Children's Services Act

Purpose

The Children's Services Act (CSA) is a law enacted in 1993 that establishes a single state pool of funds to purchase services for at- risk youth and their families. The state funds, combined with local community funds, are managed by local interagency teams who plan and oversee services to youth.

Mission

The mission of the CSA is to create a collaborative system of services and funding that is child-centered, family-focused and community-based when addressing the strengths and needs of troubled and at-risk youth and their families in the Commonwealth.

CSA Manuals

Community Policy & Management Team

The Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) is established by the local governing body in accordance with §2.2-5205.

Membership and related information is available here.  

The CPMT is responsible for the following tasks:
  • Establish policies and procedures that govern the provision of services to children and families in the community and access to CSA funds
  • Develop and appoint members to subcommittees, including the Family Assessment and Planning Team, in order to accomplish CSA requirements
  • Collect and report data to the Office of Children's Services, State Executive Council, and Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services regarding youth and families served through CSA
  • Manage and administer CSA funds for the respective locality
  • Coordinate planning that ensures the development and procurement of resources and services needed by children and families in the community
  • Establish quality assurance and accountability procedures for program utilization and funds management

Family Assessment & Planning Team


The Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) develops service plans for eligible youth and families and reviews cases funded by the Children's Services Act to determine progress, prepare transition plans, and adjust services as needed. The FAPT studies and discusses information from case managers, parents and/or guardians, psychological reports, school records, and other pertinent data sources. The youth's family is strongly encouraged to attend and participate in the FAPT meeting.

Membership and related information is available here.