Concurrent planning: benefits and pitfalls.

Concurrent planning-working with families toward reunification while developing alternative permanency plans--was designed to fit an out-of-home care population much like that projected for the year 2000 and beyond: very young, chronically neglected children from multiproblem families. As large-scale programs begin to develop nationally, those implementing concurrent planning must be aware of the pitfalls that can undercut its effectiveness, while keeping in mind the benefits it can bring by reducing the trauma experienced by children in placement.