In a system of care approach your child/teen and family have specific rights and responsibilities under the Children Services Act (CSA). Your case manager and other service providers can help you know and understand your rights and responsibilities. Be a strong advocate for your child and family by exercising your rights.
What You Need to Know
- Fairfax-Falls Church CSA and its contractors shall be free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, veterans’ status or disabled veteran status.
- Support and services are provided in your home and community whenever possible.
- You can refuse services.
- Providers will provide services that value and respect your language, culture and spiritual beliefs.
What to Ask
- How is my family and child’s privacy protected?
- How do I file a complaint?
- How do I receive a copy of the family meeting action plan?
What to Expect
- Expect to be treated with respect and courtesy.
- Expect to receive program information in the language you understand best.
- Expect that confidential information regarding you and your family will only be exchanged among team members based on your written consent.
- Expect to exercise all your rights without retribution in any form.
What You Can Do
- Read everything carefully.
- Know your rights.
- Know that you are your child’s best advocate.
- Resolve disputes promptly.
- Request help when needed.
A note to parents of youth with special education placements:
The Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) planning process is not connected to your child’s special education program or the right to a free appropriate public education. You are not required to attend a FAPT meeting in order to gain access to funding for placement or services specified in your child’s IEP. Federal laws and protections to children with disabilities require that CSA processes not impede a child’s access to the services specified in his/her IEP.