Specialty Permanency Practice Exam

How often should a CANS assessment on parents of placed children be conducted?

1. Every 30 days

2. Every 60 days

3. Every 90 days

4. Every 6 months

The correct answer is: Every 6 months

The correct choice is that a CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths) assessment on parents of placed children should be conducted every 6 months. This frequency aligns with best practices in permanency planning and ensures that the assessments remain relevant and useful for evaluating the needs of parents while considering the evolving dynamics of the child’s situation. Regular assessments, such as those conducted semi-annually, allow for a comprehensive review of parental functioning, strengths, and areas needing support without being overwhelming. This timeframe supports continuity in monitoring progress and development while ensuring that therapeutic interventions can be adjusted as necessary based on the family's changing circumstances. Conducting assessments more frequently, such as every 30, 60, or 90 days, may lead to unnecessary pressure on families and professionals alike, and could detract from the meaningful engagement with the family and the child. Thus, a 6-month interval strikes a balance between obtaining needed information and allowing time for families to implement changes and demonstrate progress.