FAR Services – A New Approach to Voluntary Services for Families
It’s been over a decade since Washington implemented our differential response CPS pathway – Family Assessment Response (FAR). DCYF has recently evaluated how FAR practice has changed over time and differed from the original model. Following an extensive pilot in Region 2, DCYF has begun expanding statewide a FAR Services Pilot in which we are approaching voluntary service engagement for families with FAR cases differently. Under this pilot expansion, FAR cases are transferred from a CPS caseworker to a voluntary services caseworker following completion of the FAR Family Assessment and family agreement to participate in services. Preliminary data indicates this approach is better for families, with more comprehensive family assessment, and case planning with an increased focus on Evidence Based Programs. DCYF also hypothesizes this approach will result in a reduction in future child welfare intakes. Please join our session to learn more about DCYF’s new approach to FAR.