What is a Family Team Meeting (FTM)? A family-driven conversation which brings together a family’s natural support system and current providers or resources to help the family develop a plan for safety, well-being, and permanency of their children.
Family Team Meetings
A family-driven conversation which brings together a family’s natural support system and current providers or resources to help the family develop a plan for safety, well-being, and permanency of their children.
When does an FTM occur?
When a family is working with Children’s Services and/or Diversion Services and needs to create or update a plan to ensure their child’s safety, permanency and/or well-being. This includes but is not limited to:
- When a family is at risk for further involvement with Children’s Services,
- When a child in the family is at risk for out of home placement,
- When a youth is at risk for PINS or JD involvement.
Your caseworker will start the process by sending a referral to the Family Engagement Specialist.
Role of the Family Engagement Specialist
- Prepare the family and their invited support system for the meeting,
- Schedule the meeting with much consideration for the scheduling needs of all family members and professionals involved,
- Facilitate the meeting as a neutral party,
- Foster a cooperative and safe environment for all attendees.
How can the family prepare?
- Write down any questions or thoughts
- Consider who should attend
- Think of ways to involve the children when appropriate
- Think about current family strengths and resources
- Contact the Family Engagement Specialist with questions about the meeting or for help preparing
Connect with us!
Email our Family Engagement Specialists
