CFSA acknowledges that when a child, including infants, teens, and older youth is separated from their family, prompt engagement of parents, relatives, and significant non-relatives supports timely permanency and reduces the length of stay in foster care. Early involvement also increases the likelihood that children can remain with their siblings. Accordingly, CFSA takes action early during case planning to locate parents, relatives, and significant non-relatives whose identities or whereabouts are unknown. Identifying family members as soon as possible provides them the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the case-planning process. 

PPD