What is a placement agreement?

• A. The agreement with the child’s parent or the child that defines your roles and authorizes you to obtain or provide services for the child.
• B. An agreement with Licensing about facility standards.
• C. A contract between foster parent and agency unrelated to child.
• D. A form used only for medical consent.

Answer: (A)

A placement agreement is the formal arrangement with the child’s parent (or the child if appropriate) that spells out who will do what and what authority the agency has to get or provide services for the child. It clearly defines the roles of the agency and the family, the kinds of services to be provided, who will coordinate and pay for them, and the decisions the agency is authorized to make on behalf of the child. This document is what allows the agency to take action—like arranging placements, coordinating medical care, education, and other supports—while ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities and what services will be delivered. It isn’t about facility standards with Licensing, it isn’t a separate contract between a foster parent and the agency unrelated to the child, and it isn’t just a medical consent form.