What must occur if a child is in voluntary foster care for over 90 days?

When a child is in voluntary foster care for over 90 days, it is essential to obtain written authorization from the Region/Circuit Designee. This requirement ensures that there is oversight and accountability in the decision-making process regarding the child's ongoing care and placement. It serves to protect the child's best interests by ensuring that professionals are actively involved in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the child's situation and making informed decisions about their care.

Involvement from the Region/Circuit Designee typically indicates that a higher level of scrutiny and evaluation is necessary to determine the appropriateness of continuing foster care and to explore possible permanency options for the child. This step is crucial in addressing both the needs of the child and compliance with regulatory frameworks governing foster care.

The other options typically do not represent the required actions under these circumstances. A trial is not necessary for voluntary placements, as they are not court-ordered by default. A home study might be conducted, but this is not a standard requirement after 90 days without further context. Lastly, the assumption that a child must return to their biological parent does not take into account the complexities of each individual case, as decisions regarding a child’s return to their family involve multiple factors and can vary significantly based on the child's best interests and safety