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