How should a discharge or transfer be handled for a child who is an immediate danger to self or others?

• A. The child's caregiver(s) or the child placement staff must accompany the child to the receiving operation, agency, or person unless the parent's or law enforcement transports the child
• B. Wait for a court order
• C. Discontinue services
• D. Call a therapist

Answer: (A)

When a child is an immediate danger to self or others, safety during the transfer is the top priority. The proper procedure is that the child’s caregiver or the child placement staff must accompany the child to the receiving operation, agency, or person, unless the parent or law enforcement transports the child. This guarantees a secure handoff, accountability, and that the receiving facility is aware of the immediate risks and the child’s needs. Waiting for a court order would delay crucial safety actions, discontinuing services could leave the child exposed to harm, and calling a therapist doesn’t address the urgent transport and custody transfer required in an emergency. If a parent or law enforcement is the one transporting, staff accompaniment isn’t required, which respects the authority and avoids unnecessary duplication while still ensuring the child is safely transferred.