Family Team Meetings

Families Thrive

Family Team Meetings (FTMs) are a collaborative model using an approach that engages children, families, resources, service providers, and caregivers in planning for their family. The meetings involve key stakeholders—such as the child (if old enough), family members, caregivers, supports and service providers—to create a sustainable plan that addresses the family's long-term needs for success.

A diverse family with a case worker

Developing Family-Driven Plans

Typically facilitated by a social worker or trained professional Facilitator, FTMs help develop family-driven plans with their resources and supports. The model is most widely used in cases where children are in foster care and families are working towards reunification. Other family needs may serve as the purpose for this model in an effort to successfully navigate family problems.

The Facilitator meets the family “where they are” by conducting home visits to allow them to assess their own family’s strengths and challenges. The family also invites their supports and services to the meeting to satisfy the purpose and goal for the meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, families work independently to draft their plan.

FTMs are effective in enhancing family communication, improving co-parenting, ensuring child safety, and reducing the time children spend in foster care. Follow-up meetings ensure ongoing progress. At Families Thrive Inc., our dedicated Facilitators support families as they navigate challenges within the social service system. Professional services may reach out to us to assist families with meetings.