The Team
Youth in foster care often have many professional service providers who work together to meet their needs. This team may consist of the following:
- Adoptions Social Worker
- Child Welfare Services Social Worker
- Counselor
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
- Foster Parent(s)
- Other community representatives
- Teachers
- Youth’s parent(s) or Relatives
TDM Meeting
When a youth is removed from his or her home, moves to a foster home or relative placement, or returns home a Team Decision Making (TDM) meeting will be held. A TDM brings together people who are involved with the family to make a decision about the care and placement of the youth. TDM meetings focus on keeping the youth safe while preserving family and community connections.
Benefits
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Children are more likely to remain in their communities, neighborhoods, and schools.
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Improved quality of decisions - more information, more ideas
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Involves and gives a voice to families, caregivers, service providers, and community
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People and places important to the youth are acknowledged and respected