Children's Services Act

What is The Children's Services Act?

The Children's Services Act (CSA) is a law enacted in 1993 that establishes a single state pool of funds to support services for eligible children and their families. State and local funds are managed by interagency teams who plan and oversee services and supports to children. By law, each locality is required to have at least two interagency teams, the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT), and the Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT).

What is the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT)?

The Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) is made up of the agency leadership from the Department of Social Services, school system, Community Services Board, Department of Juvenile Justice, Health Department, a parent, a private provider representative, and City Management. This team has administrative and fiscal responsibility and is responsible for the development of local policy and procedure and appoints the members of the Family Assessment and Planning Team. CPMT meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 24 Baker Street in the Winchester Department of Social Services building. CPMT minutes and agendas are located on the City's Boards and Commissions page.

What is the Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT)?

The Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) is comprised of staff from the same agencies as the CPMT and a parent representative. The FAPT helps to develop plans for services and supports to meet the needs of children and families.

Is my child eligible for CSA services?

Services under the Children’s Services Act may be available to a child/youth who meets at least one of the following descriptions:

• Requires private placement for special education
• In foster care or are eligible for foster care prevention services
• Eligible for services through a Child in Need of Services Parental Agreement
• Have significant emotional or behavioral problems and may require services not available from any agency, require services of multiple agencies, or may be at risk of residential placement
  
  

How do I access CSA services for my child?

Parents and persons who have primary physical custody of a child may directly refer children in their care to the Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) by contacting the Winchester CSA Coordinator for more information.

Family Assessment and Planning Team Referrals Process

• Parent Referrals – Please contact the Winchester CSA Coordinator.
• Case Manager Referrals - Case Managers referring a family to FAPT must contact the Winchester CSA Coordinator to schedule a FAPT appointment.

FAPT meets the first, third, and fifth (if applicable) Thursday of every month starting at 8:30 am at Winchester Social Services. Children will be scheduled as soon as possible for a FAPT appointment, not to exceed 30 days beyond the date of referral.

Co-Payments for Services

Families may be required to make co-payments for services based upon a financials assessment. Families will not be required to make co-payments for foster care services or special education services. Parents may be required to make a child support payment for foster care services.

Questions?

Rachel Schulhof, CSA Coordinator
Office: (540) 542-6573
Fax: (540) 662-6279
rachel.schulhof@dss.virginia.gov