Child Protective Services Professionals FAQ Family Teaming is a collaborative, engagement-driven process that brings together the family and their supports to actively identify, review, and work toward goals identified in the Family Case Plan. Family and youth voice and choice should be included at all stages of the Family Teaming process. This webpage includes frequently asked questions (FAQs) to assist child protective services (CPS) professionals in learning about Family Teaming and the Family Case Plan. 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. 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? Signed Family Case Plans are to be uploaded as an image under the planning tab within eWiSACWIS. For a more detailed explanation and guidance review the Family Case Plan Writing Guide and DCF Family Case Plan User Guide. Resources Family Engaged Case Planning Evaluating Family Engagement in Child Welfare Shared Case Responsibility Family Engagement: Partnering with Families to Improve Child Welfare Outcomes Family Case Plan Family Case Plan Supervisor Guide Family Case Plan Writing Guide Family Case Plan User Guide Administration for Children and Families Family Case Plan Workbook
