Sec.17a-150-88. Evaluation before placement

(a) Before placing a child in a foster family or prospective adoptive family, the child placing agency shall secure and evaluate information necessary to determine if a foster or adoptive placement is in the child's best interest.

(b) All possible alternatives to placement shall be explored with parents considering or planning to release their child for adoption or place their child in foster care.

(c) If it is known that the child or the child's family has received social services from an individual or child placing agency or a state agency, such individual or child placing agency or state agency shall be consulted, if possible, prior to the child's placement.

(d) All factors relevant to the child's adjustment in the home and in the community for the present and the long term shall be considered.

(e) With the consent of the guardian, foster care may be provided when a child requests it due to an immediate need for shelter away from home.

(f) All relevant information concerning the child's developmental, medical, social, emotional and environmental history, which may be legally disclosed, shall be shared by the child placing agency with the foster family or prospective adoptive family prior to the placement of the child in the home.

(Effective February 20, 1997; Amended May 30, 2002)