1720. Family Team Decision Making Meetings

Applies To:  This policy applies to child welfare caseworkers.

Policy Number & Title:  1720. Family Team Decision Making Meetings

Effective Date:  October 20, 2022

Purpose 

Family Team Decision Making (FTDM) meetings follow the Shared Planning Meeting model of engaging the family and others who are involved with the family to participate in critical decisions regarding the removal of children or youth from their home, placement stabilization and prevention, and reunification or placement into a permanent home.

Authority 

RCW 13.34.067  Shelter Care, Case Conference, Service Agreement
RCW 13.34.145  Permanency planning hearing, purpose, time limits, review hearing, petition for termination of parental rights, guardianship petition, agency responsibility to provide services to parents, due process rights

Policy 

  1. FTDM meetings must occur within the required timelines, unless approved by the area administrator (AA).
  2. Participants listed on the Guide to Shared Planning Meetings DCYF CWP_0070 publication must be:
    1. Invited to the FTDM meeting.
    2. Asked if they need an interpreter for the FTDM, per the following DCYF Administrative policies:
      1. 6.02 Access to Services for Clients and Caregivers who are Limited English Proficient (LEP).
      2. 6.03 Access to Services for Individuals with Disabilities.
  3. Incarcerated parents or guardians must be provided access and opportunities to participate in FTDM meetings.
  4. FDTM meetings must be documented in FamLink using the Shared Planning Meeting DCYF 14-474 form.

Forms 

Shared Planning Meeting DCYF 14-474

Resources 

DCYF Administrative 6.02 Access to Services for Clients and Caregivers who are Limited English Proficient (LEP) policy

DCYF Administrative 6.03 Access to Services for Individuals with Disabilities policy

Family Team Decisions Making Meetings procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules Office SharePoint)

Guide to Shared Planning Meetings DCYF CWP_0070 publication

Shared Planning Meeting policy

Original Date:  December 1, 2010

Revised Date:  October 20, 2022

Review Date:  October 31, 2026

Approved by:  Frank Ordway, Chief of Staff