If the placement cannot be completed or is not in the best interests of the child or adoptive family, what must the agency do?

• A. Remove the child immediately without review.
• B. Continue the placement despite concerns.
• C. Remove the child from the adoptive family, with the decision reviewed and approved by child placement management staff prior to removal.
• D. Provide an alternative to court but no removal.

Answer: (C)

When a placement cannot be completed or isn’t in the child’s or adoptive family’s best interests, the agency must remove the child from that placement, but this action must be handled with proper oversight. The removal should occur only after a review and approval by child placement management staff, ensuring the decision safeguards the child’s well-being and adheres to policy and accountability standards. This prevents hasty or unilateral actions and aligns with case planning and next steps, such as finding a more suitable placement or pursuing appropriate legal steps.

Removing immediately without review would bypass safeguards; continuing the problematic placement ignores the child’s best interests; offering an alternative to court without removal may delay needed protections. The required process balances timely protection with responsible, managed decision-making.