If a parent loses custody, that is permanent.

If a parent loses custody, that is permanent.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Sure
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (B)

In child welfare practice, custody is not automatically permanent. Court orders can be temporary and can be changed as circumstances change and as safety and well-being of the child are reassessed. The system emphasizes reunification with parents when it’s safe, using case plans, services, and periodic reviews to determine if custody should be restored to a parent, shifted to a relative, or otherwise adjusted. Only a termination of parental rights would create a permanently unchangeable situation, but simply losing custody does not by itself mean the arrangement is permanent. So the statement is not correct.

In child welfare practice, custody is not automatically permanent. Court orders can be temporary and can be changed as circumstances change and as safety and well-being of the child are reassessed. The system emphasizes reunification with parents when it’s safe, using case plans, services, and periodic reviews to determine if custody should be restored to a parent, shifted to a relative, or otherwise adjusted. Only a termination of parental rights would create a permanently unchangeable situation, but simply losing custody does not by itself mean the arrangement is permanent. So the statement is not correct.