This issue is something which makes me have second thoughts about adopting. But I think you can lessen the risk. If you're adopting a cat that is already trained to use a scratching post to scratch instead of furniture, and you provide that in your home, it's unlikely to happen.
"just finding out" cats can possibly scratch furniture is eyebrow raising.
I turned down the kitten that was up for adoption through a friend of a friend. As cute as it is, after doing some research, I think I'm better off adopting an adult cat. I was worried about single kitten syndrome and all of the work involved in caring for a high energy kitten. Plus I'm about to make a big career change and want to settle with that before I adopt. UGH responsible decision making.