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DCFS Team Decision Making and Child and Family Team Meetings in LA
Los Angeles County DCFS often brings families together for structured meetings when it is deciding where a child will live or what services a family needs. Two of the most common are the Team Decision Making (TDM) meeting and the Child and Family Team (CFT) meeting. They can feel informal and supportive. They are also where key decisions get made, sometimes before a judge ever sees the case.
Team Decision Making (TDM)
A TDM is typically convened when DCFS is considering removing a child, changing a placement, or making another significant placement decision. A facilitator leads the discussion, and the meeting usually includes parents, relatives, the social worker and others who support the family. The goal is to reach a safety and placement plan.
Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings
California law requires a Child and Family Team process for children in foster care (Welfare and Institutions Code section 16501). CFT meetings bring together the child, family members, caregivers, service providers and others to plan services and support. They happen throughout a case, not just at the start.
Why these meetings matter
- Placement decisions are frequently shaped at TDMs, including whether a child goes to a relative or a foster home
- Statements made in the meeting may appear in DCFS reports to the court
- Services and visitation plans are often discussed and agreed upon
How to prepare
- Bring supportive relatives and friends who could provide placement or supervision
- Bring documentation: proof of services, medical records, school records
- Prepare a proposed safety plan that addresses DCFS’s concerns realistically
- Speak with an attorney beforehand about what to say and what to avoid
Can my lawyer attend?
Policies and practice vary depending on the type of meeting. Even if counsel does not attend, preparing with your attorney beforehand is essential, and you can ask for a break to consult.
Get prepared before the meeting
ALL Trial Lawyers and lead attorney Mohammad Abuershaid help Los Angeles County families prepare for TDM and CFT meetings and represent them at Edelman Children’s Court. Call 866-811-4255.
About the author: Mohammad Abuershaid is the founding attorney of ALL Trial Lawyers. He is a top-rated juvenile dependency attorney and has received numerous awards recognizing him as one of the best attorneys in Los Angeles.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its facts.