Collaborative Family
Engagement

The main goals of Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) are to avoid removing children from their family of origin whenever possible, and to help children achieve strong connectivity and permanency faster, preferably with relatives or other trusted loved ones. In collaboration with the Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS), local CASA programs and community partners, we are working to ensure that every child in foster care has the opportunity for lifelong connections.

TEXAS’ APPROACH TO FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

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COLLABORATE

Greater collaboration between stakeholders to involve families and build networks.
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CULTIVATE

Access to connection, engagement and searching tools to engage and find family/important relationships.
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CONVENE

Families and their support network come together for family meetings.
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CONNECT

A lifetime network of supportive relationships is formed for the child and their family.

“It was a joy to attend the child’s 5th birthday party, the week she was reunited with her family, where over 30 extended family members attended. In my opinion, this reunification would not have happened without the CFE process.”
- CASA Volunteer

Data continues to be collected and analyzed each year by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin to determine whether outcomes were improved for children and families in the child welfare system. The CFE model is flexible, so having this data and learning what is working from staff on the ground will allow our practice to evolve.
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