The process of determining permanent living arrangements for children residing in foster care is referred to as permanency planning. I provide a preliminary framework for art therapists working with foster children and their families during the permanency planning process, and identify clinical and ethical issues that have resulted from the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA). I recommend that therapists implement a trauma-informed approach to treatment that strives to align all caregivers in the child's life, and encourages collaboration with providers and legal personnel to determine the best placement decision for the child. Future research should utilize the unique aspects of trauma-informed art therapy to develop specific assessment tools to support art therapists in making ethical custody decisions.