What is the starting point for determining the need for a CBHA?

The starting point for determining the need for a Comprehensive Behavioral Health Assessment (CBHA) is the child's removal from the home. This significant event typically indicates that there may be underlying issues that require further evaluation to ensure the child's well-being and to inform planning for their care and treatment. Removal often occurs in response to concerns about the child's safety, behavior, or mental health, necessitating a thorough assessment to understand their needs and to develop appropriate interventions.

In the context of child welfare, when a child is removed, it signals that there are serious concerns that need to be addressed, and a CBHA serves to capture the child's mental health status, behavioral concerns, and overall functioning. This assessment is crucial for tailoring services that will support the child's return to a stable environment, whether that be reunification with family or placement in a different setting.

Other options may seem relevant but do not serve as foundational points for initiating a CBHA. For instance, the child's preference or their school performance can provide valuable insights but are not primary triggers for assessing behavioral health. The child's age, while important in understanding developmental stages and needs, does not inherently determine the necessity of a behavioral health assessment. Thus, the removal from the home serves as the critical juncture warranting