For foster children under age 10, what triggers a suicide screening?

• A. History of suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts identified at admission or upon request due to risk factors or warning signs.
• B. Annual routine screening regardless of risk.
• C. Screening only when a medical doctor orders it.
• D. Screening is never performed under 10.

Answer: (A)

Screening for suicide risk in young foster children is triggered by identifiable risk indicators, not by a set annual routine. If there is a history of suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts that is found during admission, or if risk factors or warning signs are noted and prompted a request for evaluation, a suicide screening should be initiated. This focused approach ensures that safety assessments are conducted when there is known potential danger, rather than applying a universal annual screen or waiting for a physician order. The options that rely on universal annual screening, requiring a doctor’s order, or suggesting no screening at all under age 10 do not align with the practice of initiating evaluation based on observed risk signals or history.