What is a placement agreement and what should it include?

• A. A casual email describing the child’s dietary preferences.
• B. A document outlining terms of the placement, responsibilities of all parties, and expected outcomes.
• C. A financial settlement unrelated to placement.
• D. A notification of placement but no terms.

Answer: (B)

A placement agreement is the formal document that defines how a child will be placed and what each party is responsible for, along with the outcomes expected from the placement. It should spell out who is involved, how long the placement will last, and the duties of the placing agency, the caregiver or placement home, the child’s birth family or guardian, and any funders or services involved. It also needs to specify the services to be provided, supervision and support arrangements, visitation rules, how progress will be monitored and reported, safety and welfare protections, confidentiality, and any payment or reimbursement terms. It should describe what constitutes successful completion or the process for termination and what steps happen if plans change. A casual email about preferences or a purely financial settlement does not establish the necessary terms, and a placement notification without terms does not create accountability or guidance.