Children's Services Act

The Children’s Services Act (CSA) is a state law enacted in 1993 that establishes a single pool of funding to coordinate a system of services for troubled and at-risk youth and their families. State funds, combined with local community funds, are managed by local interagency teams who plan and oversee services to meet identified needs of youth and their families. The local CSA program is made up of the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) and the Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) who partner with the family to help address concerns and access services.

Eligibility

Services under the CSA may be available to a child who meets at least one of the following descriptions:

  • Youth who require private placement for special education
  • Youth who are eligible for foster care services
  • Youth who are eligible for services through a Child in Need of Services designation, having significant emotional or behavioral problems and are at risk of out of home placement
  • Youth who have significant emotional or behavioral problems and may require services of multiple agencies or are at risk of residential placement

How CSA Works

Step One: Referral

  • A case manager from one of the FAPT member agencies refers a child to the FAPT
  • Parent/family referrals (are inclusive of any custodian/guardian referral directly to the CSA Office
  • A family meeting and case staffing is scheduled to review the family’s strengths and needs

Step Two: Case Staffing

  • The child and family take an active part in the meeting to discuss their needs and strengths
  • The case manager provides any additional information and outlines the requested services
  • The team, in partnership with the child and family, develops a service plan that outlines the services it recommends and provides any necessary referrals

Step Three: Funding Approval

  • The case is reviewed at a CPMT meeting to approve the funding for requested services
  • Parents may be assessed a co-payment for services
  • The CPMT must approved services before services begin, except in emergency situations

Family Rights Under CSA

Custodial parents and legal guardians have the following rights and responsibilities:

  • Right to receive prior notification of any meeting in which the FAPT will be discussing the child and family and right to participate in the meeting in which the child and family will be discussed.
  • Right to consent to the staffing of the child and family and to inspect and review any records relating to the staffing of the child and family by the FAPT.
  • Right to request an amendment of FAPT records if information contained therein is found to be inaccurate.
  • Right to be made aware of recommendations by the FAPT.
  • Right to appeal the recommendations of the FAPT and receive a written reply. (See process.)
  • Right and responsibility to participate in developing the Individual Family Service Plan and to acknowledge their agreement by signing the Individual Family Service Plan before services is delivered.

Right to Appeal

Any youth or their legal guardian dissatisfied with the action of the FAPT, including but not limited to assessments, planning or implementation of services may file a written request for a review to the CPMT. The youth and/or legal guardian shall submit a written request for review to the CPMT within 10 calendar days of receipt of FAPT notice. CPMT must hold a review within 45 calendar days after receiving a request for review. The CPMT may uphold or alter the FAPT’s decision and shall respond in writing.

Community Policy & Management Team (CPMT)

The Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) oversees the administration of interagency efforts; manages the available state pool of funds for approved services; and ensures that eligible youth and their families receive appropriate services. The CPMT includes representatives from:

  • 9th District Juvenile Court Services
  • An elected official from the governing body
  • Gloucester County
  • Gloucester County Public Schools
  • Gloucester Department of Social Services
  • MP-NN Community Services Board
  • A parent representative
  • A private provider
  • Three Rivers Health District

The CPMT meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 12:30 p.m. in the Gloucester Social Services conference room.

Family Assessment & Planning Team (FAPT)

The Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) partners with the family to assess strengths and needs and develop an individualized service plan to establish goals for appropriate services that are high quality, child-centered, family focused, community- based and cost effective. The FAPT includes staff and representatives from:

  • 9th District Court Services
  • Gloucester County
  • Gloucester County Public Schools
  • Gloucester Department of Social Services
  • MP-NN Community Services Board
  • A parent representative
  • A private provider
  • Three Rivers Health District

FAPT meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month with a time frame to accommodate cases to be reviewed that day.

Additional Information

If you need more information about the Children's Services Act or have questions or concerns, please contact:

CSA Coordinator
Gloucester Department of Social Services
6641 Short Lane
P.O. Box 1390
Gloucester, VA 23061
Phone: 804-693-2671
Fax: 804-693-5511