When must I implement a service plan?

• A. Immediately after signing
• B. As soon as all of the service planning team members have reviewed and signed the plan, but no later than 15 days after the date of the scheduled service-planning meeting involving the parents, foster parents, and the child
• C. After 90 days
• D. Only after parental consent

Answer: (B)

The timing hinges on two steps: the service planning team must review and sign the plan, and then implementation must happen within a 15-day window after the date of the scheduled service-planning meeting that includes the parents, foster parents, and the child. This means you don’t implement immediately after signing—you wait until all team members have reviewed and signed, and you start no later than 15 days after that meeting. Implementing within 15 days keeps services timely and coordinated, avoiding unnecessary delays.

Choosing a timeline of 90 days would delay needed supports far too long, and waiting for parental consent alone isn’t enough because the plan requires the whole planning team’s endorsement and the specified deadline to move into action.