Specialty Permanency Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Certification!

The introductory meeting with parents and caregivers should ideally take place within 7 days of protective custody. This timeframe is critical as it allows for timely engagement with families to address their concerns, foster communication, and begin working towards family reunification or other permanency outcomes. Holding the meeting within this period ensures that the family is given an early opportunity to participate in decision-making processes regarding their child, which is essential for establishing rapport and trust.

Engaging with families promptly can have a positive impact on the overall case management process. It allows social workers to assess the family's strengths and challenges, provide necessary resources, and outline the steps that will be taken moving forward. This approach is consistent with best practices in child welfare, which emphasize the importance of involving families as early as possible to create a supportive environment for children's well-being and permanence.