Family Engagement

Learn more about Family Engagement Services (FES) through the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) here.

Stronger Connections, Stronger Families

For parents, foster parents, kinship caregivers and community partners
Every child and family deserve safety, stability and strong connections. Family engagement is the foundation of Virginia’s Children’s Services Practice Model, the set of values and standards that guide all child welfare work in Virginia. It is a shift from agencies believing they know what’s best to recognizing that families are the experts on themselves.

This model is built on trust, respect and partnership. It focuses on safety, stability, permanency and strong family connections. Family engagement puts those values into practice by meeting the needs of families, guiding every interaction from first contact to ongoing collaboration.

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.

Kinship in Virginia

Kinship in Virginia – Information on the role of kinship care in supporting children
Virginia Kinship Resource Guide – Tools and resources for kinship caregivers
Kinship Pamphlet – Kinship Care Brochure (English) and Kinship Care Brochure (Spanish)

Guidance and Manuals

Family engagement practices are supported by detailed guidance. Manuals and updates explain the values, standards and steps that guide this work across Virginia.

View Family Engagement Guidance and Manuals