0070-548.01 | Revision Date: 01/05/21
Overview
This policy guide provides an overview of the Child and Family Team (CFT) process and provides guidelines for conducting Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTMs).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Relatives, NREFM and Informal Supports
Community Partners and Service Providers
Scheduler/Clerical Support Responsibilities
Case Coaching/Staff Engagement
Certified Facilitator Responsibilities
Certified Facilitator Responsibilities
CSW/Certified Responsibilities
Certified Facilitator Responsibilities
Version Summary
This policy guide was updated from the 5/20/19 version to state that Children’s Law Center (CLC) Attorneys and Regional Center Providers/Service Coordinators may be members of the Child and Family Team (CFT) and participate in Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTMs) as outlined in ACL 18-23.
The Child and Family Team (CFT) process is aligned with the values of the County of Los Angeles Shared Core Practice Model (CPM). The shared values of both the Integrated Core Practice Model (ICPM and the CFT process are the family-centered approach used to identify:
The CFT process is a solution-focused approach meant to draw on the family's history of protection and ability to solve problems. The information assists families in developing their vision for their future and assists them in gathering a formal and informal support network (team) that will be available to them after termination of formal services.
An effective CFT continues the process of engagement with the family, child and/or youth, Nonminor Dependent (NMD), and caregivers, and provides a process for transparent communication. CFT facilitators must be skilled and trained and adhere to the values, principles, and practices of the Integrated Core Practice Model.CSWs certified at the level of facilitator coordinate CFTs. SCSWs certified at the level of coach, guide this teamwork and assist the CSW with their practice.
The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) is a tool developed to assess child safety and well-being, support care coordination and collaborative decision-making, and to eventually monitor outcomes and services. Per ACL 18-09, the team must inform the CANS, and that the CANS is used and completed through the CFT process. The CANS tool, among other uses, must inform the CFT in key areas and the case plan goals. Further instructions on the implementation of the CANS into a CFT as set forth by ACL 18-09, including the delineation of staff responsibilities are forthcoming.
The formation of a CFT should begin as soon as possible. CFTMs must be convened within the required timeframes and include collaboration with services providers to ensure that the appropriate services are well coordinated. However, CFTMs should not be delayed to accommodate pending mental health screenings, assessments or pending referrals for services.
Staff must adhere to the Guideline for Convening Child and Family Team (CFT) Meetings which delineates the staff and section responsible for convening the CFTMs.
The CFT is a group of individuals identified by the child, youth or NMD and family members as important, professionals and others who are invested in the child, youth and family's success. As the needs of the family, child, and youth/NMD change the team participants may change. Although some families may be initially reluctant to identify and invite team members, it is important that CSWs and Coaches work with the family to mitigate their reluctance to invite specific individuals by offering reassurance, encouragement and demonstrating respect and cultural humility. CSWs and Coaches should document these efforts. Even if family reunification services or parental rights have been terminated, it is important and consistent with state and federal mandates to continue engaging with biological parents or family. This may include having them participate in the CFT process as they can be a source of support in helping the child and family reach their goals of safety, permanency and well-being. Parental involvement should be considered, as long as it is in the best interests of the child, youth/NMD, adheres to confidentiality provisions, does not pose a security threat, and is not contrary to any court order.
The CFT composition always includes:
Per ACL 18-23 the CFT process is a collaborative, non-adversarial, team-based approach to ensuring that children, youth/NMDs, and families achieve positive outcomes and although a child or youth/NMD’s attorney does not typically attend CFT meetings, there may be a few instances when attendance by an attorney does occur. For example, if an attorney (i.e. CLC attorney) is identified as a natural support who will be present for the child, youth/NMD, or family in a capacity other than as a legal representative after the case is closed.
However, if an attorney is participating in a CFT, it is important that they do not ask questions for purposes of fact-finding related to the court process or to create some legal advantage on behalf of their client. Additionally, California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 4.2 prohibits an attorney from directly or indirectly communicating about the subject of the representation with a party known to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the attorney has the consent of the other lawyer or another exception to the rule applies. Furthermore, if and when an attorney, or their representative, is expected to participate in a CFTM, DCFS staff must consult with County Counsel to prepare for the CFTM. If an attorney or their representative is present at the CFTM, County Counsel must also be present.
The individuals listed above shall not be excluded from CFT meetings simply based on the preference of another CFT member. When there are relationship issues between the parent and caregiver or others, the CSW must work with these individuals to hear and address the concerns to ensure that the required members are invited to the meeting with the ultimate goal of having the most fully inclusive CFT meeting possible, in the best interest of the child/youth/NMD.
The State has clarified that although it is encouraged for everyone on the team to participate (with efforts to include them), there will be times when not all of the team members are able to attend and the meeting should take place as scheduled. Before the CFT meeting ends, team members should identify someone to provide updates to absent team members in a timely matter.
The activities of the team shall include, but are not limited to the following:
As part of the teaming process and the ICPM, it is expected that children, youth and families, or NMD and the current caregiver involved with Child Welfare Services will:
The overall CFT process consists of four major components:
Staff Engagement is a key process that assists CSWs and SCSWs prepare to engage and team with the child and/or youth and family, caregiver and NMD. It is an ongoing opportunity for the CSW and SCSW to plan for reflective practice and explore possible biases and barriers when working with a family. The process includes the Case Review and Case Coaching.
All DCFS staff assigned to the case, other county agencies involved with the family and service providers should participate in the staff engagement. Staff who will be involved in the process should have sufficient knowledge of the child and family history and case documentation. The information is necessary in order to clarify safety issues and the family's past struggles and successes that may be different from what the professional system knows. An in-depth case review should be strength-based and include identification of the following (not an exhaustive list):
During the staff engagement:
When the CSW is aware of a family's history of violent or threatening behavior, this information should be discussed when exploring meeting locations to allow for adequate planning. A family member may be excluded from the process due to security concerns.
In addition, if a potential decision or plan requires higher level approval per policy, the CSW and SCSW must consult with the ARA.
The family engagement meeting occurs prior to the CFTM and as needed, prior to a follow-up meting and aims to empower the family as partners in creating or maintaining sufficient safety for their children. It may occur at any point when a member of the immediate family, child and/or youth, NMD, and/or other key participants, such as the current caregiver, identify the need to meet. The initial meeting:
During the family engagement meeting, the designated DCFS staff must discuss the non-negotiables with the family and assist them in:
Any potential legal conflicts (e.g. restraining orders, visitation restrictions) or confidentiality issues should be discussed with the family during the family engagement meeting and prior to the CFTM.
For children and/or youth placed in out-of-home care, the Department is required to convene a CFTM, or attend and participate in a team meeting that is aligned with the CFT process (i.e. meets the minimum criteria for a CFTM), including but not limited to a Multidisciplinary Assessment Team (MAT) Summary of Findings (SOF), Wraparound (WRAP), Full Service Partnership (FSP), Intensive Field Capable Clinical Services (IFCCS), Multi-Disciplinary Case Planning Committee (MCPC), Treatment Foster Care Services (TFCS) and STRTP-facilitated team meeting on the child's behalf, within 45 days but no later than 60 days, of the child being placed in out-of-home care. The meetings facilitated by partner agencies that are aligned with the CFT process satisfy below requirements, and efforts must be made to avoid duplication of meetings so that among other reasons, children and families are not attending multiple meetings.
This applies to:
A CFTM must occur at least every 90 days thereafter, following the initial CFTM.
In the event that an initial CFTM is held and the child/youth or NMD is subsequently placed in out-of-home care, a follow up CFTM must still be held within the 45 days but no later than 60 days of the child being placed in out-of-home care.
CFTMs will be offered to all children/youth, family or NMD at minimum:
However, a CFTM may be held at any point when a family is involved with DCFS. Anyone on the team may request a meeting to address or prevent a crisis and to track and adjust the plan to best address safety, permanency and well-being. Best practice dictates that meetings should be held as frequently as needed to address emerging issues, provide integrated and coordinated interventions, and refine the plan as needed and, therefore frequency of meetings and timeframes should be decided by CFT members.
CFTMs may be offered to families as often as necessary and as soon as possible to meet their needs:
A CFTM may not be warranted prior to closure of a referral if all of the following conditions have been met:
CFTM participants must include those identified in the composition of the team. Things to consider:
In the event a parent(s) declines to participate in a CFTM, the CSW/SCSW must move forward and hold a child-centered CFTM to ensure the child's underlying needs and safety are adequately addressed and appropriate services are set in place. CSWs however, must continue to engage the parent(s) in efforts to help them overcome their reluctance to participate.
CSWs must document efforts to:
Other meetings that may occur include team meetings aligned with the CFT process (i.e. meet the minimum criteria for a CFTM), including the MAT SOF, WRAP CFTs, FSP, IFCCS, MCPCs, Expectant and Parenting Youth (EPY) Conferences and TSFC team meetings to ensure the child or youth's needs are met. Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting per Senate Bill (SB) 855 may also be aligned if it meets the requirement.
Special situations that must be evaluated by the CSW/Facilitator, prior to scheduling a CFTM, include:
All participants in attendance must be informed of the non-negotiables, including mandated reporting requirements. In the event that new information is shared that jeopardizes a child and/or youth's, or NMD's immediate safety and well-being, DCFS staff must address the situation accordingly.
If a decision or plan requires higher level approval per policy, it is the coach's, SCSWs or facilitator's responsibility to contact a higher level manager, provide a summary and request approval prior to the conclusion of the CFTM.
In the event that the Dependency Court orders a CFTM, the assigned CSW/facilitator and respective SCSW must consult with County Counsel.
The child and/or youth and family, or NMD, have the option of inviting their respective attorneys (including CLC attorneys) to the CFTM. If and when an attorney, or their representative, is expected to participate, DCFS staff must consult with County Counsel. If an attorney or their representative is present, County Counsel must also be present. It is the CSWs /Facilitator's responsibility to work with County Counsel on scheduling.
The family, including parents, children and/or youth should identify and invite individuals they would like to include as part of their team. The family may invite the prospective team members via a method of their choice (by phone, text, e-mail, in-person, etc.). However, it is important that the CSW or facilitator contact key participants to explain the purpose of the team and the CFT process. The child and/or youth and family's, or NMD's consent is required prior to contacting the participants.
Immediate family members may include biological parents, legal guardians, or adoptive parents, NMD, siblings and the child(ren) and/or youth. The family members who are the focus of the DCFS case:
Members in this category can include family members, child care providers, clergy, caregiver, advocates, or any significant individuals in the family's circle of support. These informal supports:
The FFA social worker or representative, STRTP or residential care representative, Behavioral Health staff (e.g. mental health service provider) and Tribal representative or Indian custodian, as applicable, must always be included. Other professional /members that should be also included are:
Members in this category may advocate for the child(ren) and/or youth and parents, or NMD, and caregiver by:
A CFTM scheduled to address placement issues should include representatives from the FFA, residential treatment center, caregiver, or any agency providing out-of-home placement services. If placement into a short-term residential treatment center or a FFA that provides treatment services has occurred or is being considered, the mental health representative is required to be a licensed mental health professional. As needed, the Caregiver Monitor and Support (CMS) CSW should be invited.
The facilitator/coach is responsible for the following (when applicable):
The family should select an appropriate setting of their choice that is most comfortable for them. Options include the family home or other locations near the family home that will maximize attendance and participation by the family and community support systems. It should provide adequate seating and facilities to support the meeting process. The location should ensure confidentiality, safety and privacy for the family and all those in attendance. If a family member or other team member perceives that the setting is not safe, an alternate location closest to the site should be identified and discussed with the family.
Options for CFTM locations include, but are not limited to the following:
If a team member is unable to attend the CFTM in person (due to proximity issues or other conflicts), it is encouraged that he/she participate by video conferencing or phone. This option may be helpful when a child is placed in another county or when schedules do not allow in-person participation.
Following the CFTM, the CSWs, Coach, Facilitators and SCSWs meet to discuss the CFTM to explore what happened during the meeting, what DCFS has learned from the team and how the team is able to support the family's goal(s) and outcomes. It is an opportunity to review the family's action plan and make sure all relevant items of concern were addressed and that all important points are documented accordingly. Debriefing is also an opportunity to link practice to outcomes for the family and review how safety was addressed during the meeting.
Per State’s directive , all CFTMs that take place on and after January 1, 2018 must be documented in CWS/CMS. The CFT meeting and family engagement efforts to prepare the family for the meeting must also be documented in CWS/CMS by following these instructions.
The State has also clarified that the CFTM cannot take the place of the required monthly visit, stating that the purpose of the required contacts with the child is to access the safety and well-being of the child and to achieve the multiple set objectives per MPP 31-320.5. However, the visit may be coordinated adjacent to and the same day as the CFT meeting and must be documented separately in the Contact Notebook.
A subsequent CFTM may be held on an as needed basis but, must occur no later than ninety (90) days after the initial CFTM and every 90 days thereafter or more often as needed. The family or anyone on the team may request subsequent CFTMs to address any new or continuing worries or concerns or when there is a change in status such as a potential placement disruption.
The subsequent CFTMs may or may not include all the original team members and may be convened in conjunction with other team meetings aligned with the CFT process (i.e. meets the minimum criteria for a CFTM), including, but not limited to MAT SOF, WRAP, FSP, IFCCS, MCPC, TSFC, STRTP and CSEC team meetings on the child's behalf.
During the follow up CFTM, the family provides updates rather than sharing their story. The goal(s) should be updated to reflect the case status, family progress, family involvement or any changes in circumstances.
To ensure alignment of services, CSWs must collaborate with county agencies and other providers that offer CFTMs to families. Inter-agency collaboration is required to determine the lead agency and how to best address the needs of the children and/or youth and family, or NMD.
DMH or DMH-contracted -agencies offer families CFTMs and will take the lead when the primary client is a recipient of the following programs:
In the event that DMH, or another intensive mental health service provider (Wraparound, IFCCS, FSP, and TFC) or the STRTP, is determined to be the lead agency, CSWs are expected to attend and participate in the CFTM. Attendance and participation must be documented accordingly. As part of this inter-agency collaboration, it is important that communication between DCFS and DMH/DMH-contracted agencies are maintained regarding the planned meetings and the goal is to avoid duplication of meetings. This includes collaboratively scheduling a CFTM and staff responding timely to our partners for this purpose.
Although school districts do not take the lead in CFTMs, they are the lead agencies during an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or Special Education Services meeting. CSWs should collaborate with and make every effort to include the respective school district and the ERH to best address the educational needs of the child and/or youth, or NMD (e.g. when addressing issues related to the school-of-origin).
Scheduler/Clerical Support Responsibilities
Certified Facilitator Responsibilities
Certified Facilitator Responsibilities
CSW/Certified Facilitator Responsibilities
Certified Facilitator Responsibilities
If the CSW is not a certified Coach and there is a Certified Facilitator present during the CFTM:
CFTM Data Entry Instructions for CWS/CMS
Guidelines for Convening Child and Family Team (CFT) Meetings
New Requirements for Convening Child and Family Teams
LA County Foster Youth Bill of Rights (FYBOR)
DCFS 6109, CFT Authorization for Use of Protected Health and Private Information
DCFS 6109 SP, Equipo de Trabajo del Niño y la Familia (CFT) Autorización del uso de su Información de Salud Protegida e Información Privada
DCFS 174, Family Centered Referral Form
DCFS 179-PHI, Authorization for Disclosure of Child's Protected Health Information
DCFS 5402, Notice to Child's/NMD Attorney Re: Case Status
DCFS 6074, Child and Family Team Meeting Notes
DCFS 6074S, Child and Family Team Meeting Notes (Spanish)
DCFS 6075, Child and Family Team Coaching Guide
DCFS 6076, Family and Youth Engagement Form
DCFS 6077, Child and Family Team Meeting Agenda
Team Conference Understanding of Confidentiality Form
0070-500.10, Education of DCFS Supervised Children
0070-537.10, Assessment of Domestic Violence
0070-548.10, Disposition of Allegations and Closure of Emergency Response Referrals
0080-502.10, Case Plans
0100-510.17, Placing a Child in Out-of-Home Care
0100-510.46, Out-of-County Placements
0300-506.05, Communication with Attorneys, County Counsel, and Non-DCFS Staff
0400-503.10, Contact Requirements and Exceptions
0500-501.20, Release of Confidential DCFS Case Record Information
0600-500.20, Health and Medical Information
1200-500.01, LGBTQ+ Children/Nonminor Dependents
All County Information Notice I-71-18 – provides instructions on using team meetings to Increase cross-system collaboration between local child welfare and education agencies
All County Letter (ACL) 13-20 - Provides a description, purpose and context of the Integrated Core Practice Model Guide. It further provides a description of the Intensive Care Coordination (ICC) and Intensive Home Based Services (IHBS).
ACL 16-84 - Provides information and guidance regarding the use and formation of child and family teams to deliver child welfare services, as required by AB 403.
ACL 17-104 - Provides instructions on documenting CFTMs in CWS/CMS.
ACL 18-09 – Provides the requirements for implementing the CANS within a CFT
ACL 18-23 - Provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions submitted by local child welfare and juvenile probation departments regarding the CFT process.
Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 16001.9 (a)(1-41) - States that all children placed in foster care, either voluntarily or after being adjudged a ward or dependent of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 300, 601, or 602, shall have the rights specified in this section. These rights also apply to nonminor dependents in foster care, except when they conflict with nonminor dependents’ retention of all their legal decision making authority as an adult.
Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 16501 (a) (4) - Provides the definition of a Child and Family Team, outlines the activities entailed in a CFT and lists suggested participants.
Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 16501.1 - States that the case plan shall consider the recommendations of the child and family team when making a decision regarding placement. The decision shall be based upon selection of a safe setting that is the least restrictive family setting that promotes normal childhood experiences, and the most appropriate setting that meets the child's individual needs and is available, in proximity to the parent's home and the child's school.