Glossary of Terms

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  • p

  • PACA
    An enforceable, voluntary agreement for continuing contact or communication following an adoption between an adoptive parent, a child, a birth parent and/or a birth relative of the child, if all parties agree and the voluntary agreement is approved by the court.  The agreement must be signed(...)
  • Placement
    The physical relocation of a child into a foster or prospective adoptive living situation with a new family. Placement can occur without termination of parental rights; finalized adoption cannot.
  • Post Adoption Contact Agreement
    An enforceable, voluntary agreement for continuing contact or communication following an adoption between an adoptive parent, a child, a birth parent and/or a birth relative of the child, if all parties agree and the voluntary agreement is approved by the court.  The agreement must be signed(...)
  • Post-permanency
    These services are available to any family who has adopted and lives in Pennsylvania, whether or not they adopted their child from foster care, and to those families who have provided permanency to children from the foster care system through permanent legal custodianship or formal kinship(...)
  • Post-permanency Advocacy
    A service that assures families receive or get connected to appropriate resources and services; it includes an initial assessment for all families who are receiving services.
  • Post-permanency Respite
    A service that allows the parents and child a time to regroup and gain a new prospective while offering a change from daily routines. Think of it as a visit for the children to the home of an aunt or uncle or very good family friend while the parents take a needed break to re-energize so they(...)
  • Post-permanency Support Groups
    Structured meetings designed to build a community of support for all parties – the adopted children, the birth children and the permanent families.
  • Pre-Adoptive Family
    A family who intends to adopt a child who has been placed in their home by the county agency or court.  Adoption finalization is pending.
  • Prime Contractor
    The legal entity contracting with DHS to administer the SWAN program.
  • Private Adoption
    An adoption that occurs entirely independent of the public child welfare agency, either through a private adoption agency or with a private attorney.

  • r

  • Relative
    An individual who is: (1) Related within the fifth degree of consanguinity (blood) or affinity (marriage or adoption) to the parent or stepparent of a child. (2) At least 21 years of age.