Family engagement is one of the cornerstones of the Virginia Children's Services System Transformation, transforming Virginia's child welfare system. No longer are Virginia's social service agencies the sole decision makers for Virginia's children and families. Family engagement requires a shift from the belief that agencies alone know what is best for children and families to one that allows the family to fully participate in decision-making.
Family Partnership Meetings
Led by a trained facilitator, Family Partnership Meetings (FPMs) are designed to actively engage your family and the Local Department's staff in the planning and decision-making process about the safety, wellbeing, and living situation of your child. Prior to the Family Partnership Meeting, the Family Services Specialist or FPM facilitator should reach out to help prepare you and your family for your family's meeting. The goal of these meetings is to create a plan that reflects your family's needs by giving you and your family a voice in the process.
Family Partnership Meetings (FPMs) are based on the belief that:
- Families are the experts on themselves.
- Families deserve dignity, respect, and a voice in decision-making.
- Families are central to decision-making for what happens to their children.
- Family Partnership Meetings support safety, permanency, and stability for child(ren).
What Happens in a Family Partnership Meeting?
- A neutral, trained facilitator leads the meeting and ensures your family is heard.
- Your family members and the family services specialist share the purpose of the meeting.
- You and your family identify your collective strengths, needs, and supports.
- Everyone shares ideas and suggestions for keeping your child safe and supporting your family.
- All participants use those ideas to develop an action plan the whole team supports.
When Should Family Partnership Meetings Occur?
- Any time a child is at "high" or "very high" risk of an out-of-home placement (for example, placement with another family member or non-relative foster family).
- Prior to a child's removal from their family.
- Prior to a change of goal and prior to service plans being submitted to the courts for children and youth in foster care.
- When requested by your family or the agency.
Who Should Attend?
You decide who you want at the table. People who may attend include:
- You, your child(ren), and other family members.
- Friends, neighbors, or others who support you.
- Teachers, coaches, faith leaders, or youth leaders.
- Family Services staff, supervisors, service providers.
- Legal advocates like guardian ad litem or a court appointed special advocate.
- You should be informed ahead of time who is being invited to the meeting.
How To Prepare for Your Family Partnership Meeting
- Talk with your family services specialist. The family services specialist or the meeting facilitator will help you prepare for your family's meeting.
- Think about your goals for your child(ren) and family.
- List your family's strengths and needs.
- Share your ideas, concerns, and hopes.
- Decide who to invite: bring people who know your family and can support you.
It can be helpful to write down your ideas, concerns, strengths, and hopes Remember to ask for a copy of the meeting notes after the meeting
Together, we can create a plan that reflects your family's strengths and needs, and keeps your child safe, supported, and connected.
Kinship in Virginia
When children cannot live with their biological parents, they may be cared for by someone they already share an established and trusted relationship-such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbors, or close family friends. This arrangement is known as kinship care and these caregivers are called kinship care providers. Kinship care helps preserve important familial and cultural connections, offering children a sense of stability and continuity during a time of transition.
To learn more about kinship care and the available kinship care options in Virginia, please visit the Kinship Care page.
For kinship care providers, we've created the Virginia Kinship Resource Guide, a website that provides educational information, support, and resources that can help you care for your family's child.
Manual
These documents-Overview of Practice Foundations, Family Engagement, and Guidance Development-are guides used in Virginia to help social service professionals who work with kids and families. They make sure everyone is following the same plan to give better, kinder, and smarter support to families in need.
Effective 07-2024
- Section 1: Overview of Practice Foundations (PDF)
- Section 2: Family Engagement (PDF)
- Section 3: Guidance Development (PDF)
- Transmittal (PDF)
Effective 03-2020
- Section 1: Overview of Practice Foundations (PDF)
- Section 2: Family Engagement (PDF)
- Section 3: Guidance Development (PDF)
Effective 01-2010
- Manual (PDF)
