sECTION 9:
Family Voluntary Services
Quick Links to information below
What Is Family Voluntary Services (FVS)?
What Are The Specific Reasons FVS Is Offered?
What Will CPS Request Of Me in Family Voluntary Services (FVS)?
Why Does All This Sound Familiar?
What Happens Once I Have Agreed To FVS?
Does CPS Gather Information About Me During FVS ?
What Assessments Do They Conduct?
If You Have Agreed To FVS Here Are Some Vital Tips?
Understanding Releases, Services, And Cultural Considerations
FAMILY VOLUNTARY SERVICES
What is Family Voluntary Services (FVS)?
Family Voluntary Services (FVS) is a program under DCYF Policy 3000 designed to give parents and guardians the opportunity to voluntarily engage in services that enhance their ability to protect and care for their children. The primary goal of FVS is to support families in meeting their children’s safety, health, and overall well-being needs while helping them maintain family unity and avoid child removal whenever possible. (For more on “protective capacities,” please refer to Section 6.)
In simpler terms, FVS is not based on allegations of abuse or neglect but rather on CPS’s assessment that your family falls into a risk category where these services could be beneficial. While participation is voluntary, it’s important to approach this decision cautiously. CPS may recommend FVS based on concerns raised through an intake. Even if there is no evidence of abuse or neglect, agreeing to participate can provide CPS with access to your household that they wouldn’t otherwise have, effectively opening the door to further scrutiny.
FVS can be helpful if you genuinely need the services, but it’s crucial to understand the implications of participation. The choice to participate should be made carefully, with a full understanding of what you are agreeing to.
What are the specific reasons FVS is offered?
Family Voluntary Services (FVS) are offered under specific circumstances to address particular concerns while avoiding formal CPS involvement whenever possible. These services are typically provided in the following situations:
1. Non-CPS Intakes
FVS can be initiated when families voluntarily seek assistance from DCYF. This option allows parents to proactively access support if they feel their family needs help before CPS becomes involved. However, it’s important to note that requesting help from a public agency like DCYF—rather than a private organization—may result in CPS intervention if they identify concerns during their involvement.
Another instance of non-CPS intake occurs when CPS becomes aware of situations like:
- A child under the age of 12 is identified as a runaway and is found at a Crisis Residential Care (CRC) facility, Hope Center, or an overnight youth shelter.
2. Risk-Only Cases
In these cases, CPS offers FVS to families based on risk factors rather than allegations of abuse or neglect. Examples include:
- High-Risk Scores: Families may exhibit conditions, such as safety threats, that necessitate a safety plan.
- Voluntary Placement Agreements (VPAs): Children or youth placed in out-of-home care under a VPA may fall under FVS monitoring. (For more on VPAs, see Section 14.) Families should carefully consider whether to agree to a VPA, as it is voluntary and may come with additional scrutiny.
- Hospital Holds: This applies when a newborn or infant is placed on a hospital hold after law enforcement or CPS raises concerns. If CPS determines the child can safely return home, the case may still require ongoing monitoring.
What will CPS request of me in Family Voluntary Services (FVS)?
Family Voluntary Servcies encompasses various components, including regular case assessments, safety planning, and assistance to strengthen the family’s abilisty to safely care for and meet their cihldren’s needs. Concrete good and supports are provided when necessary, which can range from basic needs like, baby gates and transportation assistance to more specialized services based on family requirements.
The program’s purpose is to maintain a strong family unit while addressing safety concerns and ensuring the well being of children and youth. It is a proactive approach that emphasizes voluntary engagement, continuous assessment, and tailored support, with the ulitmate aim of preserving family unity and reducing the need for child removal when it is safe and in the best interest of the child. FVS social workers or they can be called case workers, play a crucial role in delivering these services and maintaining ongoing communiciation with families throughout their involvement in the program.
Why does all this sound familiar?
This should all start to feel a little familiar because of what you learned in the FAR section. FVS is run in a similar manner to FAR, and you were offered FVS instead of FAR because:
- There was no allegation of child abuse or neglect.
- There was an intake called in on you, and DCYF determined it was a risk-only case.
For example, this could be like a neighbor calling in and saying, “I’m concerned about the kids next door. I hear a lot of yelling, and it seems chaotic over there.” While this doesn’t involve an allegation of abuse or neglect, it flags a potential concern, so DCYF may classify the situation as risk-only. In this scenario, DCYF isn’t alleging harm, but they may still request services or assessments to address the perceived risks and ensure the environment is safe for your child.
What Happens once I have agreed to FVS ?
If your case originated from an intake, FVS will typically contact you within 72 hours to 7 days, depending on your circumstances. During the initial contact, DCYF will:
- Assess if you need language support. If you are Limited English Proficient (LEP), they will assign a dual-language social worker or provide a qualified interpreter.
- Provide information on disability services. They must inform you about available services for individuals with disabilities and offer interpreters as needed.
- Distribute nondiscrimination notices. All parents must receive the Public Notice of Nondiscrimination publication. (Read it here.)
- Monitor for immediate danger. DCYF will continuously assess for any present dangers to your child and take action if necessary (see Section 6 for more details).
- Ask about tribal membership. They will inquire about your or your child’s possible membership or eligibility in a federally recognized tribe. (Learn more here.)
- Refer you to services. They will recommend services that are covered by either your insurance or DCYF. Referrals are suggestions, not directives to a specific location, and you should not incur any out-of-pocket costs.
- Remember, social workers are mandatory reporters. Anything you say can be reported to law enforcement under RCW 26.44.030 or it can open up another CPS investigation. While their goal is to offer support, be mindful of what you share, especially if you don’t have legal counsel present.
Does CPS Gather Information about me during FVS?
Anytime you are involved with CPS, information gathering is a key component of their process. This is especially true for cases that begin with an intake. It’s important to understand that CPS gathers information to potentially establish a case. Intakes that convert to Family Voluntary Services (FVS) are still considered CPS investigations in many respects.
DCYF will continue collecting information about your family through interviews and other resources. Even if you voluntarily engage with Family Voluntary Services, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will still gather information to assess child safety, regardless of whether you agree with their approach or conclusions.
Additional Information Collection: DCYF’s information-gathering process is comprehensive and may include:
- Screening for potential signs of domestic violence (as outlined in DCYF Policy 1170).
- Ensuring there is no involvement of commercially exploited children in the case (per DCYF Policy 1160).
- Evaluating safe sleep practices and providing infant safety education if an infant is involved (in accordance with DCYF Policy 1135).
- Monitoring for immediate threats or risks to child safety (as specified in DCYF Policy 1110).
- Identifying all individuals living in the home and assessing for safety threats and risks.
Being aware of these processes can help you understand what to expect when working with CPS or engaging in Family Voluntary Services.
What assessments do they conduct?
If you entered FVS through a DCYF intake, assessments may occur either before your transition to FVS or as part of the FVS case. Typically, a CPS investigator or worker will conduct these assessments before deciding to refer a family to voluntary services.
Family Assessment (Comprehensive Family Evaluation):
- Based on DCYF Policy 1140, this assessment must be completed within 45 days and updated every 90 days. You will be asked to sign this form, so review it carefully and keep a copy for your records. More info here.
Safety Assessment and Safety Plan:
- These assessments, guided by DCYF Policies 1120 and 1130, address safety concerns. You will sign a safety plan document, so review it thoroughly and save a copy. View an example form.
Case Plan:
- The case plan tracks safety threats, your progress in services, and any agreements made with DCYF. It is updated at key points during your case. Even if a safety assessment was done earlier, additional assessments may still be conducted. View the form here.
Risk Assessment (SDMRA):
- FVS cases may involve moderate to high-risk scores without allegations of abuse or neglect. This differs from FAR (Family Assessment Response), where cases usually involve low-risk scores tied to abuse or neglect.
Investigative Assessment:
- After 60 days of intake, a caseworker conducts this assessment to determine if the intake is “founded” or “unfounded.” It’s important to note that neither FVS nor FAR guarantees that findings won’t occur, as every intake must be reviewed.
What happens next?
Each case involves both a caseworker and a supervisor. The supervisor ensures DCYF policy is followed and reviews caseworker activities. If issues arise, try resolving them with the caseworker before escalating to the supervisor. Key tasks include:
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Monthly Reviews:
- Supervisors monitor progress, including whether the family is actively participating in services and if the case plan is progressing as expected. Case plans must be initiated within 15 days and completed within 45 days.
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Health and Safety Visits:
- Caseworkers conduct monthly visits with children and parents to ensure safety and well-being. For children aged 5 and under, this occurs twice a month; for those 6 and older, it happens once a month.
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Safety Plan Monitoring:
- Safety plans are reviewed monthly to ensure children can remain at home under current safety conditions.
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Supervisor Reviews:
- Every 90 days, supervisors evaluate whether continued services are needed. After 180 days, a special review process determines if the case should be closed, if dependency petitions are necessary, or if additional information is required.
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Shared Planning Meetings:
- Social workers organize these meetings to discuss safety, progress, and any additional service needs.
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Case Closures:
- DCYF will review cases for closure when families have completed services or request closure, provided there are no safety threats.
If you have agreed to fVS here are some vital tips?
- Make FVS a priority until your case is officially closed by CPS.
- If you encounter difficulties obtaining services, reach out to your caseworker first. If unresolved, escalate to the supervisor.
- Time is critical—address concerns promptly to avoid delays.
Understanding Releases, Services, and Cultural Considerations:
Release of Information
Social workers will ask parents and any child over 13 years old to sign a release of information. It’s important to review this document carefully before signing. You have options:
- You can sign the release in full, allowing the social worker access to all the boxes they select.
- Or, you can limit the release to specific providers you are currently working with under FVS or FAR and include the dates from when services began to the present.
Example:
- If the release asks for access to healthcare, mental health, or substance abuse providers, list the exact name of the provider (e.g., “Dr. Sara Smith from 5-10-23 to current”).
- You’ll need to repeat this process for each provider in the designated sections.
- The release will also ask how long you allow DCYF to have access—this is up to you. Typically, a duration of no longer than a year is sufficient.
Why is this important?
The release is meant to provide DCYF with information about your progress in services, helping them assess improvements in your situation. It does not require past records or unrelated history. This decision is entirely yours, so choose what feels appropriate for your circumstances.
Support Under DCYF Policy
Essential Items and Information:
- DCYF should provide a crib if needed, as well as information on “purple crying” and safe sleep practices (see Section 10 for details).
Concrete Goods and Support:
- Families may receive assistance such as food vouchers, gas vouchers, car repairs, or similar support (see Section 10).
- Additional services may include mental health support, substance use treatment, family therapy, and other programs.
Referrals for Services:
- Social workers are responsible for referring children to service providers or community resources when needed.
- According to DCYF Policy 3000 3 (m)(iii), social workers must refer children with complex behavioral needs to programs like Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISE). If a social worker says they cannot make a referral, you can reference this policy (see Section 10 for more details).
Native American Families
If you or your child are Native American, DCYF must follow the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
- Social workers are required to contact the child’s tribe if the child is a member or eligible for membership.
- They will identify available tribal resources and review agreements (Memorandums of Understanding) between DCYF and the tribe.
- You may be asked to complete an Indian Identity Request form (form link here) or provide ancestry information (ancestry form link here).
These steps ensure that cultural and tribal considerations are respected throughout the process. If this applies to your situation, review any forms carefully before signing.
How can I be sure i qualify for fVS through an intake?
The decision to offer Family Voluntary Services (FVS) is made by DCYF based on specific criteria outlined in Policy 2440. When a CPS intake is assigned, a CPS investigator evaluates whether FVS is in the child’s best interest. This determination is made when there is an identified safety threat or a moderate to high-risk score. (See Section 11 on assessments.)
DCYF considers the following factors when deciding to offer FVS:
- The nature of safety threats present in the home.
- Whether the family has existing protective factors (see Section 6 on protective factors).
- The level of crisis the family is experiencing.
- The family’s willingness and ability to participate in services and achieve goals within 90-180 days.
- The services needed to maintain or restore a safe, stable family environment.
- Whether the situation can be addressed without court intervention.
Understanding these factors can help you and your family identify solutions that may benefit your case. While it’s not your responsibility to know all the details, being informed can assist in facilitating progress and navigating CPS involvement.
If FVS is not recommended, it does not necessarily mean CPS will pursue a court order to remove your child. If voluntary services are expected to last fewer than 60 days, DCYF may instead provide direct referrals to service providers or community resources. Examples of short-term services include:
- Addressing minor safety hazards or repairs in the home.
- Providing resources like childcare, food assistance (SNAP), TANF, WIC, domestic violence support, or family planning.
- Coordinating with family members and community partners.
- Conducting a safety assessment at key decision points.