Different Experiences in Child and Family Team Meetings Between Child Welfare-Involved Families and Professionals

The Child and Family Team (CFT) meeting is a foundation of service planning within the child welfare system, aiming for shared decision-making among families, caregivers, youth, and providers. This study compared perceptions of CFT meetings between family and professional members using data from anonymous post-CFT meeting surveys (n = 1,267) from a large county child welfare system. The analysis focused on CFT voice, process, role, and meeting outcomes, assessing whether voice, process, and role predicted outcomes. Findings indicate significantly less favorable perceptions among family members of voice (t (1244) = 5.54, p < .001) and process (t (1241) = 5.41, p < .001) compared to professionals. Additionally, voice and process significantly predicted action plan satisfaction (F (3, 1226) = 1,406.54, p < .001, R² = .775), and voice, process, and role significantly predicted the extent to which meetings met behavioral health needs (F (3, 1227) = 830.78, p < .001, R² = .670). The study discusses structural and interpersonal factors that may hinder family participation and strategies for promoting equitable collaboration in child welfare CFT meetings.