview, then the specific type (infant, BC foster care, international, relative or step-parent), plus "Eligibility, costs, & timeline" and "Adoption step-by-step."
  • Guardianship, kinship care, Indigenous customary care, foster care: separate entries under Adoption & Permanency.
  • Learning: "Introduction to Adoption and Permanency" and LEAP (Learning for Everyone in Adoption and Permanency).
  • Support: one-to-one family support, online support groups, and community groups.
  • Youth: AgedOut.com, life skills, bursaries, and youth support.

If you are starting out, the "Considering adoption" and "New caregivers" entry points on the homepage route you to the most relevant sections. If you are a youth or supporting one, begin with the youth section and AgedOut.com.