When does an adoption services suicide screening occur?

• A. Immediately for a child of any age whenever warning signs necessitate screening or upon adoptive parent request.
• B. Only at age 18.
• C. During the initial foster home placement.
• D. Only if the child has a documented prior attempt.

Answer: (A)

This item is testing when adoption services should conduct a suicide risk screening. The best approach is to perform the screening immediately for a child of any age whenever warning signs indicate risk or when an adoptive parent requests screening. This reflects a proactive safety practice: the goal is to identify risk as soon as concerns arise and connect the family and child with appropriate support before placement or other decisions proceed.

It’s not limited to a specific age (such as 18), not restricted to the initial foster home placement, and not required only if there is a documented prior attempt. Screening is a responsive, ongoing safeguard that should occur whenever there are warning signs or a parent’s request, across all ages and stages of adoption.