When must an initial service plan be completed after admitting the child?

• A. Within 45 days after admission
• B. Within 60 days after admission
• C. Within 90 days after admission
• D. Within 120 days after admission

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that planning for a child’s services must start promptly after admission. The initial service plan is the formal map of the child’s needs, goals, and the specific services, supports, and who will provide them. Completing this plan within 45 days after admission ensures that assessments are done in a timely way, information from the child, family, and professionals is gathered, and a concrete, coordinated plan is in place to address health, education, mental health, safety, and permanency goals.

If the plan isn’t completed by about six weeks, services can be delayed, coordination can fall behind, and you risk gaps in care or noncompliance with licensing requirements. The longer windows (60, 90, or 120 days) would push critical planning further out and reduce the immediacy and effectiveness of the support framework for the child.