Vol. 17, No. 1 • November 2012
Child and Family Team Meetings Can Add to the Success of Court-Ordered Plans
by Claudia Kearney
When there is a signed court order in place that says what the plan for a family is going to be, people sometimes question whether it is necessary to hold a child and family team meeting (CFT).
As the following case example illustrates, CFTs can actually contribute quite a lot to the success of court-ordered plans.
The Family's Situation
Corrine and her 14-year-old daughter Amy were involved with child protective services due to Corrine's lack of supervision (neglect) and Amy's shoplifting and failure to attend school. Then Corrine herself was arrested for theft, convicted, and sentenced to 9 months in prison. Corrine tried to place Amy with kin but DSS found these relatives unsuitable.The Court Order Includes . . .
- Amy is to be placed in foster care while her mom serves time in jail.
- Amy is to attend school.
- Amy is not to get in trouble.
- The judge would like Amy to come to court next time so he can speak to her.
The CFT
Corrine asked for a CFT before she began serving her time in the prison. At the meeting, she shared information that helped the team understand the family's situation. Corrine reported Amy's clothes were not what the other kids were wearing. To avoid being picked on her peers, Amy would cut school and steal clothes and school supplies. Corrine, who did not have the money for new clothes or even basic school supplies, supported this behavior.School Attendance. At the meeting Amy's social worker secured resources for the foster family to take her shopping for clothes and school supplies. She asked Amy if she would go to school if she had these things. Amy said she would. This addressed the judge's order for her to go to school.
Avoiding Trouble. A community support provider at the meeting invited Amy to be a mentor/helper at his organization after school. This addressed the "hanging out" which normally led to her getting into troubling activities. It also gave her a way to help others and promoted her own healing.
Appearing in Court. When asked about participating in court, Amy would say only "I have nothing to say." To address this, another CFT was held to build her comfort level. At this meeting Amy asked questions and made comments about the court process and learned how to prepare and how to dress for court. Amy attended the next court hearing. She was still very nervous, but she was able to articulate her feelings and gave the judge insights into her family's situation.
Conclusion
In this example, CFTs not only addressed the judge's requests, but created a safe environment for the foster parents to learn about the biological family. They addressed not just the needs of the child but the foster parents' and mother's needs as well. CFTs also gave the foster parent a circle of supports for the child.So the next time you are asked "What good is a CFT if a judge has already given you court orders?" your response should be. . . .A LOT OF GOOD!
Claudia Kearney is a trainer for the Center for Family and Community at NC State University.
Figuring out how to achieve the judge's plan. They're perfect places for families and those invested in their success to discuss what resources are needed to carry out the court order, who will bring those needed resources to the table, and who will be part of the support system that will help the family achieve what the judge requires.
Helping kids find their voices in court. Many young people are intimidated by the court setting or feel they have nothing to say. It can be very helpful to hold a CFT meeting with the goal of building children's comfort level for court.
~ Family and Children's Resource Program, UNC-CH School of Social Work ~
