Children grow and develop through a process called attachment. Attachment is a fundamental framework for human development. It requires that a child be emotionally connected to at least one adult caregiver who can provide an enduring, nurturing relationship that provides the safety and structure necessary for a child to feel a secure base. Children whose family homes are not safe or nurturing are protected in all states and by federal legislation that allows them to be removed from parents who cannot provide this secure base. There are two fundamental ways in which the human need and right to be part of a family can be assured: (1) by supporting families and (2) by intentionally planning for permanency. These two ideas are different but complementary.