Youth Justice (YJ) Family Teaming FAQ

In June 2026, revised Youth Justice Standards will include Family Teaming for all YJ cases and a new chapter regarding JIPS in-home case planning. This webpage includes frequently asked questions (FAQs) to assist youth justice professionals (YJPs) in learning about Family Teaming and the Family Case Plan.

Validated Assessments

What assessments are appropriate to use on YJ JIPS cases? 

There are a multitude of validated assessment tools available. A few commonly used assessment tools are referenced below. Identifying the youth’s and family’s presenting needs is imperative in selecting the most applicable assessment tool.  

Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS)

Purpose: The CANS assesses child’s/youth’s needs and strengths to identify services to inform the Family Case Plan.

Population: Primary population is children and youth of all ages.

Areas assessed: Child’s/youth’s needs and strengths in areas such as school, trauma, mental health needs, and risk behaviors. 

School Refusal Assessment Scale Revised (SRAS-R)

Purpose: Identify the functional conditions contributing to a youth’s non-attendance.

Population: Primary population is children and youth ages 5 years and older.

Areas assessed: The 24-question survey asks youth about their family, peers, environment and school. This resource is available freely online, School Refusal Assessment Scale Revised.

Washington Assessment of the Risks and Needs of Students (WARNS)

Purpose: Schools, courts and youth service providers assess individual risks and needs that may lead to truancy or school failure, and to target interventions accordingly. For additional information, see Washington Assessment of the Risk and Needs of Students (WARNS).

Population: Primary population is youth ages 11 to 18 years old.

Areas assessed: A brief (40 items) self-report measure covering multiple areas such as school engagement, family environment, and peers. 

Additional Resources 

Youth Justice Issue Brief Number 3 - Truancy. 

Family Teaming

What is an example of Family Teaming?

  • Referral: A youth on a JIPS DPA for truancy was refusing to go to school most mornings. The YJP met with the youth and their parents and learned that the youth felt overwhelmed after falling behind in classes.
  • Family Teaming Approach: The YJP and family brainstormed on what might be helpful to increase school attendance.
  • Outcome: Together, they developed a simple morning routine and identified a trusted teacher the youth agreed to check in with daily to receive support.

Is it required to use Family Teaming when a child/youth is in out-of-home care?

No. Family Teaming is required when formally serving children, youth, and families in their home. 

Engaging and planning with families and their natural support system is always best practice including when youth are placed in out-of-home care. 

Family team meetings are outlined as best practice guidance (not required) in the out-of-home care section of Ongoing Services Standards. For more information and guidance review DCF’s Ongoing Services Standards.

Family Case Plan

Can a YJP use the Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YASI) case plan in Caseworks as an alternative to the Family Case Plan in eWiSACWIS?

  • No. The YASI should not be used for youth who have been referred for JIPS. Risk assessments are designed to predict the risk of reoffending, not first-time offending.
    • The YASI is a validated risk/needs assessment for youth that receive a delinquency referral.
    • Research indicates that when practitioners over-interfere in the lives of children/youth, it can have a negative effect and lead the youth to deeper involvement in the justice system. There are several reasons for this, including increased burden on the youth to comply with expectations, exposure to youth who are at high risk of reoffending, and other factors.
    • Youth who have been referred for JIPS should be evaluated through other human service systems and utilize more appropriate tools to help guide that process.

How should the Family Case Plans be developed and written?

  • Family Case Plan are to be developed in collaboration with the youth and family.
  • One to three goal(s) need to be relevant to the reason for youth justice system involvement. 
  • Conditions/goals should be written to describe behavior change and, in a SMART, (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) format.
    Youth/parent language and perspectives are reflected throughout the Family Case Plan. 
  • Information included in the Family Case Plan should be current, accurate, and relevant.
  • Family Case Plans should be written using clear language that both the youth and family can understand. Family Case Plans should reflect a strength based, trauma-informed approach.
  • Professionals are encouraged to utilize the Family Case Plan Writing Guide for tips on trauma informed writing practices.

Where is the signed Family Case Plan stored in eWiSACWIS?

In YASI trainings, we have been directed to utilize a light touch approach on delinquency DPA's, how might this be followed with JIPS DPAs?

  • Family Case Plans require as little as one case plan goal, though up to three goals can be developed based on need. It is crucial that goals established are created with youth and remain related to the reason for the youth's involvement with youth justice.
Miscellaneous

What does service intervention mean?

  • Service intervention refers to the supports and interventions provided to meet identified needs. This may include, but is not limited to, mental health counseling, mentoring, substance abuse treatment, educational support, skill building programs, and family support services.
Resources

Family Engaged Case Planning

Family Case Plan

CANS