Catalyst for CARE Training - Family Team Meeting Training -July 28-29, 2009

Time:              9:00 - 4:00 (both days)

Location:        Hephzibah - 6601 Zebulon Road, Macon, GA 31220

Cost:             $150.00

CEUs:             10.5 hours

About the Training:

The Family Team Meeting is a tool that can be utilized to redirect and gain consensus towards achieving the goals identified by the family. This Family Centered Practice approach offers a solution-focused mechanism that encourages participants to re-evaluate priorities and establish commitments.  As such, the family team meeting is a “process” rather than an event, which sets it apart from other forms of Family Team Conferencing or Family Group Decision Making. 

Family Team Meeting also serves several purposes that coincide with state and federal mandates.  For example, during the Family Team Meeting, case plans can be developed or amended, and placement, permanency, Independent Living, and adoption options can be discussed.

Utilizing child-centered and family-focused best practices, the Family Team Meeting process is designed to facilitate the development of a purpose-driven plan. In preparation meetings prior to and during the Family Team Meeting, families are coached to focus on their goals rather than the obstacles. The Family Team Meeting archetype is designed to create an environment that encourages the family to guide the solution process from start to finish. Its progression is developed by the wisdom and expertise of the family and their chosen support systems. This model provides an opportunity to bring birth parents, children, and extended family together with community agencies, foster caregivers (if placed), and other supports for planning, based on the family's stated purpose.

It is a strength-based process that engages the family to determine outcomes for safety, reunification, permanency, and the well-being of their children, based on the capabilities or needs of that family. The result is a cohesive template that guides all parties involved to resolution.

The Family Team Meeting often bridges the gap between the family and child welfare agencies. The methodology encourages teamwork, accountability, and the importance of forming relationships. The guiding philosophy of the Family Team Meeting model is “there will be no decision about a family without the family.” 

About the Trainer

Angelishea Ferrell, LMSW currently is employed with Catalyst for CARE as Director of Programs.   With over 23 years of experience working with children and families, Angelishea has significant expertise in program development and project management. Prior to joining Catalyst for CARE, Angelishea was the Director of Specialized Programs for Neighbor To Family.  Under her leadership, Specialized Programs provided resources for over 1100 children and families.   Utilizing a staff of 40 full time and contracting clinicians, the department provided assessments, Family Team Meetings, and direct care services for children and families involved in the foster care system.  Angelishea's professional background also includes family, individual and couples therapy.  She earned her Bachelors of Science Degree from Morgan State University in 1990 and a Master of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University in 2002.

To register online for this training, CLICK HERE.