What minimum records must an LCPAA maintain for each child placed?

• A. Only medical records.
• B. Case narrative, service plans, placement history, safety assessments, medical and educational information, consent forms, and weekly progress notes; records must be confidential and retained per policy.
• C. No records are required.
• D. Publicly posted daily progress summaries.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining a complete, confidential record for each child placed is essential for safety, coordination of care, and compliance with policy and law. The minimum set includes a case narrative that captures the child's history, needs, and current situation; a service plan that outlines intended supports and goals; placement history to show where the child has lived and why; safety assessments that evaluate risks and protections; medical information to address health needs and medications; educational information to track schooling and supports; consent forms for information sharing and decision-making; and weekly progress notes that document ongoing developments and responses to interventions. Keeping these records confidential and retaining them according to policy ensures that anyone involved in the child’s placement has access to accurate, up-to-date information while protecting the child’s privacy, and it supports accountability and future continuity of care.

Other options fall short because they either omit essential elements (medical alone is not enough; you need the full story, plans, and records of progress), suggest there are no records (which would jeopardize safety and compliance), or propose publicly posting updates (which would violate confidentiality and privacy).