Which statement about pre-placement visits for a child in foster care is true?

Which statement about pre-placement visits for a child in foster care is true?

• A. There must be no interval between the pre-placement visit and placement.
• B. Pre-placement visits are not required for emergency admissions.
• C. A child over six months of age must visit the foster home at least once before placement.
• D. Pre-placement visits are never required.

Answer: (C)

Pre-placement visits are used to ensure safety, readiness, and a positive start for a move into a foster home. They give the child, the caregiver, and the worker a chance to begin the relationship, discuss routines, medical and emotional needs, and plan supports before the placement happens.

The statement about children over six months needing at least one visit before placement reflects a common policy: when a child is old enough to participate meaningfully in the visit, a pre-placement visit is required to assess fit and start building trust. This helps reduce future disruptions by surfacing potential issues early and setting expectations for everyone involved.

The other options don’t fit typical practice. There can be a short interval between the pre-placement visit and the actual move, rather than insisting there be no interval. In emergencies, while authorities strive to move quickly, many policies still encourage arranging a pre-placement visit as soon as feasible rather than declaring it never required. And stating that pre-placement visits are never required is clearly inaccurate.