Under which circumstances may a child be placed in the home of a prospective adoptive parent before the adoptive home screening is complete?

• A. A family member related by the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, or a foster family with whom the child has been living immediately prior to the request for an adoptive home screening.
• B. Any prospective adoptive parent who has completed the screening process.
• C. Only a parent with direct first-degree relation and court approval.
• D. Placement may never occur before the adoptive home screening is completed.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that there are limited exceptions that let a child stay in the home of a prospective adoptive parent before the full home study is finished. The only circumstances allowed are when the prospective adoptive parent is a relative within the second degree of relation (consanguinity or affinity), or when the child has been living with a foster family immediately before the request and can remain there during the screening.

This setup supports the child’s stability and continuity, using someone who already has a bond with the child while the adoptive home screening process proceeds under supervision. It ensures safety and proper oversight, rather than placing with someone who hasn’t begun the screening, while still recognizing the importance of keeping the child with familiar people during transition.

The other options don’t fit because placement cannot occur with just any prospective adoptive parent who has completed screening; the placement before screening is finished is restricted to these specific kin or prior foster-family circumstances, not universally, and absolute statements that placement can never occur before screening are incorrect.