If a child is not receiving treatment services, when must you inform them of discharge or transfer?

If a child is not receiving treatment services, when must you inform them of discharge or transfer?

• A. Four days prior to the date
• B. On the day of discharge
• C. After discharge
• D. Only if the child asks

Answer: (A)

Notifying the child four days before discharge or transfer when they are not receiving treatment services ensures there is enough time for the child to understand the change, ask questions, and make any necessary arrangements for the transition. This proactive notice supports the child’s right to be informed and to participate in decisions affecting their care, and it helps reduce abrupt disruptions by allowing planning with the family, caregiver, or appropriate supports. Informing on the day of discharge is too abrupt and leaves little or no opportunity for preparation. Waiting until after discharge defeats the purpose of informing the child beforehand. Only telling the child if they ask places the responsibility on the child to seek information and ignores the mandated proactive notification that applies in this situation.

Notifying the child four days before discharge or transfer when they are not receiving treatment services ensures there is enough time for the child to understand the change, ask questions, and make any necessary arrangements for the transition. This proactive notice supports the child’s right to be informed and to participate in decisions affecting their care, and it helps reduce abrupt disruptions by allowing planning with the family, caregiver, or appropriate supports.

Informing on the day of discharge is too abrupt and leaves little or no opportunity for preparation. Waiting until after discharge defeats the purpose of informing the child beforehand. Only telling the child if they ask places the responsibility on the child to seek information and ignores the mandated proactive notification that applies in this situation.