CFTM services are held virtually via Microsoft Teams, or in person (by request only).

 What is a Child and Family Team Meeting?

Child and Family Team Meetings are an opportunity to bring together the family, support, and agencies who are working with the family to create a plan that ensures child safety and that the family’s needs are met. The family can give input about who is invited into the meetings. These meetings can be held on a routine basis, or to discuss a specific issue.

Who Can Attend the Meetings?

Parents and children are an essential part of any Child and Family Team Meeting. Family members are encouraged to invite people they feel will be supportive to them including relatives, community representatives, friends, neighbors, clergy, teachers, etc.

What Happens at the Meetings?

A trained facilitator will lead a discussion directed at the goals established by the child and/or family. The primary purpose for each Child and Family Team Meeting is to make meaningful and thoughtful decisions about a child and a family to help the family plan for the future.

What is the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment?

During some CFTMs, there will be a discussion about CANS ratings that summarize important areas related to the child/youth/family’s needs and strengths.

The CANS is an assessment tool completed by the behavioral health therapist before the CFTM, and shared with the Child and Family Team to help the team: 

• Organize and share information.
• Communicate more clearly.
• Reach agreements about how to support the child/youth, or family. 

For more information about the CANS tool, view the following documents:

CANS Brochure

 CANS Rating Sheet (English)

 CANS Rating Sheet (Spanish)

What Does KCDHS Expect of Families at the Meeting?

KCDHS views parents, other family members and guardians as experts in how the family operates. The Child and Family Team members will look to the family to find out what will help the team to establish the goals of the meeting. The family may also identify outside supports to join the team that may help the family achieve its goals.

Have you recently attended a CFTM? We would love your feedback!  Click on the link below for our online survey.

English Survey | Spanish Survey

For more information about the Child and Family Team Meeting process, view the following documents:

CFTM Brochure (English)  | CFTM Brochure (Spanish)