CSA and the FAPT

"Better Together"

New: Family Assessment and Planning Team Tip-Sheet for Remote Meetings (in English) / (en Español)

What is the Children’s Services Act?

The Children’s Services Act (CSA) is a law enacted in 1993 that establishes a single state pool of funds to support services for eligible children and their families. State funds, combined with local community funds, are managed by local interagency teams who plan and oversee services to children.

What is the Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) and What do They do?

The FAPT is a team that helps choose what services will be best for children and families. The team considers the strengths and challenges of every child and family to understand their specific needs as best they can! At the FAPT table, you will see individuals from Children’s Behavioral Health, Arlington Public Schools, Child Welfare, Court Services, Parents with lived experience, and private service agencies.

Group Norms

During FAPT, it’s important for every member to listen first, speak second, voice your opinions respectfully, highlight strengths of the child and family, elevate the parent’s voice, give your undivided attention, take a break if you need it, and speak clearly and slowly so everyone can understand.

FAPT Agenda and Guide

1. The meeting begins with introductions and a reminder about the group
2. The child’s Case Manager will help the parent talk about the child’s history, how they are doing now, and the progress they are
3. The parent and child’s Case Manager will ask for services to be approved by FAPT that they think are the best for the child.
4. The team may ask questions or have some suggestions for what they think might
5. After listening closely to the parent and child’s Case Manager, the team will help choose what services to approve for the
6. At the end of the meeting, everyone has the chance to tell us what went well and what we could do better!

High-Quality Services

If you are a parent and have a concern related to someone providing services to your child, please talk with your child’s Case Manager. They can help address your concern!