For a foster child under 10, who may request a suicide screening?

• A. The parent, a foster parent, or a child-placing agency.
• B. Only a physician.
• C. Only the school counselor.
• D. Only the child.

Answer: (A)

When a child in foster care might be at risk, someone with formal authority over the child’s care and safety is the one who can initiate a suicide screening. In this context, that authority lies with the parent, a foster parent, or the child-placing agency. The agency is the managing custodian of the child’s welfare, and foster parents act on behalf of the child in daily care, so either party can request an evaluation to ensure immediate safety. The child themselves can request help only through those who have guardianship or legal responsibility, and school staff or individual physicians may refer or recommend a screening, but the official request typically comes from the guardian or agency. This setup ensures screenings are pursued promptly when safety concerns arise, with the appropriate authority to authorize such care.