Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE)
CFE is a team-based approach between local CASA programs and CPS/ Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs) to engage, find and work with family members and fictive kin in the creation and development of a lifetime network for young people in the foster care system.
Featured Content
Why Should You Participate in CFE?
Collaborative Family Engagement is Texas’ approach to connect and engage families. CFE is an innovative Family Finding partnership between CASA and Child Protective Services (CPS) that uses a structured approach to engage, find and work with family and fictive kin of young people in the foster care system. Texas’ CFE initiative is centered around the goal of providing children, parents and families with a dedicated support system they can depend upon even after CASA and CPS involvement.
CFE is all about connections, and the CFE team works together to explore potential positive connections identified by the parents and family. Learn more by watching the featured video.
Overview
What is CFE?
The Texas CASA CFE video is the recipient of a Communicator Award of Distinction as part…
Introduction to CFE
Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) is an innovative Family Finding partnership between CASA and Child Protective Services…
CFE Manual
The Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE): Creating & Strengthening Lasting Connections Manual (last updated February 2025) provides…
Collaborative Family Engagement E-Learning
Welcome to the Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) course, which is the pre-requisite for the follow up…
FY24 CFE DATA
Data continues to be collected and analyzed each year. The CFE model is flexible, so having…
CFE Evaluations
Texas CASA contracted with Dr. Cynthia Osborne and the Child and Family Research Partnership (CFRP) at…
CFE Value Cards
The CFE Value Card lists the 10 Core Values and five Core Concepts for your easy…
Connection Tools
CFE Mobility Map
A mobility map is a visual timeline of a person’s life created by having them draw…
CFE Tools App
Providing an engaging way for tools to be completed while meeting people where they are at…
Mobility Mapping Part 2 with Kevin Campbell
Part 2 of a mobility mapping session held by Kevin Campbell from Wyoming E-Learning Services.
Mobility Mapping Part 1 with Kevin Campbell
A Mobility Map is a child’s memory of his or her life put to paper. The…
Family Searching and Engagement Tools
Three Houses Tool Circles of Trust Tool How to Make a Mobility Map
Searching Tools
Connect Our Kids/Family Connections Tool Training
Connect Our Kids/Family Connections tool is available for CASA staff and volunteers and other child welfare…
Genogram Software
The easy-to-use software GenoPro is still available for download and use by CASA program staff, volunteers,…
Collaboration with Children & Family
CFE for Network Members
This video is specifically for people connected to the child, youth or family who may want…
CFE for Parents
This video helps guide parents through what the Collaborative Family Engagement methods can help them with…
CFE for Caregivers
This video is specifically for caregivers and dives into the benefits of CFE and your role…
CFE for Youth
This video explains how a youth in foster care may define the important people around them…
CFE Postcard for Parents
This two-sided postcard for parents helps explain the crucial role parents play in the CFE process…
Family Meetings: Best Practices & Principles
Family meetings are the heart of the CFE work, and are believed to be an opportunity…
Collaboration with Professionals
CFE & The Legal Community
This video is specifically for the legal community and dives into the benefits of CFE and…