Need a CFTM? Please fill out the information below and a Facilitator will be in contact with you within 24 hours.
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY FAMILY TEAM MEETING?
A Community Family Team Meeting (CFTM) is a type of shared decision-making for families who are not currently involved with formal DHS child welfare services. The family may have had formal DHS services in the past and might currently be receiving some type of food or financial assistance and still participate in this program. Everyone who cares about a family gets together to help solve problems and to develop a plan that supports the parents in ensuring the children get the care and support that they and their family need. A juvenile court officer, if involved, will be asked to review the plan to ensure that it addresses the concerns about the child’s safety and meets the family’s needs. All participants will receive a copy of the plan in order to help the family with moving forward.
HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM DISCUSSING THINGS AT HOME?
In a CFTM, a neutral person, a facilitator, helps everyone involved to focus, brain storm and problem solvein a creative and organized way. The family can also invite friends, family members, and professionals like teachers, coaches, employers, counselors, mentors, who play important roles in the children’s lives.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
CFTM provide an opportunity for familiesand their supports to come together and agree on what’s best for the children. This is a voluntary, family centered decision making approach that helps to avoid formal court or child welfare service involvement. These meetings can include any person the family feels plays an important part in the child’s life. These meeting are at NO cost to the family.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The facilitator works with the family to schedule to meeting.
During the meeting the family discusses the reasons for the meeting and options to address each concern. Each person is able to speak freely. When a plan is agreed upon, the facilitator writes down the plan and sends it out to all of the participants.