Adoption services screening should occur immediately under which condition?

• A. Whenever warning signs necessitate screening or upon adoptive parent request.
• B. Only if the child has a documented history of attempts.
• C. Only at age 16.
• D. Only after a court order.

Answer: (A)

Focus on timely risk assessment. Adoption services screening should happen right away whenever there are warning signs that screening is warranted or when the adoptive parent requests it. This immediate action ensures concerns are evaluated promptly, so safety risks can be identified early and appropriate supports or interventions can be put in place without unnecessary delays. Delaying screening in response to warning signs increases potential risk to the child and misses an opportunity for early help.

The other scenarios don’t fit because screening isn’t limited to a specific history of attempts, a particular age, or dependency on a court order. It should be triggered by current warning signs or by the adoptive parent’s request, regardless of age or prior history, and independent of court involvement.