A child must have at least one pre-placement visit with the adoptive family prior to placement unless the child is younger than what age?

• A. One year
• B. Six months
• C. One month
• D. Two months

Answer: (C)

A pre-placement visit is used to confirm the home environment, caregiver readiness, and planning for a child before they enter the home. The idea is to observe how the family will meet the child’s needs and ensure safety, routines, and supports are in place.

The exception for newborns—being younger than one month—acknowledges that delaying placement to complete a visit can hinder timely bonding and care for a very young infant. In such cases, placement can occur first, with the intended safety checks and planning addressed soon after through post-placement steps and visits. This balance helps protect the child while not delaying a critical need for newborns.

So, the threshold is one month; if the child is younger than that, a pre-placement visit before placement isn’t required.