Family Support Team (FST) Meetings are a collaborative approach to supporting family safety, stability and permanency for children in alternative care or under the supervision of the Juvenile Court.
What are FST Meetings?
Family Support Teams (FSTs) are collaborative groups focused on case planning and decision-making. They allow participants to share input, progress, barriers, and concerns about child safety and permanency. FSTs include families, youth, placement providers, professional supports, court partners, and support systems for parents and children.
You should contact your worker ahead of the FST meeting when the following conditions apply:
- An interpreter or other accommodation is needed
- Safety is a concern, or a court order is in place which prohibits contact between team members and separate meetings are needed to ensure no contact
- Parents, youth, and placement providers may choose to bring supports. If you plan to bring supports, please let your worker know so appropriate accommodations can be made
In-person participation at FST meetings is expected from all team members but a virtual option may be possible upon request. Advance notice is required.
When do FSTs occur?
- Initial FST: Before or within 24 hours of the Protective Custody hearing.
- Case Planning FST: About 2 weeks following the child’s entry into care, then
every 30 days until adjudication. - Hearing Preparation FST: Approximately 30 days before each hearing.
- Placement Planning FST: At the first sign of a potential placement move or within 72 hours of an emergency placement.
- Permanency Finalization FST: At 14 months post-initial placement.
- Older Youth Exit Planning FST: Occurs when a youth turns ages 15, 17, and 20, and before a recommendation is made to release jurisdiction in some circumstances.
- On request by a team member.
Who is the team?
Team Members, as applicable:
- Youth aged 12+
- Parents
- Child/youth’s Legal Guardian
- Parent’s Legal Guardian
- Child/Youth’s Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
- Parent’s Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
- Parent’s Attorney
- Youth’s Attorney
- Placement Provider or Care Staff
- Juvenile Officer (JO) or Juvenile Office representative
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
- Older Youth Transition Specialist
- Tribal Liaison
- CD/FCCM Worker
- CD/FCCM Supervisor
- A list of additional Participants/Supports can be found in the Child Welfare Manual, Section 4, Chapter 7 (Family Support Teams) by clicking the link below.
Informed Consent
Children’s Division, as legal custodian for children in state custody, is primarily responsible for giving or denying informed consent for medical treatment to include behavioral health treatments and the administration of any prescribed psychotropic medication.
- FST members can request to be named responsible for a child's informed consent regarding medical care, including psychotropic medications.
- CD may require a written request with supporting reasons.
- CD will inform the Court of the request when permitted and seek a chance for the team member to be heard.
The Children's Division does not have to support the request if it does not appear to be in the children’s best interest but will inform the Court and the parties about the request.
Survey
At the end of each FST meeting, we encourage each FST participant to complete a brief survey to share your experiences regarding your level of engagement, participation and perception of the meeting’s effectiveness by clicking the "Take the Survey" link below.
Additional Resources
Information on parent rights for child healthcare decisions, including consent for routine and non-routine care, is available in the CD-287 Learn Your Rights page.