The practice and philosophy of the Crisis/Rapid Response Family Meeting is a mixture of practices that include aspects of Family Group Decision-Making, Family Finding, and Youth Transition Conferences.
Referrals and Acceptance:
The key aspect and focus of the CRRFM is that it occurs within 24-72 hours. These meetings are to occur right at the onset of a family crisis or immediately when CYS becomes involved. Upon receiving the referral (that same day), ASCI deploys a caseworker to meet in person or on the phone with the family to assess the situation and collect individual information to develop a network of support and invite extended friends and family to attend a CRRFM. The caseworker involved in scheduling this meeting utilizes all forms of participation for family and friends who may not be able to meet in person, such as Skype, conference calls, Facetime, and Zoom. The CRRFM’s primary goals include but are not limited to:
- Safely prevent placement in the child welfare system.
- Develop a crisis plan for the family.
- Prevent continued agency involvement.
- Establish kinship connections and placement resources.
- Reduce trauma.
- Plan for placement disruptions.
- Connect family to resources at ASCI and in the community for support.
- Plan for reunification with a kinship or foster parent.
Planning and Coordination:
The ASCI Coordinator has a very short window to contact all available family members and professionals and schedule the meeting at an agreeable location, not limited to the family’s home, hospitals, schools, CYS and ASCI offices or any other appropriate spaces that may be available.
Facilitation and the Crisis/Rapid Response Family Meeting:
An ASCI Facilitator will facilitate the meeting. Specifically, the ASCI Facilitator will:
- Remain neutral throughout the duration of the meeting.
- Ensure the safety of participants throughout the meeting.
- Follow the facilitation guidelines of the FGDM practice.
- Solicit strengths and concerns of the family.
- Ensure all participants have an opportunity to speak.
- Ensure the family understands the expectations of Private Family Time.
Follow-up:
Approximately 30-45 days following the CRRFM, an ASCI Coordinator will conduct a face-to-face follow-up meeting with professionals and key members of the family. The ASCI Coordinator will reach out to the family to revisit the plan and note progress and challenges. The objectives and tasks of the plan will be reviewed with the family. It is expected that a Delaware County worker be present during the follow-up meeting or provide feedback as necessary. If a worker is unable to be present at the follow-up meeting, input must be obtained from them on the success of the plan via email or telephone. A follow-up report will be submitted to the Family Engagement Specialist and casework service team within five business days following the follow-up meeting with the family. A final/closing follow-up will also be conducted at six months and will be done via telephone.
For more information about CRRFM, please contact:
Tanesha Lively, 267-788-2100 or taneshal@asecondchance-kinship.com