Who must participate in a triggered review of a child's unauthorized absences?

• A. The child; the foster parent; and child placement staff
• B. The child's parent only
• C. The foster parent and child placement staff only
• D. The administrator only

Answer: (A)

When a child’s unauthorized absence triggers a review, the goal is to bring together the people who can best assess what happened from both the child’s perspective and the on-the-ground context. The participants should include the child, the foster parent, and the child placement staff.

The child’s input is essential because they can share why they left, what they were feeling, and what they think would help prevent future absences. The foster parent provides firsthand information about day-to-day supervision, routines, and any pressures or changes at home or within the placement that might have contributed. The child placement staff coordinate the review, examine records, ensure policies are followed, and connect the family with appropriate supports or interventions.

If you only involve the child’s parent, you miss the foster parent’s day-to-day insights and the professional perspective essential to safeguarding and planning. If you omit the child, you lose the child’s voice and internal context. If the administrator is the sole participant, you lose the direct input from both the child and the foster parent, as well as the on-the-ground details that drive effective decisions.