Child & Family Teams

The inception of Child and Family Team practice in northern Arizona since 2001 represents a major change in our state's philosophy for serving children with serious emotional disturbances.  Rather than children being funneled into standard treatment plans, individualized service plans are developed in partnership with the child and family to fit their unique cultures and circumstances.  The Child and Family Team (CFT) is a group of people that includes, at a minimum, the child and family, any foster parents, a behavioral health representative, and any individuals important in the child's life and who are identified and invited to participate by the child and family.  In the case of children who may be legally dependent or delinquent, the custodial agency shares selection of team membership with the child and family.  This may include, for example, teachers, extended family members, friends, family advocates, healthcare providers, coaches, community resource providers, representatives from faith-based communities, agents from other state service systems, etc. The size, scope, and intensity of involvement of the team members are determined by the objectives established for the child and the needs of the family in providing for the child and can therefore expand and contract as necessary to be successful on behalf of the child.

 

For more information on Child & Family Teams, go to www.cfttraining.com.

Other resources:

• Child & Family Teams
• Tips for Telephonic CFT Meetings
• Tips for CFT Meetings with Children Live in Multiple Geographic Areas
• CFT Out of the Box Award