FOCUS ON FAMILY TEAM MEETINGS:
ENGAGING FAMILIES TO EFFECT CHANGE
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE
GOAL: Stay focused on improving outcomes Safety, Well-Being, Permanency
STRATEGY: Family engagement produces outcomes Prevention, DCBHS, DYFS & All DCF
CASE PRACTICE MODEL: Provides the tools to engage Teaming, Assessing, Planning, Tracking &Adjusting
DATA: Helps keep us on focused on outcomes Quantitative & Qualitative
What is the DCF Case Practice Model
Strength-based approach to engaging families Practice that embraces the principles of a family-centered
approach while sharpening our focus on safety factors Quality assessment through engagement Commitment and capacity to participate in Family Team Meetings
(FTMs) Individually crafted service plans that reflect the family’s input Flexibility in service Delivery that includes the use of informal
supports and services
WHAT IS OUR PROCESS FOR EMBRACING THIS CHANGE
An implementation schedule was developed for statewide training and skill development for all DYFS staff
In January 2008 Bergen Central, Gloucester West, Mercer North and Burlington East were the first four Local Offices to begin training and implementation
Next were 3 “sister” sites in December of 2008 – Mercer South, Cumberland West and Bergen South
In January 2009 Camden North, Atlantic West, Cape May, Morris West and Union East began implementation
TRAINING
WHAT IS OUR PROCESS FOR EMBRACING THIS CHANGE - CONTINUED
In April of 2009, Burlington West, Passaic North, Cumberland East and Salem began training
In July of 2009 Southern Monmouth, Western Essex, Somerset, Middlesex Central and Hudson West began training
In October of 2009 Passaic Central, Union Central, Essex (Newark Center City) and Camden Central began training
In January of 2010 Ocean North, Morris East and Sussex began training
In April 2010 Middlesex West, Atlantic East and Essex Central began training
WHAT IS OUR PROCESS FOR EMBRACING THIS CHANGE - CONTINUED
In July 2010 Essex Adoption, Hudson Central and Union West began training
In October 2010 Camden South, Hunterdon, Warren, Essex Newark Northeast and Gloucester East began training
In March of 2011 Monmouth North and Hudson North began training
In May of 2011 Camden East, Essex and Ocean South will begin training
In October of 2011 Hudson South, Middlesex Coastal and Essex will begin training
WHAT IS THE TRAINING
FIVE MODULES MOD 1 – New Case Practice Model 3 full days MOD 2 – New Case Practice Model 3 full days MOD 3 – Family Team Meetings 3 full days MOD 4 – Assessment 2 full days MOD 5 – Planning and Intervention 2 full days
Total Training13 days
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Each Office required to develop facilitators, coaches and master coaches
Before a FTM can be scheduled the staff conducting the FTM must be developed to qualify as a facilitator
Each Local Office has responsibility to develop Master Coaches, Coaches and Facilitators in order to build internal capacity to conduct FTMS
ACCOUNTABILITY
Modified Settlement Agreement established targets for implementation of FTMs
Target FTMs held within 30 days for 90% of families with children entering
out of home care FTMs held quarterly thereafter for 90% of children while they remain
in out of home care
ACCOUNTABILITY continued
PERFORMANCE FOR IMMERSION SITES JUNE 2010
19% of children entering care had a FTM within 30 days of placement
7% of children in care had at least one FTM per quarter
LESSONS LEARNED AND CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENTATION and ACCOUNTABILITY
Leadership buy-in is critical There must be continuous focus on facilitator development
Some staff were uncomfortable in the role of facilitator Initial facilitator training – see one do one - was not enough practice
for most staff Documentation
Many staff were completing the FTMs but not completing the documentation in NJ SPIRIT
Staff Changes CPM training continues to be phased in. While training is ongoing
there are continual staff changes – location changes as well as promotions
MOVING FORWARD
What has worked well Over time staff is seeing the benefit of teaming with families Clarification by leadership of expectations Additional support for staff and opportunities for additional training in
the local offices Local offices have developed creative ways to support and sustain
the practice Development of Master Coaches, Coaches and Facilitators has
continued to increase Feedback from families has been positive and they believe that their
voice has been heard
INDICATIONS OF IMPROVEMENT
Using Gloucester West as an example Initial FTMs January 2010 to June 2010 Average 22.9% September 2010 80% October 2010 62.5% December 2010 87.5%
Sustainability plan developed and implemented in LO Point person identified to track and assure documentation of
FTMs
HOW CAN STAKEHOLDERS HELP
Participate in FTMs when family identifies them for support
Work with us to develop flexible individualized services to meet the family’s needs to achieve their goals
Encourage families to participate in the FTM process
Embrace the principles of empathy, respect and identified family strengths
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