If a child had a foster care service plan prior to preparation for adoption, must I complete a new adoption service plan?

• A. Yes, a new plan must be created
• B. It depends on funding
• C. Only if the child is over 12
• D. No, the adoption service plan may be a continuation of the foster care service plan

Answer: (D)

When a child is preparing for adoption, it’s common for the adoption service plan to be a continuation of the foster care service plan. This approach keeps the same planning framework in place, ensuring continuity of services, responsibilities, and timelines without duplicating effort. The foster care plan already covers needed supports—such as therapy, education assistance, and family involvement—and can be updated to reflect adoption-specific steps (like finalization timelines and post-adoptive support) within the same plan. It isn’t about funding or the child’s age; those factors don’t automatically require starting a new plan. So, it’s permissible for the adoption service plan to continue from the foster care plan rather than creating an entirely new document.